You may know a lot about New York wine. You may know a lot about your favorite New York wineries or the people who work at them, making the wines you love. But what do you know about the people here at the New York Wine & Grape Foundation who work to promote the world-class image of New York grapes and wines?
Now’s the chance to get to know this organization’s staff, who devote their working hours to advocating for the Empire State’s grape growers, winemakers, and the industry as a whole.
Sam Filler, Executive Director
Outside of his responsibilities at NYWGF, Sam and his wife, Maura Kernan, have two young boys. Before kids, they traveled the world in search of great bike rides, hikes, food, and wine. As the kids get older, they’re working on giving them the travel bug, too.
“Our last trip was to Italy in 2022 for my 40th birthday, and we actually brought our oldest son with us, who was eight months old at the time,” Sam says.
Before taking his current position, Sam earned a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from NYU and intended to go into urban redevelopment, but his first job out of grad school ended up being under Pat Hooker, former Agriculture Commissioner for New York State.
“Pat organized the first Craft Beverage Summit in October 2012, and since then, I have been involved in agriculture,” says Sam, noting that his degree is appropriate for his NYWGF role because Urban Planners focus on building community through dialogue and collaboration.
Those community-building skills are important in his role, particularly when working towards important measures, such as securing the funding to launch the statewide vineyard sustainability program, New York Sustainable Winegrowing, an accomplishment he’s really proud of.
Looking forward, Sam says, “I think that New York can feel secure in its reputation for growing high-quality grapes, and NYWGF will evolve to be a key industry partner in developing market pathways to increase sales.”
Kim Hughes, Director of Finance
Born and raised in Penn Yan on a 100-acre apple and grape farm, Kim moved away during her college years, but it’s still her home. She and her husband of 13 years, Jeremy, have two children, Landon, 11, and Maddie, 9, and they love spending time at her parents’ house on Keuka Lake in the summer. She’s also very active in her community.
“I enjoy Pilates, pickleball, and coaching lacrosse outside of work,” Kim says. “I volunteer my time as the treasurer for the Yates County Chamber of Commerce as well as the Penn Yan Youth Lacrosse board.”
Ending up at NYWGF was not on her mind when she attended SUNY Brockport and received a B.S. in Physical Education, and then continued her education at Trident University International to earn a K-12 New York State teacher certification in both Physical Education and Health.
“Although ultimately I left the teaching world, I do feel it helped shape me into a better person and co-worker for all of the roles I have had,” she says.
Kim has spent many hours taking courses and training for her current role in finance, and she’s proud that in 2024, she was named “Who’s Who in Budgeting & Finance” by City & State magazine.
“I am proud of not only that accomplishment, but of all the behind-the-scenes work that I do every day to keep the organization fiscally healthy,” she says.
Looking forward, Kim is excited about starting a 501c3 subsidiary of NYWGF in order to further its programs and attract new donors, as well as where the subsidiary could take the organization.
Dana Alexander, Director of Operations
Dana grew up in the Rochester area but spent many weekends in the mid-80s in Gorham working in the vineyards that supplied the family’s winery—Lac Domaine Wine Cellars—located in the South Wedge neighborhood of Rochester. Unknowingly, they were planting a seed for her future.
She attended Ithaca College and graduated with a B.S. degree in Human Resource Management. She moved to the Penn Yan area soon after college and started a family that includes Sarah, 28, Jarett, 26, and twins Jens and Colin, who will be graduating from High School this year and heading off to college.
As an official empty nester, Dana is looking forward to enjoying the waters of Keuka Lake and spending more time traveling. She recently took a solo trip to Italy and has officially been bitten by the travel bug.
A long-time employee of NYWGF, she’s worked for the organization since August of 2000, holding several positions over the years, including roles in Marketing, Programs, Membership, and Finance. Her current role is Director of Operations. Dana earned her SHRM-CP certification and works with the Executive Director to create the strategic direction of the organization while handling various HR duties, including Payroll, creating the annual benefits package, and other compliance duties.
As far as what Dana’s most proud of during her long tenure at the Foundation, she cites managing the Research program, which she took on in 2018.
“We continue to make positive changes to the project selection process and to involve the industry in prioritizing the types of research we fund,” Dana says.
Looking forward, she hopes to help the organization continue to find new ways to support the industry as it changes with the times.
