The Bourbon Women Association is thrilled to introduce both our newly elected board officers and the newest members of our board of directors. As we continue to grow and strengthen our presence in the bourbon industry, this dynamic leadership team will help shape the future of our organization, fostering community, education, and advocacy for women in whiskey.
Meet Our New Board Officers
Carol A. Otto – Chair of the Board
Carol Otto has been a dedicated member of Bourbon Women since 2016 and a board member since 2021. She is the founder of the Bourbon Women Michigan Branch and serves as its ambassador. As the first non-Kentucky chair of the organization, Carol brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of leadership experience in change and performance management, coaching, and strategic planning. She has also served on the Executive Committee and as Treasurer since 2022. We are excited to see her lead the organization into its next chapter.
Kim Rice – Vice Chair of the Board
Kim Rice, a lifetime member and board member since 2023, has been a vital part of Bourbon Women, previously serving as the Kentucky Branch Ambassador. She brings extensive experience as an executive in food safety, regulation, and compliance, along with a deep passion for bourbon and the whiskey world. As Vice Chair, Kim will help drive our mission forward, ensuring we continue to create meaningful experiences and opportunities for women in bourbon.
Hamilton Thiersch – Treasurer
Hamilton Thiersch, a Bourbon Women member since 2018 and board member since 2022, steps into the role of Treasurer. With a strong background in the barrel industry and experience in nonprofit and membership organizations, Hamilton is well-positioned to support Bourbon Women’s financial stewardship and organizational growth. Her leadership in women’s and whiskey industry organizations makes her an essential asset to our executive team.
Deb Copeland – Secretary
Deb Copeland continues her service as Secretary of the Board, bringing a wealth of expertise from her career as a retired insurance industry executive. A lifetime member and board member since 2021, Deb has extensive experience serving on nonprofit boards and leading strategic and financial initiatives. Her steady guidance and institutional knowledge will continue to support Bourbon Women’s mission.
Welcoming Our New Board Members
We’re also excited to welcome four new directors to our board, two of whom are long-time volunteers and branch ambassadors. Their diverse backgrounds in leadership, governance, marketing, and community engagement will help drive Bourbon Women’s mission forward.
Amy Bloomhuff – Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati Branch Ambassador
Amy brings 24 years of experience in professional membership association management, with expertise in governance, finance, operations, and membership best practices. As a licensed attorney and Certified Association Executive, she has a deep understanding of organizational structure and policy development. Her passion for bourbon and commitment to Bourbon Women make her an invaluable addition to the board.
Dana D. Miller
Dana is a seasoned board leader with extensive experience in fundraising, governance, and membership engagement. She has successfully chaired initiatives that raised over $1 million, demonstrating her ability to build strategic partnerships and foster community engagement. Her leadership aligns perfectly with Bourbon Women’s mission to elevate and support women in the bourbon industry.
Erin Petrey – Washington D.C. Branch Ambassador
Erin combines a rich background in networking, event planning, and sustainability with years of leadership on national and local boards, including the Kentucky Society of Washington and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Her ability to grow membership and amplify organizational missions positions her as a dynamic force for Bourbon Women’s continued expansion and impact.
Melissa Richards-Person
Melissa is a marketing and brand strategy expert with a proven track record in driving awareness, sponsorship development, and member engagement. Her experience working with organizations like APRON, Inc., combined with her deep connections in the bourbon industry and her passion for empowering women, will help advance Bourbon Women’s mission.
Looking Ahead
With this accomplished leadership team in place, Bourbon Women is poised for an exciting future. Their collective expertise, passion, and commitment will guide us as we expand our programs, foster meaningful connections, and continue championing women in bourbon.
From our new Chair, Carol Otto: “I am honored to serve as Chair of Bourbon Women and to build on the incredible foundation of this organization. Our mission is to empower, educate, and create meaningful connections for women in the bourbon industry, and I am committed to expanding our reach and impact. As the first non-Kentucky Chair, I see tremendous opportunity to grow our community beyond traditional borders while staying true to our core values of inclusivity, education, and advocacy. Together, we will continue to elevate women’s voices in whiskey and create spaces where all bourbon-loving women feel welcomed and valued.”
We extend our gratitude to our outgoing officers and continuing board members for their service and look forward to the continued success of Bourbon Women under this new leadership.