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About Us
OUR MISSION
As a group of greater Grand Rapids area Brewers, we collaborate with beer-centric businesses to celebrate, promote, and raise awareness of our community's craft brewing culture.
We are committed to:
- Celebrating the diverse craft beer scene in Grand Rapids
- Promoting local breweries and beer-centric businesses
- Raising awareness of the craft brewing culture
- Fostering collaboration between brewers and related businesses
Meet The Board Of Directors
Jeremiah Zimmerman
Jeremiah Zimmerman
Jeremiah Zimmerman
PRESIDENT
Jeremiah is not only the president of the guild, he is a founding figure in Grand Rapids' brewing community. He is the CEO of Beer City Tap Handles, a Fermentation Engineer at Thornapple Brewing, and serves on the Michigan Brewers Guild's Government Affairs Committee. He also executive produces the Beer City, USA Docuseries. A Ho
PRESIDENT
Jeremiah is not only the president of the guild, he is a founding figure in Grand Rapids' brewing community. He is the CEO of Beer City Tap Handles, a Fermentation Engineer at Thornapple Brewing, and serves on the Michigan Brewers Guild's Government Affairs Committee. He also executive produces the Beer City, USA Docuseries. A Hope College alum, Jeremiah is a former brewery founder, passionate about fostering Grand Rapids' beer culture. Outside of work, he's an aspiring farmer, husband, father of three, and avid vinyl collector.
Allison Hoekstra
Jeremiah Zimmerman
Jeremiah Zimmerman
VICE PRESIDENT
Allison Hoekstra, Vice President
Allison Hoekstra is an Assistant Professor at GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, specializing in Craft Brewing, Service, and Packaging. With over four years of full-time teaching and prior adjunct experience, she blends academic leadership with industry expertise.
Her career highl
VICE PRESIDENT
Allison Hoekstra, Vice President
Allison Hoekstra is an Assistant Professor at GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, specializing in Craft Brewing, Service, and Packaging. With over four years of full-time teaching and prior adjunct experience, she blends academic leadership with industry expertise.
Her career highlights include managing operations and guest experience at 7 Monks, serving as National Account Manager for COLDBreak USA, and leading beer program initiatives at the original HopCat, where she advanced from server to Beer Program Manager. Allison’s dedication to education and craft brewing brings valuable insight to the board.
Kate Lieto
Jeremiah Zimmerman
Kate Lieto
SECRETARY
As a founding member of the Guild and involved in Beer City USA marketing from the start, Kate is committed to the craft beer industry and excited to watch it evolve. In her role as VP of Marketing for Experience Grand Rapids, she champions the Grand Rapids area as a premier beer destination while boosting its tourism appeal.
Eric Fouch
John Svoboda
Kate Lieto
EVENTS CHAIR
After being a homebrewer for 25 years, he moved to Grand Rapids in 1997. He joined the Primetime Brewers Homebrew club and served as their president for 7 years. Eric founded Thornapple Brewing Company in 2017 and was elected to the Beer City Brewers Guild Board in 2023.
John Svoboda
John Svoboda
John Svoboda
MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
John, a Grand Rapids native, began home brewing in the mid-80s while working at local bars and studying Biology and Chemistry at Aquinas College, where he earned a BS and a teaching certification. After five years of part-time science teaching, he started at Grand Rapids Brewing Company, as a bartender and brewery assistan
MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
John, a Grand Rapids native, began home brewing in the mid-80s while working at local bars and studying Biology and Chemistry at Aquinas College, where he earned a BS and a teaching certification. After five years of part-time science teaching, he started at Grand Rapids Brewing Company, as a bartender and brewery assistant. In 1998, he became the head brewer. Ten years later, Greg Gilmore invited him to lead brewing at the BOB Brewery, where he still works today. “I love brewing beer and feel grateful every day to work with such great people. It’s a tough job, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m lucky.”
Michele Ary
John Svoboda
John Svoboda
MEDIA CHAIR
Michele brings 10+ years in hospitality and 7 years of experience in brand management and social media growth to the board. As a leader at BarFly, parent company of HopCat & formerly Grand Rapids Brewing Company, she is committed to enhancing the Guild’s digital presence and supporting local brewers.
Kris Klamer
Kris Klamer
Kris Klamer
TREASURER
Kris is a 2017 graduate of the GRCC Craft Brewing program. He manages Brewhouse & Cellar Operations at White Flame Brewing and is also a Roaster Operator and packaging lead at Quadrum Coffee Roasters. Outside of work, Kris enjoys foraging, spending time on the lakeshore, cooking, and breadmaking.
Kyle Basham
Kris Klamer
Kris Klamer
PRO-AM CHAIR
BIO COMING SOON
Ralf Hugger
Kris Klamer
Ralf Hugger
BOARD MEMBER
BIO COMING SOON