The Bourbon Women Association is ushering in its second decade with the announcement of new leadership — spirits expert, speaker and journalist Maggie Kimberl is the organization’s new president. For more information, visit bourbonwomen.org.
“Bourbon Women continues to grow, adding more members and branches across the United States,” said Heather Wibbels, Bourbon Women Association board chair. “We’re so excited to have Maggie on board to lead us in this next chapter.”
The current content editor of American Whiskey Magazine, Kimberl has worked in the bourbon industry for a decade, from the retail package sector to her last seven years writing about whiskey for publications such as Whisky Magazine, American Whiskey Magazine, Relish & Whisky Magazine, The Alcohol Professor, and many more. She is a Kentucky native and a Kentucky Colonel as well as a graduate of the University of Louisville.
“It is an absolute honor to take the helm at this organization which has helped so many women discover their love for Kentucky’s native spirit and beyond,” Kimberl said. “I can’t wait to get to know more of the members and welcome new ones as we celebrate our love of all things brown water. Especially during these difficult times, building a community of women supporting women for fun and fellowship has never been more important.”
Former managing director Sara Barnes has joined the Kentucky Distillers’ Association as its new director of industry responsibility and sustainability. “Sara’s supremely well-suited for this position,” Wibbels said. “We’ll miss her at Bourbon Women but we’re excited for this next step in her career.”
Barnes said she looks forward to working with Bourbon Women in her new role at the KDA. “The past few years working with Bourbon Women and its wonderful membership has helped strengthen this great industry,” she said. “I am delighted to pass the torch off to Maggie — she will bring so many great things to the association!”