Lauren Ackerman, Ackerman Family Vineyards

Lauren Ackerman’s career has evolved as a former tech entrepreneur-turned-vintner and philanthropist in the Napa Valley over 26 years. In the mid-1980’s, Lauren created a successful technology marketing organization, working with over 75 information technology companies in the US. Selling the company in 1988, she moved to the Bay Area from Southern California and, became an international management consultant to companies such as Philips Semiconductor, Hewlett Packard and Motorola. In 1994, she moved to the Napa Valley and purchased a 16 acre vineyard property in the Coombsville AVA. Today, Lauren owns/manages Ackerman Family Vineyards, a boutique producer of cabernet sauvignon wines from the organically farmed Stonehaven vineyard.

With a passion for community building, business development, innovative education, entrepreneurship and strategic philanthropy, Lauren has worked with multiple non-profit organizations that range from art to ophthalmology, education and human trafficking. Currently, she serves on the boards of SEE International and Festival Napa Valley. Additionally, Lauren is a Member of the Society of Fellows with the Culinary Institute of America. In all, she has served on more than 12 boards in the Bay Area.

Recently, she was elected to be on the General Advisory Planning Committee (GPAC) 2040, a special committee of 15 members that advises the Mayor and City Council of Napa on strategic initiatives for the next 20 years of Napa’s growth. Lauren completed The Philanthropy Workshop, a global strategic philanthropy program offered by the Rockefeller Foundation in New York, in 2003.

Ursula Zopp, Auberge Resorts Collection

Ursula Zopp is the Director of Talent & Culture at Stanly Ranch in Napa, CA.  She has worked for the Auberge Resort organization since 1999. She previously held the role of Director of Human Resources at Hyatt Hotels Corporation for nearly 10 years. Ursula lives in Sonoma with her daughter.

Laurie Schalow, Chipotle Mexican Grill

Laurie Schalow is a Public Affairs veteran, starting her career with Yum! Brands in 1994 when she joined Taco Bell in California and served as the national spokesperson for 11 years. In 2005, she joined sister brand, KFC, in Louisville, KY, where she created publicity plans for the company’s core business, managed community relations initiatives, all internal and external communications and crisis management. In 2011, Schalow became Vice President of Public Affairs for Yum! Brands overseeing Global Corporate Social Responsibility, PR, Crisis Management, Social Listening and Community Diversity programs for the 44,000 KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants in 140 countries.

In 2017, Laurie joined Chipotle Mexican Grill in Newport Beach, CA as the first Chief Communications Officer reporting to CEO and Founder, Steve Ells. At Chipotle, Laurie is now the Chief Corporate Affairs and Food Safety Officer overseeing the Public Affairs function including all internal and external communications, stakeholder engagement, sustainability and is responsible for protecting and promoting the reputation of the brand and its 2,300 restaurants.

She is active in volunteer work and currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Muhammad Ali Center and Chairs the Maryhurst Board. Schalow is also a member of the International Women’s Forum, the Public Affairs Council and the Women’s Food Service Forum.

Angelica de Vere Mabray, Donum Estate

Angelica de Vere Mabray is the chief executive officer of the Donum Estate located in the acclaimed wine region Carneros nestled between Napa and Sonoma Counties. With more than 20 years of leadership experience, de Vere Mabray is a change agent adept at revitalizing and transforming mature businesses. She brings extensive knowledge of growth strategies, operational management, direct-to-consumer sales and marketing, e-commerce and hospitality management across wine and luxury retail industries.

At Donum, de Vere Mabray guides business, operations, sales, marketing and hospitality strategies that have made the Estate an internationally recognized brand known for its commitment to fine wine, sustainable agriculture, and sharing access to art from a global community. Donum is now one of the top producers of single-vineyard, single-appellation Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from California, and with one of the largest accessible private sculpture collections in the world, known as an international destination. Angelica has supported the Estate’s long term sustainability initiatives alongside winemaker, Dan Fishman, further establishing a commitment to regenerative organic farming practices that include soil enrichment and encouraging biodiversity in the vineyards. Under Angelica’s leadership, Donum has garnered noteworthy accolades in the field, achieving organic certification of their Estate vineyards by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) organization and Regenerative Organic Certified® by the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA).

De Vere Mabray’s wine industry experience initially began in 1999 at Robert Mondavi Winery, overseeing all visitor experiences to the flagship winery as the Visitor Programs Manager. After Constellation Brands acquired Mondavi, de Vere Mabray was appointed as the parent company’s Group Director of Direct-to-Consumer Initiatives for ten luxury wine brands generating $40 million annually. She spent a decade at Robert Mondavi and Constellation combined. de Vere Mabray went on to take executive positions at Sullivan Vineyards (CEO),Bonny Doon Vineyard (GM), and Cornerstone Cellars (CEO).

