Empowering tomorrow's female industry leaders, ‘Women in Beer and Wine’ share career insights

March 27, 2024

MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee leads panel, showcases women's expanding impact in Michigan’s beer and wine industry


LANSING, Mich. – Members of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) Women’s Advocacy Committee, along with FIFCO USA, recently hosted an event for a group of Michigan State University students at Dan Henry Distributing in Lansing. A panel of committee members and other women who work in the beer and wine industry shared their expertise and career guidance. The event was part of the MB&WWA committee’s ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation of women leaders in Michigan’s beer and wine industry.

 

“It's inspiring to see and experience the robust support for advancement and empowerment as women flourish in leadership and key roles across all three tiers, from suppliers to distributors and retailers,” said Joanie O’Sullivan-Butler, president and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing Inc. and member of the MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee. “I was honored to sit on a panel with other women leaders I admire to raise awareness about opportunities in our industry and inspire the next generation to pursue rewarding careers in our ever-evolving field.”

 

O’Sullivan-Butler was one of four female panelists who represented the different facets of the beer and wine industry: Ashlii McGee, talent acquisition manager for FIFCO USA, Brighton Ferris, marketing sales representative for FIFCO USA, Royal Oak, and Jenna Podjan, sales manager for Bud Distributing Inc. Brandi Tribell, senior vice president of MB&WWA and MBWWA Services Inc., and Tracy McGrew, chain account manager for FIFCO USA, moderated the panel.

 

The panel discussed a range of topics, including the changing landscape of the beer and wine industry and how women are stepping into more leadership roles, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges and rewarding aspects of working in the beer and wine industry as a woman.

 

“The Women in Beer and Wine event broadened my perspective on various aspects of an industry I hadn't explored before,” said Kate Kocher, a freshman studying food science at Michigan State University. “I'm not only enthusiastic about discovering the various career paths within the beer and wine industry, but I also drew inspiration from the accomplished women on the panel who generously shared their support and insights. Their guidance will undoubtedly accompany me as I embark on my career.”


As one of the alcohol beverage industry’s most progressive state trade associations, the MB&WWA represents family-owned and local beer and wine distributors who work hard every day to deliver a wide variety of beverages to licensed retailers throughout Michigan. The Women’s Advocacy Committee is made up of female executives from distributors across the state, as well as the senior vice president of MB&WWA & MBWWA Services Inc. and one of its lead female lobbyists.



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Detroit News: Rooted in Community, Driven to Lead: Women in Michigan’s Beer and Wine Distribution Industry

By Rebecca Stow • March 17, 2026
Across Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry, women are helping shape the future of our businesses and the communities we serve. As president and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing in Grand Blanc Township and the third woman to chair the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) Board of Directors, I’m proud to be part of a growing group of women leading with purpose and perspective. This year is especially meaningful for our company as we celebrate 50 years in business. Reaching that milestone is a reminder that strong local businesses are built over time through dedication, adaptability and the people who make long-term success possible—including the growing number of women shaping the future of the industry. Our work as beer and wine distributors is about far more than logistics. It’s about building resilient businesses that support jobs, give back locally and help maintain a fair and competitive marketplace. From sales and operations to finance, marketing and delivery, women are making meaningful contributions at every level of our industry. Distributors are proud to be local businesses with deep roots. We live and work in the communities we serve, and we embrace opportunities to give back—whether supporting neighborhood events, partnering with charitable organizations or helping local retailers succeed. That spirit of service is integral to our businesses and something we strive to carry forward. Beer and wine distributors also play a critical role in Michigan’s three-tier system, moving products safely and efficiently from supplier to shelf. This system supports competition and gives consumers access to an extraordinary variety of high-quality choices, from Michigan-made craft beverages to well-known national brands. As we celebrate Women’s History Month in March, I’m honored to recognize the many women who help drive Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry forward. The continued success of this industry reflects the collaboration and determination of the people behind it—and women are playing an essential role in shaping what comes next. Joanie O’Sullivan-Butler is president and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing Inc. in Grand Blanc Township. She is also chair of the MB&WWA Board of Directors and sits on the MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee.