04 June 2012 – Bend, Oregon – Deschutes Brewery has hired new market managers in two of its key distribution regions: Karen King will be managing the state of Missouri and Casey Ripley will manage northeast California and northern Nevada. Both new hires have extensive experience in the beverage industry and bring a passion for craft beer to their new positions.
“We were looking for high energy, passionate people to represent us in both of these important markets,” said Andy Tysler, national sales director for the brewery. “We were pleased to find both Karen and Casey for their respective markets, and are looking forward to seeing them put their skills and knowledge to work in both regions.”
Karen King, who is based in St. Louis, discovered her kinship to craft beer when she began home brewing several years ago. An active part of the beer community in her hometown, King actually discovered Deschutes Brewery at the famous Falling Rock Tap House in Denver, CO, while on a family vacation. She began bartending to be closer to the craft beer she loves, and previously held positions with Goose Island Beer Company and Perennial Artisan Ales. King is a Certified Beer Server through the Cicerone Certification Program and she holds a bachelor of science in journalism from Oklahoma State University. King can be reached at kking@deschutesbrewery.com.
Casey Ripley, who confesses to be the most obnoxious Miami Dolphins fan west of the Mississippi, has worked in the beer industry in the northern California region for the past several years. Prior to joining Deschutes, Ripley held management positions with 7-Eleven Inc., Kroger, and DBI Beverage/Capital Beverage. He discovered Deschutes Brewery at Streets of London bar in Sacramento when he tried out Mirror Pond Pale Ale, which continues to be his “desert island beer.” Ripley holds a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University and is a Certified Beer Server through the Cicerone Certification Program. Ripley can be reached at cripley@deschutesbrewery.com.
About Deschutes Brewery Located on the banks of the Deschutes River in beautiful Bend, Oregon, Deschutes Brewery is in the business of daring people to expect more from their beer. That’s why we started off back in 1988, selling Black Butte Porter at a time when others were sure a dark beer would never catch on. Our brewers love to buck convention, especially if it makes someone nervous. For us, however, the highest praise is a raised glass and a toast of “Bravely Done!” For more information about Deschutes Brewery and its courageously crafted beers, please visit www.DeschutesBrewery.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/Deschutes.Brewery or on Twitter at Twitter.com/DeschutesBeer.
