Last week, the Wisconsin Brewers Guild announced that Amanda Bruns had been named the new executive director of the group that represents Wisconsin’s independently owned craft breweries.

Founder of the Ale Advised consulting firm, as well as being a Certified Cicerone and volunteer with beer organizations like Pink Boots Society and Women on Tap CIC, Bruns was initially tapped by the guild late last year to help coordinate the organization's annual Technical Conference.

“Following our recent success in the legislative arena," said the guild’s board president Will Glass, referring to alcohol regulations changes made at the state level last year, "we feel we are entering a new chapter as a guild.

"Bringing Amanda on is the next step in building our momentum and ensuring that we can continue to provide a quality experience for our members while focusing on the protection and advancement of the industry.”

Glass said the board will focus on legislative issues and Bruns will run the guild's daily operations.

“It has been an honor working with the guild thus far,” said Bruns, “and I look forward to connecting with and gaining a greater understanding of our members and the broader community.

"I am committed to furthering the mission of the guild, supporting our members, and fostering a thriving and collaborative environment.”

We reached out to Bruns to ask about the guild, her background and the issues facing craft beer today.

OnMilwaukee: Can you tell us a bit about what the guild does?

Amanda Bruns: The Wisconsin Brewers Guild stands to nurture and protect local craft beer at all stages – supply, production, retail, etc. We do that in two main ways: legislation and member support.

We believe that market access and consumer choice are vital to the continued success of our industry and our board works diligently to secure that on a legislative level.

What your role will entail?

My role will be primarily focused on day-to-day operations and member support, ensuring that our members feel heard and informed. Communication, education, community outreach and access to resources will be primary goals in that regard.

What has been your path to this role?

I have been fortunate enough to have spent the past 10-plus years in both the nonprofit and craft beer industries. From the time I found the craft beer world and fell in love with it, I tried to be as involved as I possibly could. I started in events and have since worked in just about every position front and back of house minus leading a kitchen, but including brewing. I went on to become a Certified Cicerone and try to continue learning about and giving back to our craft every day.

Through the founding and operating of my beverage consulting firm, I became connected with the guild. I was able to help coordinate their 2024 Technical Conference, and am honored that they then felt I was a fit for the executive drector role. I am very eager to work with my team and our members to move Wisconsin craft beer forward.

What are the biggest challenges facing craft beer right now?

Right now, I think it’s no secret that the craft beer industry is facing some challenges. Operating a brewery is very expensive, and there is a lot of competition, so any increases in inputs, rent or interest rates can have a significant impact.

Drinking trends are also changing and consumers now tend to seek out a full experience, instead of just good craft beer. Add in rising costs and supply chain issues, as other industries besides just craft beer are seeing, and it means that the industry is having to pivot and re-evaluate.

What are some of the more hopeful and exciting aspects?

That said, the craft beer community has always been resilient and, if I may, scrappy. One thing I admire about our industry is the ability to “make it work,” fueled by passion and determination. This has led to some incredible innovation, more immersive experiences for patrons, and, in some cases, a renewed sense of the word “community.”

Our next chapter as an industry might not be the easiest one, but I have always been amazed at the solutions the craft beer world comes up with in the face of adversity. I am looking forward to being amazed once again and am committed to contributing in any way I can, as is the guild as a whole.

How is the guild working to help overcome or alleviate the challenges?

The guild understands that for a multi-faceted set of challenges, like the ones we are currently facing, we need to be ready and respond accordingly. Therefore, we continue to put time and effort into advocacy and seeking solutions to challenges in a legislative sense.

The guild recently had a large legislative victory, one that helps bolster options and revenue streams for our local breweries. So while we celebrate the positive impact this will have on the state industry as a whole, our board stays diligent in their endeavors.

In addition, we also work directly with our members to understand their concerns and work together to create solutions. We strive to connect our members with resources and with each other, forging stronger bonds within the local craft beer community and amplifying each other’s voices.

Thoughts on brewing in Wisconsin in general, in terms of history, culture, etc.?

Wisconsin has a long and rich brewing history and culture, one the guild celebrates and works to promote. We are enthusiastic that we not only are well known as a great beer state, but also have members who create environments and experiences that further that distinction.