NC Craft Brewers Guild taps New Belgium exec to lead

The North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild has hired a new executive director.

The guild announced this week that Andrew Lemley will take over the role after spending eight years at New Belgium Brewing Company. Most recently, Lemley worked as the head of New Belgium's government affairs program.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Guild,” Lemley said in a news release. “North Carolina is a great craft beer state because of the wonderful community of dedicated brewers. I’m grateful for the opportunity and really looking forward to getting to work for the State of Southern Beer.”

Lemley takes over from Margo Knight Metzger, who left the Guild earlier this year. Lemley will begin on Nov. 6 at the Guild's fourth conference and trade show in Winston-Salem.

“We’re thrilled to have Andrew join the Guild team,” said Jamie Bartholomaus, vice-president of the NC Craft Brewers Guild board of directors and president of Foothills Brewing. “Andrew’s deep experience in management, retail, government and public affairs will be a huge asset to all of North Carolina’s brewers.”