Local Wine Industry Veteran to Lead Region’s Advocacy and Outreach
Santa Rosa, CA (Feb. 16, 2016) – Jean Arnold Sessions, former president of Hanzell Vineyards and a noted wine industry leader in Sonoma County, has been named the interim Executive Director of Sonoma County Vintners (SCV). She steps into the role following the resignation of Carolyn Stark, who stepped down as executive director for personal reasons earlier this month. Sessions takes her position effective February 22.
“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to lead Sonoma County Vintners as interim Executive Director,” said Jean Arnold Sessions. “I have dedicated my career to Sonoma County winemaking and had the privilege of working with many SCV members, as well as serving as a previous board member. Sonoma County is a world-class destination with world-class wines and I couldn’t be more proud to serve as an ambassador alongside the SCV team and our allies everywhere.”
“Jean brings the rare combination of industry expertise, deep regional roots and the respect and admiration of her peers across the county and around the nation,” said Caroline Shaw, President of SCV’s board of directors. “Her leadership, relationships and passion for Sonoma County will continue to deepen the impact of SCV and its advocacy and marketing efforts.”
Previous to her interim role with SCV, Sessions was president of Hanzell Vineyards from 2002 through 2013. She is founder of the Jean Arnold Group, a strategic consulting firm, and creator of Women in the Business of Wine, a platform for mentoring women in wine, food, and hospitality. Sessions also serves on the board of directors of the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation and has been named a woman of the year in wine by North Bay Business Journal. She also served on the board of directors for SCV from 2003 to 2009.
