Big hire: Former chair of Pennsylvania’s Liquor Control Committee named Deputy Director of Brewers of Pennsylvania

The Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP), the state’s official brewers guild, has hired Adam Harris, former Chair of Pennsylvania’s House Liquor Control Committee, as the organization’s new deputy director. The newly created position will further bolster the BOP’s advocacy efforts and its quest for a more fair playing field within Pennsylvania’s three-tier system (manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer).

In conjunction with Dan LaBert, BOP’s executive director, the BOP’s Legislative Committee, and Board of Directors, Harris will assist in outreach efforts to BOP members, potential members, elected officials and other beer-interest entities to strengthen and expand Pennsylvania’s thriving craft beer industry.

“I’m thrilled to be joining such an amazing organization,” said Harris. “Brewers across Pennsylvania have an incredible story to tell. They are creating jobs, revitalizing communities and making some of the best beer in the nation. I’m excited to help tackle some of our state’s legislative issues and join the effort to make Pennsylvania the go-to destination for craft beer enthusiasts from around the country.”

Working with LaBert and Maverick Strategies, Harris will identify member breweries to visit to discuss the importance of the BOP’s advocacy efforts, member benefits and the many beer issues facing Pennsylvania craft brewers. Harris will also attend BOP events, including the BOP’s signature gathering of craft beer elite, Meeting of the Malts, the BOP Annual Meeting, Caucus Meetings, PA Flavor and the BOP Symposium and Tailgate in State College. Harris will also represent the BOP at Brewers Association events such as Federal Lobby Day and the nationwide Craft Brewers Conference. According to the Brewers Association, Pennsylvania craft beer ranks second nationwide in economic impact ($5,788,000) and first in barrels of craft beer produced per year (3,724,010).

“During his time in the House of Representatives, particularly as chair of PA’s House Liquor Control Committee, Adam supported Pennsylvania craft beer,” said LaBert. “As an organization, he’s familiar with the BOP’s key advocacy issues, and he’s gotten to know many of our 170-plus members. This is extremely beneficial as he meets and talks shop with BOP members from Erie and Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre and everywhere in between. Adam brings credibility, experience, insight and craft beer passion to the BOP table. We’re extremely pleased that he’s part of the BOP team.”

Serving Pa. District 82 (Franklin, Juniata and Mifflin Counties), Harris spent 16 years as a member of House of Representatives and four years as a legislative staffer bringing his total Capitol experience to over 20 years. As chair of the House Liquor Control committee, Harris helped usher in many much-needed pro-consumer/pro-beer reforms to the state’s liquor laws. Act 166 of 2016 allowed beer distributors to sell six-packs (and down to the single unit and growlers, as well) and allowed PA brewers to promote their products by allowing PA wineries and distillers to also sell Pennsylvania beers at their locations.