Brett Visner

Vice President of Public Affairs

bvisner@mbwwa.org

(517) 482-5555 ext. 215

As Vice President of Public Affairs, Brett leads the advocacy efforts with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, the state legislature, and other state government agencies. Brett also oversees the MB&WWA’s regulatory compliance programs and plays a prominent role in public relations activities.

Before joining MB&WWA in 2015, Brett held several positions in the Michigan Legislature, including as Senior Policy Advisor in the House Republican Policy Office, covering the Regulatory Reform, Energy Policy, and Communications and Technology Committees. He also served as the Legislative Director for Speaker Pro Tem John Walsh and Representative David Law.

Brett holds a BA degree in Political Science from Michigan State University. He lives in Meridian Township with his wife Katie, daughter Vivienne, and their dog River.

Mark Medenblik

Public Affairs Coordinator

mmedenblik@mbwwa.org

As Public Affairs Coordinator, Mark is focused on new opportunities in the non-alcohol sphere, including marijuana-infused beverages. He will be working with member companies and on regulatory and legislative action to ensure MB&WWA remains a leader and is proactively shaping this evolving market.

Before joining MB&WWA in September 2022, Mark worked in the Michigan legislature for over a decade. Most recently, he was Deputy Director of the Republican Constituent Relations department in the Michigan House of Representatives. Mark holds a BA in Political Science from Calvin University and resides in Wyoming.

Brandi Tribell, CMP

Vice President of Operations & Events

btribell@mbwwa.org

(517) 482-5555 ext. 212

As the Vice President of Operations & Events for the MB&WWA, Brandi oversees finances and human resources, is responsible for all lobbying and political reporting, and is a key contact for Michigan legislators regarding the Association's PAC activities. As the Association’s chief meeting planner, Brandi is responsible for planning and implementing all meetings and conventions. In addition, she manages the Association’s Political Action Committee and assists with the coordination of the Association’s grassroots programs; two critical pieces of the Association’s successful advocacy program.

Before joining MB&WWA in 2007, Brandi was the Office Manager for the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives and coordinated schedules, meetings, and other events directly for the Speaker of the House.

Brandi graduated from Michigan State University in 2003 with a BA in Public Policy & Public Administration and earned her CMP (Certified Meeting Planner) designation in 2013. She was a 40 Under 40 honoree of Connect Magazine and was named to the Michigan Meetings & Events Magazine’s Hall of Fame.

Rebecca Stow

Marketing & Communications Manager

rstow@mbwwa.org

(517) 482-5555 ext. 210

As the Marketing & Communications Manager, Rebecca designs and sends communications to MB&WWA members and the State of Michigan Legislature. She also manages the Association's social media platforms and website and works closely with the PR team to effectively communicate who the Association and beer and wine distributors are and their vital roles in their communities and the State of Michigan at large.

Before joining MB&WWA in October 2020, Rebecca worked for the Spectrum Health Foundation in Grand Rapids and the Community Education office at Okemos Public Schools. She has a BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Grand Valley State University and is a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.

Grace Pajtas

Administrative Assistant

gpajtas@mbwwa.org

(517) 482-5555 ext. 217

Grace is the primary contact and coordinator for events in the MB&WWA Hop & Vine Room. Additionally, she maintains day-to-day office activities, assists the Vice President of Operations and Events with preparation for meetings and conventions, manages travel and calendars for the President and Vice President of Public Affairs, and maintains internal databases to track Association engagement and activities.

Grace graduated from Western Michigan University with a BA in Political Science. Before joining MB&WWA in July 2022, she was a legislative intern and worked on ballot initiatives in Michigan. Grace enjoys live music, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Autumn Ward, J.D.

Director of Member Benefits, MBWWA Services, Inc.

award@mbwwa.org

(517) 482-5555 ext. 211

As Director of Member Benefits, Autumn is responsible for developing, implementing, and servicing member programs offered by MBWWA Services, Inc. She coordinates carriers, consultants, vendors, and the membership in the design, implementation, funding, and administration of service programs.

Before joining MBWWA Services, Inc. in 2018, Autumn served as the subject matter learning, measurement, and improvement resource internally and externally as Compliance Officer for a Michigan-based insurance agency and third-party administrator. Autumn holds a BS in Business Administration from Ferris State University and a JD from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Tonya Davis

Benefit Services Manager, MBWWA Services, Inc.

tdavis@mbwwa.org

(517) 482-5555 ext. 221

Tonya coordinates enrollment and eligibility for the group insurance program, prepares premium billings, and coordinates cafeteria plan administration. She aids members with claims issues and assists with the Association and the subsidiary’s accounting functions.

Before joining MBWWA Services, Inc. in 1993, Tonya served as a Customer Service Representative for Metropolitan Life/General Motors Benefit Center and liaison between the UAW members and providers. She holds an Associates Degree from Lansing Community College.