Santa Rosa, CA (July 22, 2025) – Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) and Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF) today announced that Executive Director Michael Haney will step down in September 2025, marking the close of a highly impactful era of leadership and a transformative chapter in the organization’s history.
SCV will be led and supported by its Board, including SCV Board President, Prema Kerollis, General Manager of Three Sticks Winery; and Alexandra O’Gorman, SCVF President, Vice President of Community Relations for Foley Family Wines and Spirits, until a new executive director is identified.
“Michael has always led with commitment and heart,” remarked SCV Board President Prema Kerollis. “His passion, relationships, and deep care for SCV, SCVF, and the Sonoma County wine community have left a lasting mark. We are deeply grateful for his tremendous contributions and wish him the very best in his next chapter.”
Over nearly eleven years leading SCV and SCVF, Haney guided both organizations through periods of growth and transformation, while responding to ongoing challenges related to recurring wildfires and industry-wide shifts triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under his leadership, SCV strengthened its mission to support member wineries through greater political advocacy efforts, marketing initiatives, ongoing educational programs, and increased international visibility of Sonoma County wines. In addition, Haney guided SCVF’s expanded philanthropic reach across Sonoma County, collaborating with over 400 nonprofit organizations to assist residents in need.
“It has been one of the great honors of my lifetime to serve my SCV family including our amazing vintner community. Working alongside my incredible team, passionate vintners, growers, industry partners, elected leaders and nonprofits has been a true privilege. While I am stepping away from this role, I’m excited to explore new opportunities and finding new ways to support the wine community,” said Haney.
About Sonoma County Vintners
Sonoma County Vintners is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions. Sonoma County Vintners represents over 250 wineries throughout the county. The organization actively promotes Sonoma County through educational programming; advocates for its members at local, state and federal levels; and contributes to the local communities through our Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. Sonoma County Wine Auction, its annual fundraiser, benefits nonprofit organizations throughout the region. To learn more about Sonoma County Vintners, visit SonomaWine.com.
About Sonoma County Vintners Foundation
Sonoma County Vintners Foundation provides support to the local community through philanthropy and charitable giving. Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF) is an accredited 501c(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1988. Its purpose is to consistently support local nonprofit organizations that address issues within the Sonoma County community. SCVF cultivates a vibrant and diverse Sonoma County by elevating lives through charitable events and philanthropic giving. Fundraising efforts have a direct impact in the areas of education & literacy, health & human services, the environment and arts & culture. With SCVF’s many initiatives including the Emergency Relief Fund, the organization is able to impact all needs, ranging from the immediate to the long term. Learn more at sonomawine.com/foundation.