Kyle Anne Pallischeck, Director of Programs
A Finger Lakes native, Kyle grew up on Keuka Lake, enjoying FLX Riesling long before working in the industry.
“I’ve moved away and come back a couple of times, which has led to a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the area. I now live in Penn Yan and have a rescue dog, Maverick,” she says. “We spend a lot of time outdoors, swimming in Keuka, and hiking around the Adirondacks area.”
Kyle earned her AAS in Hospitality Management, Travel and Tourism from SUNY Morrisville and a BA in Interior Design from the University of Akron. After working in residential and commercial furniture sales for a while, she joined the wine industry in 2011 and got to work on certifications.
“I quickly learned that the best way to be able to introduce our cool-climate wines to others would be to be able to frame them in the broader world of wine, prompting me to earn certifications that would provide credibility to my wine knowledge,” she says. “I’m a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Sommeliers, earned the WSET 3 certificate, and am a Certified Specialist of Wine through the Society of Wine Educators.”
She often shares her knowledge as a beverage educator at NY Kitchen, teaching both general consumer classes and professional development/certification classes, including sommelier certification prep courses, NY wine industry courses, and, most recently, WSET levels 1 & 2.
In the short time she’s been with NYWGF, she’s proud that the position gives her something completely new to learn.
“I’m learning the ins and outs of the Export Program—how it’s funded, how it’s managed, and the varying perspectives on how wineries perceive the opportunity, all on top of cultural influences in our different target markets,” she says. “It’s been an exciting new world for me. We just confirmed our partner in the Caribbean market and will begin work with them as we enter 2026.”
Looking forward, Kyle is excited to bring a first-hand perspective on best practices for both the organization and wineries working together to maximize the effectiveness of the marketing programs.
“I see NYWGF as being a conduit for really making the wine community across the state a strong collaborative, not only learning from each other and providing fresh ideas and perspectives, but using the strength of collective promotion to reach broader audiences across the US and overseas together and increase the visibility of cool-climate wines,” she says.
Jenn Cooper, Membership Manager
“Beyond my role at the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, I’m a devoted wife, mother, and longtime coach,” says Jenn Cooper. She and her husband Scott have shared 36 years together, raising three children who inspire them daily—Cody, a National Park Service Law Enforcement Officer at Mt. Rushmore National Monument specializing in public safety and resource protection; Tanner, a former Cincinnati Reds draft pick who is now a Pitching Coach in the Baltimore Orioles organization who in his off-season, mentors young athletes as Director of Pitching for Diamond Pro Baseball in Rochester, NY; and Bailey, a senior at Penn Yan Academy who is an All-American lacrosse player, National Honor Society member, and youth lacrosse coach heading to Clemson University next fall.
She’s also a basketball coach.
“I’ve coached basketball for more than 25 years at both the collegiate and high school levels and currently serve as the Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach at Penn Yan Academy,” Jenn says. “Between family, coaching, and my work with the Foundation, there’s never a dull moment—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and also a Master of Science in Sports Management and a Graduate Certificate in Athletic Administration from Southern New Hampshire University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA, and was recognized as a Distinguished Scholar.
“Together, these studies have provided me with an interdisciplinary understanding of how ecosystems, communities, and industries connect, as well as a strong foundation in leadership, operations management, and communications—skills that directly support my work at the New York Wine & Grape Foundation,” says Jenn whose been with the Foundation for 20 years in various roles including Special Projects Manager, Events Manager, and now Membership Manager.
With more than 20 years of experience in business administration and over two decades of coaching and leadership in athletics, Jenn brings a blend of strategic planning, organization, and team development to her work, all rooted in a passion for helping others succeed.
“My education and professional experience align closely with the Foundation’s mission—helping grape growers and wineries thrive through collaboration, preparation, and continuous improvement while honoring the environmental and community contexts that make New York’s wine industry so special. My background enables me to appreciate the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of the industry and to help our members,” she says.
Jenn is proud of several things she’s accomplished at the Foundation, including the relationships she’s built with growers and wineries across the state. After working on so many different projects over the years—and now focusing specifically on membership—she’s been able to connect deeply with the people who make up this industry.
