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Sean Sullivan, former executive director of the Maine Brewers' Guild
April 20, 2023
Maine Brewers' Guild hires Nonesuch sales manager as next executive director
Courtesy / Maine Brewers' Guild
Shea Cusick will succeed Sean Sullivan as executive director of the Maine Brewers' Guild, the group announced Thursday.
The Maine Brewers’ Guild has more than 150 members and has introduced significant legislation, hosted craft beer events around the world and made Maine one of the top destinations for craft beer.
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Shea Cusick, the sales manager at Scarborough’s Nonesuch River Brewing and a self-proclaimed industry cheerleader, has been tapped to succeed Sean Sullivan as executive director of the Maine Brewers’ Guild.
Sullivan recently left the nonprofit after more than a decade at the helm to pursue a master’s degree in computer science at the Roux Institute in Portland. He announced his resignation in January. The guild was founded in the late 1980s but comprised of all volunteer board members for a long time, and Sullivan has been the only executive director so far.
Sullivan, honored on the Mainebiz Next list in 2016, told Mainebiz earlier this year that he had been exploring the world of tech for years and looks forward to getting a formal education in computer science.
The guild received applications from across the country for the executive director job.
Before joining Nonesuch in September 2019, Cusick worked at Grippy Tannins in Portland and before that as a craft beer tour guide, according to her LinkedIn profile
During her time with Nonesuch she built a strong sales program, working directly with distributors and on-premises accounts to significantly increase the number of barrels sold, according to Thursday's announcement from the Maine Brewer's Guild. She also sits on the Guild’s legislative affairs committee and is a certified beer server through the Cicerone Program, according to Thursday’s announcement.
“My greatest asset is my ability to build relationships and bring people together,” Cusick said. “I can sell anything if I believe in its value. I believe in Maine beer and in the people who make it. I am constantly reminded of the collaborative spirit and camaraderie found within it and I’m excited to see where we can take it next.”
Cusick will take the reins at the guild after a decade of rapid growth for Maine's craft beer industry. According to the guild’s latest economic report, Maine beer adds $260.6 million to the state economy each year and tourists cite craft beer as one of their top activities while visiting the state.
“The mission of the Maine Brewers’ Guild is to promote and protect Maine craft beer,” said Colleen Croteau, president of guild's board of directors. “We know that Shea will take this mission to heart and lead our organization with enthusiasm, passion and a commitment to craft.”
The Maine Brewers’ Guild has more than 150 members and has introduced significant legislation, hosted craft beer events around the world and made Maine one of the top destinations for craft beer.
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