Housing industry expert named as Beer Institute’s new vice president, public affairs

Apparently, the Beer Institute is hiring, again. Just for fun, let’s just quickly recap who this beer association, which represents all brewers, not just craft, has hired over the last few months. Drum roll, please!

• Beer Institute hires chief economist, federal affairs director
• Beer Institute names senior director of science and external affairs
• Susan Haney is the new Beer Institute VP of operations

Now, we can add Denise Dunckel to that list. The Beer Institute announced that communications veteran Denise Dunckel will join the trade association as vice president, public affairs on Sept. 14. Dunckel, who brings a diverse communications background to the role, will lead the Beer Institute’s public affairs strategy directed at policymakers, the media, the alcohol beverage industry and other key stakeholders.

“Denise is a proven leader in strategic communications. Her contributions will be critical in our efforts to tell the story of beer in Washington, DC and educate lawmakers and the public about beer’s $253 billion economic impact in the United States, our industry’s ‘Commitment to Responsibility’ and the quality of our products,” said Beer Institute President and CEO Jim McGreevy. “Her unique experience in both the public and private sectors — and her hands-on experience working with the federal government — will be an invaluable asset to the Beer Institute. We’re thrilled to have her be a part of the team.”

Dunckel previously served as senior vice president, external affairs, with Blackstone’s Invitation Homes. In that position, Dunckel was responsible for managing external affairs for the nation’s largest single-family rental company.

“This is an exciting time for the beer industry. I am pleased to have the opportunity to work on behalf of an industry that helps put 1.75 million Americans to work and has such a great story to tell,” said Dunckel. “I look forward to working with our members to carry their compelling story to so many influential and critical audiences.”

From 2012 to 2014, Dunckel was a senior associate director with the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), responsible for managing the Agency’s communications, public affairs, industry and congressional relations. As the chief communications strategist, Dunckel led the rebranding of the agency including a redesign of the agency’s website, launch of a national PSA campaign aimed at underwater borrowers and creation of the agency’s social media platform.