Scott Katsma
President
Quality Research and Development, Seattle Cider Company
Scott was born in Chicago, IL but was raised in Boise, ID. He began working at Seattle Cider Company in 2014 and became Head Cidermaker in early 2016. In addition to fermentation innovation, Scott’s passions include waste stream management, creative problem solving, market analysis, and industry networking. As we look to the future, Scott is excited to continue to advocate for education and awareness within the region. Not is he a voice for cideries in and around the PNW, but also an experienced resource for start-up cideries throughout the region.
Andrew Byers
Vice President
Co-Owner and Head Cidermaker, Finnriver Farm and Cidery
Andrew Byers has been making cider and managing the team of cider makers at Finnriver for 7 years; building a network of small growers, valued team members, and cherished colleagues. His background in the culinary arts has shown in creative cider making as well as dynamic team leadership, and with an academic focus in fungal ecology and botany his understanding of life systems and process systems is in the fore front of his decision making. Before his time at Finnriver Andrew and his family worked with Eve’s Cidery in NY; gathering national perspective of markets and growing regions. Now well settled in Chimacum WA The Byers family is working on being the change they want to see in the world.
Rachel Bolongaro
Treasurer
Owner, Fraser Valley Cider Company
Rachel Bolongaro is the owner and cider maker at Fraser Valley Cider Company. Rachel started this family owned cidery on a 12 acre plot of land in Langley BC in 2014. From a bare field the site now contains a growing orchard and a cidery that produces 50,000 litres of cider a year. Rachel previously enjoyed a 20 year career as a chemical engineer specializing in renewable energy systems, during this time she sat on the board of Geoexchange BC for 7 years serving as their Secretary and Conference Chair. Rachel was born in the UK and emigrated to Canada 22 years ago.
Kristyn Fix
Secretary
Co-Owner, Working Hands Fermentation
Kristyn Fix has resided in the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years, and she currently lives in the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge with her husband, Dave, and their dog, Cricket. She has a Masters Degree in Psychology with an 18 year career in social services and the non-profit sector, before moving to the cider world in 2018. Kristyn was the first and only full-time employee at Slopeswell Cider Co. in Hood River, Oregon. In 2020, the cidery diversified into other craft fermentation endeavors, and she became one of the co-founders and co-owners of Working Hands Fermentation. She is a Level I Certified Cider Professional, has twice been a tasting judge for the Northwest Cider Cup, and once won Best Dressed at the Cider Cups Awards. While Kristyn is passionate about cider and the craft beverage industry, she has a day job as a Business Services Program Manager, supporting small businesses and workforce development through equity and funding opportunities.
Board Members
Molly Leadbetter
Board Member
Co-owner, Meriwether Cider
Molly is an owner of Meriwether Cider as well as the social media and marketing manager.
Originally from Colorado Molly has enjoyed a variety of life experiences, including moving to Idaho, attending the College of Idaho, working as a wildland firefighter rappelling out of helicopters, traveling the world, and then meeting the love of her life a hairy 25lbs Mini Goldendoodle named Luna.
Her favorite Meriwether cider is Heritage Crab Apple.
Cassandra Schwartz
Board Member
Communication, Community, and Marketing Strategist
Cassandra is a marketing and communication leader based out of Seattle. Her past work has included Microsoft's Global Hackathon, Front Desk, Rival IQ, Xinova, and Xbox's Partner Hardware. She is currently at Partnerd: helping early stage startups and small businesses engage customers and launch new products and we are thrilled to have her on the NWCA board.
Jose Gonzalez
Board Member
Owner, La Familia Cider Company
Jose Gonzalez is the CEO and founder of La Familia Cider, a Salem, Oregon based cider company with infused Mexican flavors and traditions. Jose's humble origins and family traditions have led him to become a serial entrepreneur in real estate and now beverages industry with a mission to always inspire and assist new generations of Mexican migrants.
Amy Wood
Board Member
Senior Vice President, Curious Plot
Amy is an experienced marketing strategist with a track record for building award-winning campaigns and driving industry growth. Over the past two decades, Amy has represented leading agricultural producers, commodity boards, manufacturers, trade associations and consumer brands. At Curious Plot, she leads a team of food experts credited with developing innovative campaigns that educate and inspire people to purchase ingredients like fresh mushrooms, pears, watermelon, apples, and cheese. Recent accomplishments include establishing strategic partnerships with food industry influencers such as the James Beard Foundation, Food Network and HelloFresh.
Amy is the recipient of honors from the National Agri-Marketing Association, American Agricultural Editors’ Association and Public Relations Society of America. She was appointed by the USDA Secretary of Agriculture as a Fresh Pear Committee member and is a member of many trade organizations, including the International Fresh Produce Association and International Foodservice Editorial Council.
Andy Callis
Board Member
President, Callis Insurance
Andy Callis is the president of Callis Insurance and a commercial lines risk advisor. Andy joined the agency in 2006 after spending seven years in Seattle working in the finance industry and later for PEMCO Insurance as a Licensed Agent. He holds property and casualty licenses in the states of WA, ID, AZ, OR, HI and CA has obtained the special designation of ACSR, Accredited Customer Service Representative.
He primarily works with business owners and non-profit agencies, as well as managing the agency’s marketing and general operations.
Andy and his wife Amy have two daughters Mya and Sadie. Passionate about the local community, Andy joined Nor’Wester Rotary and was president in 2016-2017 and Vocational Chair from 2007–2016. Andy is also on the Port Angeles advisory board for Boys & Girls Club of the Olympic Peninsula, and has spent time on various committees for the United Way of Clallam County. In his spare time, Andy enjoys fishing, golfing, hiking, and spending time with his family.
Louann Casares
Board Member
Director of Human Resources, 2 Towns Ciderhouse
Louann knew she had found her professional soulmate when her passions collided; Human Resource business practices, a love of craft cider, and, most importantly, the people who make craft cider happen from seed to drink! As Director of Human Resources at 2 Towns Ciderhouse in Corvallis, OR, Louann is able to spend her days immersed in those passions. She is a dedicated HR professional who has proven success in creating cultures of collaboration and using strategic problem solving to implement change and achieve workforce excellence. Louann has expertise in both operational and strategic HR practices within public and private sectors, and currently oversees all aspects of human resources management at 2 Towns Ciderhouse.
Trevor Hertrich
Board Member
Wine Educator at Naked Wines
Despite growing up in the decidedly non-vinous environs of the Chicago suburbs, Trevor has spent most of his professional life in and around the wine business. What began as an interesting diversion in grad school grew to a full-time vocation as a buyer and sommelier in various restaurants of the Mountain West. Stints in the retail, wholesale and import sectors followed. Eventually heeding the call of the dirt, he took on the challenge of managing a small winery in Mosier, OR. A rewarding endeavor that was unfortunately derailed by the pandemic. His current role with Naked Wines draws on his accumulated experiences and (occasional) wisdom to educate their employees and customers about grape growing, wine production, history and regionality.