More recently, de Vere Mabray has continued her pursuit of higher education by completing the Wharton Executive Education program at the University of Pennsylvania. She also attended the University of California, Davis, wine executive program offered through its Graduate School of Management. de Vere Mabray received a BA from Mills College in Oakland and a business management certificate for her additional studies at Institute d’Etudes Politiques de Paris. She speaks French fluently and lives in Napa with her husband and children.

Dr. Debra Clary, Elevascent

As the Founder and CEO of Elevascent, Dr. Debra Clary’s primary focus is on helping leaders and organizations achieve business success by enhancing strategic alignment, team dynamics, and culture. Elevascent’s purpose is to elevate individuals, teams and organizations to achieve their highest aspiration.

Debra’s true passion lies in working with leaders who are committed to improving their impact and contribution. With her diverse operational expertise and dedication to creating high-performing teams, she offers essential guidance and support to organizations striving for excellence.

Debra has garnered extensive experience in the consumer goods and service sectors, working with renowned companies such as Coca-Cola and Frito-Lay. During her time there, she gained valuable insights into operations, marketing and consumer experience.  Additionally, Debra has expertise in strategy development and mergers and acquisitions during her time at Brown-Forman. And through her roles at Humana, Debra honed her skills in succession management, C-Suite team performance, and board governance. These experiences equipped her with a strategic mindset and a deep understanding of how businesses can navigate complex challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

She is a corporate board director for E-Health Commerce (FSA Store) and serves on the compensation committee.  She is also a published author, global speaker, award-winning film producer and actor.  Debra holds a B.A. from Michigan State University, an M.A. from Central Michigan University, a doctorate from George Washington University and a certificate from MIT in value-based negotiations.  She is the recipient of the Ralph Stone Leadership Award that recognizes excellence in leadership.

Alice Wheelwright, Florida Gulf Coast University

Alice Wheelwright is Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). With nearly 16,000 students, FGCU’s comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs prepare students to excel and innovate.

Prior to joining FGCU, Wheelwright held key marketing, communications and global sales roles at Kennesaw State University, Stratford School, Ecolab Inc., Coca-Cola, Nabisco Brands and Ogilvy & Mather. Her broad areas of expertise include strategic planning, brand building and innovation, project management, acquisition marketing, corporate communications, M&A, post-merger integration, cross-functional team building and management, marketing strategy, change management, and public relations.

Alice is a past Chair of the Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF), a 3,500+ member organization dedicated to elevating women leaders in the foodservice industry. Under Alice’s leadership from 2005 to 2006, the WFF launched the Roadmap to Results which set the strategic direction of the organization for years to come. Wheelwright graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University. She is an avid lover of world travel and connecting cultures and people through her photography.

David Pearson, Joseph Phelps Vineyards

David Pearson is the Executive Chairman of Joseph Phelps Vineyards. With an illustrious career in luxury wines spanning over 20 years, Pearson is renowned for his visionary leadership and for playing an important role in the development of luxury wines coming from the Napa Valley.

As Executive Chairman, he will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to lead Joseph Phelps Vineyards into its next phase of growth and success. He will be responsible for overseeing all of the wineries operations and strategic development. Building on the extraordinary legacy of Joseph Phelps and his family, Pearson and the team will develop and implement the strategy for the company and its portfolio both in the U.S. and around the world.

Previously, he held the role of Managing Director of Meadowood Estate, responsible for the management and oversite of the Harlan Family properties: Meadowood Napa Valley and The Napa Valley Reserve. He assumed this role in September of 2020. During his tenure he was faced with many challenges that arose with the pandemic and during and after the Glass Fire. Under his leadership Meadowood quickly positioned itself to move forward with plans for reconstruction and reopening.

In February 2004, David was named the first sole CEO of Opus One. Over the 16 years of his stewardship, Opus One enjoyed a period of sustained growth, notably in international markets, while producing some of the finest vintages of this renowned wine.

Prior to joining Opus One, David served as President of Rancho Arroyo Grande located in the central coast region of California. From 1996 to 2003, David was employed by the Robert Mondavi Corporation where he was Vice President, General Manager of Byron Vineyards & Winery, and before that, Vice President, General Manager of Vichon SARL, responsible for the establishment of wine growing operations in Languedoc, France. He conceived the marketing strategy and executed the launch of Vichon Mediterranean wines from Languedoc Roussillon. The brand was recognized as Impact Magazine’s “Hot Brand” twice within four years.

From 1991 to 1996, David served with Heublein, Inc. where he held the position of US Marketing Manager for the wines of Baron Philippe de Rothschild.