“I take great pride in being someone our growers and wineries can reach out to candidly, knowing that I’m here to listen, advocate, and help find ways to improve opportunities for their success,” she says. “That sense of advocacy comes from what I often call my ‘Mama Bear’ instinct. It’s the same fierce protectiveness that drives me as a mom—the instinct to stand up, speak out, and fight for those I care about. I feel that same drive when it comes to our members and the broader New York wine community. It’s never ‘us versus them,’ it’s ‘we.’ How can we work together to make things better? Hearing members describe NYWGF as ‘a key partner,’ ‘a beacon for the industry,’ and ‘vitally important to the vineyard business’ reminds me why I’m proud of this work—because it’s about care, community, and standing shoulder to shoulder to help our industry thrive.”
Looking forward, Jenn is excited for the Foundation to continue building deeper connections with New York’s growers, wineries, and partners across the grape and wine industry.
“Every new relationship—and each one we strengthen—gives us valuable insight into the challenges, ideas, and successes shaping our industry,” she says. “I’m especially looking forward to enhancing and expanding the benefits and resources we offer by developing programs, tools, and partnerships that provide real, lasting value for our members.”
Justin Jackson, Sustainability Program Manager
Outside of the wine world, Justin likes to get out of the office to go hiking and camping when the weather is nice. When it’s not, he’s frequently found at home reading a book or in his kitchen cooking or baking.
Justin earned a BS from Texas A&M in Horticulture, specializing in viticulture.
“I went on to earn an MS from Cornell in Viticulture and business management. During my time in Texas and following my graduate studies, I worked in vineyards, giving me a perspective of two unique viticultural regions and practices. These experiences directly connect me to the scientific and practical realities of modern viticulture necessary in creating the workbook standards,” says Justin.
He’s proud of his program as a whole, giving credit to his predecessor, Whitney Beaman, who did a “phenomenal job” establishing the standards and handing them off to Justin. The program has grown to encompass over 70 vineyards statewide and now includes integration into the myEV platform.
Looking forward, he’s excited to see the sustainability program grow to provide more tools for growers, and eventually wineries, to measure and track their impacts.
“Not only will this help them in becoming more responsible producers, but hopefully create a more efficient NY wine industry, an imperative in the years to come,” Justin says.
Meg Hopkins, Communications Manager
Outside work, Meg enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Abel.
“I like to slow down in my personal life by going on walks around Geneva, sitting by the waterfront, exploring new places, like wineries I’ve never visited or restaurants serving great food, and finding new experiences to discover, even if they’re only an hour from home,” she says. A former lacrosse player through college, she coached lacrosse in her hometown of Penn Yan for the past five years, as well as a travel team during the fall and summer.
“It’s been wonderful to get back into something I love and to serve as a positive role model for the young women I coach,” says Meg.
She studied Public Communications at the University of Vermont and gained hands-on experience working with local nonprofits and businesses in Burlington. After graduating, she took a cross-country road trip with a few college friends through the WWOOF (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) program, traveling around the country and working on small organic farms in Washington State. That led her to Nashville, TN, working on a small organic flower farm, one of her favorite jobs to this day.
“Those experiences made it clear that I have a special place in my heart for agriculture and for those who dedicate their lives to it,” says Meg. While in Nashville, she joined the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce and Office of Economic Development in Franklin, TN, overseeing marketing and communications for both teams and discovered a love for helping promote small businesses.
When she returned home to the Finger Lakes after a 7-month backpacking trip overseas, she began working with a digital marketing agency, eventually landing at NYWGF, incorporating her love and knowledge of marketing she’s learned along the way.
“Currently, I’m developing a Communications Plan for the organization that will continue to tell the stories of New York wines,” Meg says, and it’s something she’s proud of.
“Since joining the team, I’ve had the privilege of visiting wineries throughout the Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, and Long Island to meet with winery owners, winemakers, staff members, grape growers, and everyone in between who helps make New York wines what they are. Through those visits, I’ve learned so much about the wine and grape industry and how I can use my skills to help further its success,” she says.
Looking forward, she’s excited for more travel throughout each of the wine regions across New York and talking with as many industry people as she possibly can, with the goal to keep learning and improving how she can support them.
Together, the staff of NYWGF works hard to support the grape growers and the winemakers, not just because it’s their job, but because they understand how hard the people they support work. They also know that when they all work together, the industry’s world-class image will continue its upward trajectory.
