Jim Trezise 
President
Jim Trezise became President of WineAmerica in 2017 after serving more than 20 years on the organization’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
Jim has been involved with the grape and wine industry since 1982. He was President of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, which he co-created in 1985.
Jim has served on the boards of national and international organizations involved with public policy, research, marketing, and trade. He has received several national awards or accolades for his contributions to the American wine industry. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and judges in many wine competitions around the world.
Jim earned a B.A. in Psychology from Allegheny College, and an M.A. in International Communications from American University in Washington, DC. He lives and works on Keuka Lake in New York’s fabulous Finger Lakes wine region.
Michael Kaiser
Executive Director
mkaiser@wineamerica.org
202-223-5172
Michael became Executive Director of WineAmerica in May 2026 after nearly twenty years with the organization. As Executive Director, he will continue in his roles as the director of government affairs and principal administrator while adding responsibilities involving membership development and strategic planning execution.
Michael is the main voice of WineAmerica on Capitol Hill, taking WineAmerica’s message to Members of Congress and their staff. Michael is also the main point of contact between the organization and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and other federal agencies and handles general regulatory concerns for WineAmerica members.
Michael is a regular fixture at industry trade shows and conferences throughout the country and handles press inquiries related to public policy. He has been quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Associated Press, Reuters, Wine Business Monthly, Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator.
Prior to joining WineAmerica, Michael provided research and logistical support to two DC based lobbying firms. He also handled compliance issues with a major political party. Michael earned his BA in American Studies and Political Science from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ and a MA in Political Science from American University in Washington, DC.