David has served as a Trustee on the Board of the UC Davis Foundation, and also as an honorary director of the Grapes for Humanity Foundation, whose mission is to support global humanitarian efforts, particularly those focused on the victims and survivors of disasters and personal tragedies. David was a Board member of the Napa Valley Vintners organization and served as Chair for two terms. David also serves as a Director on the Board of Festival Napa Valley, one of America’s premier music and lifestyle festivals held every year in Napa Valley.

Michelle Sakazaki, Kazumi Wines

Michelle is a Japanese American, born in California and raised in Tokyo. She is the General Manager of 90 Plus Wine Club, a position she’s held since 2010. The association was established by her father in 2009 who appointed Michelle to manage and build the business. She has visited hundreds of wineries and tasted countless wines from around the world.

Michelle started to dream of starting her own wine brand. In 2015, her good friends, the Perret’s offered her some Sauvignon Blanc grapes from their Rutherford vineyard. She could not pass up the opportunity to design, create and launch Kazumi Wines. A year later, she decided to create a red wine and started producing a single vineyard, Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. The first vintage sold out in just 3 weeks after its release. In 2022, Kazumi Wines debuted a Napa Valley Koshu, a Japanese varietal, which is the first of its kind to be made in the U.S. The wine has been well received in both the U.S. and in Asia with placements in some of the best Japanese restaurants.

Prior to a career in the wine industry, Michelle was a fashion designer for Missoni in Milan and Armani Exchange in New York City. She developed an appreciation for wine during her six years in Italy, where wine is an integral part of everyday life in the Italian culture. She loves how wine and food are universal elements that bring people together, regardless of where you live in the world. Michelle sees how food and wine bind together families, friends, and even strangers.

Alf Nucifora, LuxeSF

Alf Nucifora is the Chairman and Founder of LuxeSF in Northern California embracing San Francisco, Carmel/Monterey, Silicon Valley, Napa and Sonoma. LuxeSF is part of a global organization representing more than 1000 of the world’s leading consumer luxury brands.

A native of Brisbane, Australia, he entered the advertising and marketing business on the corporate side working for two Fortune 500 companies, first in Australia and then in the United States. He then made the move to the advertising business and later advanced into agency management. Nucifora graduated from the University of Queensland with a B.A. Degree. He furthered his formal education in the United States, attending the Harvard Business School, where he earned an M.B.A. Degree.

Robin McBride, McBride Sisters Wine Company

Robin serves as the Board Chair and President of McBride Sisters Wine Company, a multinational organization headquartered in Oakland, California. It is in the top 1% of volume, largest Black-owned and the second largest women-owned wine company in the United States, as well as one of the most inclusive, accessible, socially aware and sustainable. With her sister Andréa, Robin began importing wines from New Zealand in 2005 and began making their own wine together in 2009. By spring 2017, the pair were producing wine from their hometowns in Monterey California and Aotearoa New Zealand under one label, McBride Sisters Collection. In 2018, they launched Black Girl Magic Wines, a celebratory wine brand paying homage to women in their family and community, and debuted She Can Wines, a premium canned wine in 2019 on International Women’s Day.

Robin serves as a Board Chair for the McBride Sisters SHE CAN Professional Development Fund which she founded in 2019 with her sister Andréa. Since its inception the fund has awarded over $3M in scholarships, grants and technical training to 3,000 professional women in wine & spirits, hospitality and finance. In 2021 the fund partnered with Southern University of Louisiana as their flagship HBCU, to create a career pipeline for diverse students into the wine industry. Robin and Andréa were the first Black women winery owners on the cover of Wine Enthusiast magazine and have been nominated for the Wine Star Award U.S. Winery of the Year 2021. Robin resides in the San Francisco Bay Area and has three children Daneia, Domenic and Angelo who all have pursuits in the wine & food industries.

Margaret Horlander, Miles Partnership

Margaret Horlander is the Vice President for Miles Partnership, a national tourism marketing company. She previously served as the Director of Brand Management for Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates, after working nearly 25 years as Vice President in account services with Scoppechio, an omnichannel advertising agency located in Louisville, Kentucky.

With more than 35 years in marketing and advertising, Horlander has built long-standing business relationships across a variety of industries as a direct result of her talent and expertise. From public relations to advertising and direct-response sales-lead generation, she brings a wealth of experience in a range of client categories, including travel and tourism, higher education and healthcare.

Royce Hall, X

Royce Hall is a Senior Client Partner at X. Previously he was at Conde Nast where he oversaw advertising partnerships on the West Coast for brands such as GQ, WIRED and Bon Appetit. Prior to joining Conde Nast, he spent six years at Group Nine Media, working mostly on the Thrillist brand, which has become a leading authority in the food, drink and travel space. Royce lives in Los Angeles with his wife, and two daughters. He is a golf enthusiast, and enjoys exploring the Santa Ynez Valley wine region with friends.