Washington, DC (April 17, 2026) – The Spirits Training Entrepreneurship Program for Underrepresented Professionals (STEPUP) today announced the appointment of Sydney Jones, Supervisor and Lead Distillery Technician, Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, to its Board of Directors.
Founded in 2020 as part of an effort led by the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), STEPUP Foundation has prepared emerging professionals for careers in the craft spirits industry through structured education, mentorship, and hands-on industry exposure. In 2026, STEPUP will celebrate its fifth class of graduates, marking continued progress in equipping participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional connections needed to succeed in the beverage sector.
Sydney Jones has been an active contributor to STEPUP, serving on the Selection Committee and as a 2025 mentor, where she provided support, industry guidance, and career development. Her continued involvement and industry expertise reflect a strong commitment to STEPUP’s mission and the advancement of emerging professionals in the spirits industry.
The STEPUP program, which is already under way for 2026, with applications open through April 2026 and programming set to launch in early June, reflects a comprehensive redesign informed by participant feedback and industry needs, including an expanded cohort size; a shorter, more efficient program duration; a fully online curriculum; new industry-level certifications; flexible, self-directed learning; career coaching and support; and regional graduations. The 2026 program also introduces an expanded mentorship model, with multiple mentors supporting trainees throughout the program and offering dedicated “office hours” for guidance. 2026 trainees will also have the opportunity to participate in an optional field training experience with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), providing exposure to the distribution tier and additional career pathways within the spirits industry.
Margie A.S. Lehrman, CEO of ACSA and President of the STEPUP Foundation, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Sydney to the STEPUP Foundation Board of Directors. Her deep technical expertise, commitment to mentorship, and passion for advancing education in the distilled spirits industry make her an outstanding addition. Sydney has already made a meaningful impact through her work with STEPUP, and we look forward to her continued leadership as we expand opportunities for the next generation of industry professionals.”
Sydney Jones, Supervisor and Lead Distillery Technician, Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, said, “I’m honored and thrilled to join the STEPUP Foundation’s Board of Directors. The time I’ve spent working on the Selection Board and as the 2025 Mentor to STEPUP Trainee Keyah Boyd has been an incredibly fulfilling experience, and I look forward to working more closely with this outstanding organization for many years to come, empowering the next generation of distillers and industry professionals. Exciting things are ahead!”
The Class of 2026 program will tentatively run from June through August, with graduation taking place in September, celebrating trainees as they complete the program and prepare to enter the industry.
STEPUP LEADERSHIP
STEPUP’s Board of Directors has created an immersive training program for underrepresented individuals in the alcoholic beverage industry. Margie A.S. Lehrman (CEO, ACSA) serves as the organization’s president, working together with Secretary Rebecca Harris (Head Distiller and Co-founder, Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. and Past President, ACSA) and Treasurer Julie Kinch (CEO/Founder, JK Leadership Advisors, LLC). They are joined by a seasoned Board of Directors, including Chris Montana (CEO and Head Distiller, Du Nord Social Spirits), Chris Underwood (CEO, Young’s Holdings), David Cid (Owner, Silver Sun Group), and Ingrid Wetzell (HR Director, Bently Enterprises), and Nicole Austin (Director, American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities, Diageo). These critical liaisons help identify potential partners, secure financial resources, and develop training materials to ensure the program’s success.
About STEPUP Foundation
The Spirits Training Entrepreneurship Program for Underrepresented Professionals (STEPUP Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides a complimentary hybrid externship program for underrepresented professionals, combining structured online education, industry site visits, and mentorship to build practical skills and workforce readiness. To learn more or get involved, visit https://stepupinternship.org/.
About ACSA
The American Craft Spirits Association is the only nationally registered non-profit trade association representing the U.S. craft spirits industry. Its mission is to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirits producers, and membership in ACSA is open to anyone.
ACSA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the eligible voting members of the Association. Voting members must be independent, licensed distillers (DSPs) annually removing fewer than 750,000 proof gallons from bond (the amount on which a Federal Excise Tax is paid). For information about ACSA, call 202-669-3661.
