Our Team

A picture of the VBA board of directors and staff

VBA Staff

Emma Arian

Emma Arian, Executive Director

Emma Arian is the Executive Director of the Vermont Brewers Association. A 2020 graduate of the University of Vermont with a B.S. in Community Entrepreneurship and Food Systems, Emma’s journey with the VBA began as a summer intern in 2019. Her passion for the industry and dedication to its growth led her back to the VBA in 2022, where she assumed the role of Marketing and Promotions Manager.

In 2023, Emma took on the position of Interim-Executive Director, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to the Vermont brewing community. Her interim role paved the way for a seamless transition to full-time Executive Director in December 2023. Emma continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the VBA’s mission and fostering collaboration within the vibrant Vermont brewing landscape.

Board of Directors

Terry Thompson, Prohibition Pig

Terry Thompson, Prohibition Pig, President

Terry Thompson is the Head Brewer at Prohibition Pig in Waterbury, Vermont

Steve Theoharides, Zero Gravity Craft Brewery

Steve Theoharides, Zero Gravity Craft Brewery, Vice President

Steve Theoharides is the Director of Brewing Operations at Zero Gravity Craft Brewery 

Gracie Harvey, Kraemer & Kin

Gracie Harvey, Kraemer & Kin, Secretary

Gracie Harvey is the Events Coordinator at Kraemer & Kin in North Hero, Vermont

Nina Hurley, Good Measure Pub & Brewery

Nina Hurley, Good Measure Pub & Brewery, Treasurer

Morgan Capron, Switchback Brewing Co.

Morgan Capron, Switchback Brewing Co.

Morgan Capron is the Head Brewer and Production Manager at Switchback Brewing Company in Burlington, VT.

Jack Boyle, Idletyme Brewing

Jack Boyle, Idletyme Brewing

Jack Boyle is the Head Brewer at Idletyme Brewery in Stowe, Vermont

Josh Bayer, Foam Brewers

Josh Bayer, Foam Brewers

Josh Bayer is the Head Brewer at Foam Brewers in Burlington, VT

Andrew Godiksen, River Roost Brewing

Andrew Godiksen, River Roost Brewing

Andrew Godiksen is the Sales and Distribution Manager at River Roost Brewing in White River Junction, Vermont

2026 Committee Members

Executive Committee:

  • Chair: Terry Thompson (President) – Prohibition Pig 
  • Steve Theoharides (Vice President) – Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
  • Gracie Harvey (Secretary) – Kraemer & Kin
  • Nina Hurley (Treasurer)– Good Measure Pub & Brewery

Events & Marketing Committee:

The purpose of the Events Committee is to increase traffic to our brewer’s taprooms and further cultivate and engage Vermont craft beer lovers by hosting events throughout the year. The purpose of the Marketing Committee is to facilitate internal and external communications for the VBA, and to promote and strengthen the culture of craft brewing in Vermont.

  • Chair: Gracie Harvey – Kraemer & Kin
  • Marly Thompson – Harpoon 
  • McKenzie Bearup – Foam Brewers
  • Amy Lieblein – Switchback Brewing
  • Emily Provost – von Trapp Brewing
  • Terry Thompson – Prohibition Pig 
  • Madi Larson – Two Heroes Brewing 
  • Drew Vetere – Lawson’s Finest Liquids
  • Lewis Maschmedt – Four Quarters

Government Affairs Committee:

The purpose of the Government Affairs Committee is to assure a healthy brewing industry within the state by developing and articulating to the industry a consensus from within membership as it relates to regulatory, legislative and governmental affairs.

  • Chair: Matt Wilson – Zero Gravity Craft Brewing
  • Chris Kesler  – Black Flannel Brewing Company
  • Bob Montgomery – Hill Farmstead Brewery
  • Shaun Hill – Hill Farmstead Brewery
  • Paul Sayler – Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
  • Jack Droppa – Weird Window Brewing
  • Terry Thompson – Prohibition Pig
  • Matt Nadeau – Rock Art Brewery
  • Darren Orr – Two Heroes
  • Jesse Cronin – Lucy & Howe

Sustainability Committee:

The mission of the Sustainability Committee is to provide outreach and education to guild membership by establishing an archive of information and expertise on brewery sustainability and best management practices.

  • Chair: Bob Grim – Foam Brewers
  • Dan Sartwell – Black Flannel Brewing Company
  • Tony Morse – Switchback Brewing Company
  • Anna Novine – Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
  • Tom Everett – von Trapp Brewing
  • Jack Kern – Amherst Labels
  • Shawn Kerr – Lost Marble Brewing Company
  • Luke Truman – BetterBev
  • Ben Kogan – Reusable Solutions

Technical & Education: 

The purpose of the Technical and Education Committee is to provide education and training to member brewers with the goal of improving and maintaining the highest quality standard of beer brewed in this State. 

  • Chair: Terry Thompson – Prohibition Pig
  • Andrew Godiksen – 14th Star Brewing
  • Jack Droppa – Weird Window Brewing
  • Alex Camilliere – Burlington Beer Company
  • Lewis Maschmedt – Four Quarters Brewing
  • Mark Leopold – Lawson’s Finest Liquids
  • Steve Theoharides – Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
  • Shawn Kerr – Lost Marble Brewing 
  • Morgan Capron – Switchback Brewing Company

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee: 

  • Chair: Nina Hurley – Good Measure Pub & Brewery
  • Amy Todd – BIA Diagnostics
  • Marissa Capua – Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
  • Scott Miley – VIP