Wine Institute Names New Director, Great Lakes States

SAN FRANCISCO – Wine Institute has announced the appointment of Geralyn Lasher as its director, Great Lakes States, effective Dec. 1, 2021.

Lasher currently serves as a commissioner on the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, where she’s responsible for licensing, policy, and enforcement of the state’s liquor code. She also works with a wide range of partners in the alcohol beverage industry including brewers, distillers, distributors, retailers, suppliers and winemakers.

“Geralyn understands that effective outreach and education are instrumental to advocacy,” said Robert P. Koch, Wine Institute president and CEO. “Her extensive and relevant experience will be a great benefit to our members and the wine community, and we look forward to her playing an integral role in our state advocacy efforts.”

Lasher’s career includes extensive state government external relations experience. She served as senior deputy director for external relations and communications at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, where she managed relationships with the statewide business community, not-for-profit organizations, governmental entities, universities, and other stakeholder groups crucial to the department.

Lasher previously served as communications director for Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder; director of the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) infrastructure services division, and MDCH’s director of the communications, training and performance support division.

She is a graduate of Michigan State University.

The Great Lakes region includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Wine Institute is the only wine trade organization that works actively in all 50 states at the legislative and regulatory levels.

About Wine Institute  

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization works to enhance the economic and environmental health of the state through its leadership in sustainable winegrowing and a partnership with Visit California to showcase California’s wine and food offerings and the state as a top travel destination.