With the departure of Tony Roberts, Oregon Brewers Guild promotes Christina LaRue to Executive Director.
image of Tony Roberts courtesy Oregon Brewers Guild
As it’s Co-Executive Director, Tony Roberts has overseen a turbulent period for the brewing industry in Oregon. This is no more clear than during the Coronavirus pandemic, where food and beverage have been forced to reduce hours, reduce sales, and reduce staffing to survive. Owing to the ongoing budget shortfalls occurring within businesses and organizations, like the Oregon Brewers Guild, Tony Roberts has announced he has departed the Guild as of the first of August (2020).
“This wasn’t part of the plan, but the pandemic has caused disruption for all of our businesses, and the Guild is no different,” said Board President and Occidental Brewing Founder Dan Engler. “This highlights the unique needs of state guilds, and we hope the Senate will pass assistance for member organizations, help that was already approved by the U.S. House over two months ago.”
As part of his transition from the Oregon Brewers Guild, where he was focused on government affairs, marketing and operations, Roberts will accept a role at a nearby Portland-based law firm. Of note, the Guild has confirmed the role of Co-Executive Director will be retired. This leaves the recently hired, Co-Executive Director, Christina LaRue as ths sole Executive Director. Responding to the news, Tony Roberts said this.
“This was a gut-wrenching decision – it’s been a true joy to advocate for an iconic industry with so many incredible people. Under normal circumstances, I would never leave this job. Unfortunately, a global pandemic changes your decision-making process,” … “That said, the Guild is in great hands with the board and Christina. She’s been in the Oregon beer industry for nearly 15 years. The majority of our breweries haven’t been around that long! Her experience and connections are invaluable to the Guild, and we will continue to work together to ensure a smooth transition.”
image of Christina LaRue courtesy the Oregon Brewers Guilde
As an active member of the brewing industry, having previously worked at Bend-breweries Crux Fermentation Project, Deschutes Brewery, and Worthy Brewing; Christina will continue to support the Guild from Bend, Oregon.
Reflecting on the departure of Tony Roberts, Christina share the following.
“It truly pains me to see Tony go, and I know that it was not an easy decision for him to make. Through his steadfastness and dedication over the past year and a half, we have been able to accomplish significant work toward our mission of protecting Oregon craft beer. He is passionate about our industry, which is why I know that he will continue to be an advocate for it,”
… “I wish only the best for Tony in his new journey - we may no longer be co-workers, but I feel that I have made a friend for life. I know that the road ahead will have its challenges, but if 2020 has taught me anything, it is to be resilient and that change is the only constant."
Founded in 1992, the Oregon Brewers Guild protects and promotes craft breweries in Oregon.
