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New to the Board of Directors is Annie McGinnis, Co-Owner & Business Development Manager at  Vine Street Brewing Company. She will be serving as Secretary of the Board and Chair of the NB2A Marketing Committee.

Annie McGinnis has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, she has worked across restaurants and hotels, including opening large concepts in Southern California and Kansas City. In 2011, she shifted gears to create a commercial/residential cleaning business, Swept Away, allowing more time with her young daughter. In 2021, the opportunity to join Vine Street Brewing Co. aligned perfectly with her family’s needs. Introduced to the beer industry by Kemet Coleman, a former employee from a past restaurant and co-founder of Vine Street Brewing Co., Annie not only learned the brewing process but also discovered a passion for different beer styles. While initially drawn to Belgians as a bourbon and whiskey fan, she found her true love in stouts, especially anything barrel-aged.

Read our interview with Annie to learn more about her and what inspires her to support the NB2A and it's members:

Never being a big beer fan prior, I was introduced to the industry by Kemet Coleman, who was formerly an employee of mine at another concept 15 years ago. He was aware that I had been a part of a few large restaurant openings in Southern California and in Kansas City in the past and was looking to add that experience to the team. I have 25+ years in the hospitality industry in almost all aspects of the business from restaurants to hotels. In 2011 I left the industry and created my own small commercial/residential cleaning company, Swept Away, which allowed me to be present for my young daughter.  In 2021 the opportunity to join Vine Street came at the right time in my family's life. 

With all of our collaborations prior to us opening, not only did I spend time learning the process of brewing but also enjoyed becoming familiar with different styles. Being a bourbon and whiskey lover I was immediately drawn to Belgians but realize now, I'm team Stouts. Pour me anything barrel-aged and that's a bonus. 

Being part of NB2A is about making space, amplifying voices, and ensuring that Black brewers have access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive. My role at Vine Street has given me firsthand experience in building a brand and fostering community engagement. I hope to bring that perspective to NB2A by helping develop programs that support Black-owned breweries in business growth, visibility, and sustainability. The demand for inclusive, community-driven craft beer experiences is growing, and Black brewers have an incredible chance to lead that movement.

I'd love to assist in expanding access to resources for Black-owned breweries, creating mentorship opportunities, and advocating for greater industry representation. I want to see more Black brewers not just enter the space but thrive in it. Creating a bridge between breweries and the communities they are in that allows both to flourish. I’m also passionate about fostering partnerships between Black-owned breweries and larger industry players to create more growth opportunities.

I hope to engage with and support NB2A members by creating spaces for open dialogue, collaboration, and education. Whether through workshops, networking events, or direct mentorship, I want NB2A members to feel supported and connected.

Many people don’t know that I’ve played classical piano since I was six years old, once dreaming of becoming a concert pianist and performing at Carnegie Hall. While my path led me in a different direction, my love for music remains. I’m also an avid traveler—there’s something about immersing myself in places rich with history and vibrant culture that makes an experience unforgettable, especially with a great beer in hand. When outside of the brewery, I still make time for running, even if my long-distance race days are behind me. Running a mile or two each day helps me clear my mind and relieve stress. And of course, priority one is my quality time with my beautiful daughter as it won't be long before she is off to college.

Our last new Board member, is Rich Bloomfield, Co-Founder and CEO of  Funkytown Brewery, Rich will be serving as Treasurer of the Board.

Rich Bloomfield grew up in Oak Park, IL and attended Grambling State University, an HBCU in Louisiana where he received a BS in Marketing. He has a broad skill-set with over 10 years of project management experience. He is currently the CEO and co-founder of Funkytown Brewery, a start-up Black-owned brewery in Chicago that launched October 2021. His previous role in education equity and now leading an award-winning brewery introducing underserved groups to craft beer; introducing a different culture into the beer world.

Get to know Rich in this Q&A and why he has chosen to serve NB2A and the Black beer community:

What led you to join the brewing industry?

My co-founders and I were always the only dudes showing up to parties, BBQs, co-ed baby showers, etc., with craft beer. At these events, Black people, women, Latino people, and other intersections were always curious about the beer—why we were into it, the beer style, label designs, front-end vs. back-end taste, and the aromatics. We realized that Black people and underserved groups do like craft beer, but there has never been outreach to introduce them to the community. That’s where Funkytown Brewery comes into play—authentic outreach to introduce underserved communities to craft beer.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and experience in beer or business?

I started homebrewing in 2017 with the goal of going pro. We launched Funkytown Brewery beer in the Chicago market in 2021, so I currently have a little over four years of experience growing a start-up brewery. Prior to beer, I was in project management for 12+ years, specializing in survey deployment and analytics.

Do you have a favorite style of beer to brew or drink?

Hip-Hops and R&Brew, Funkytown’s flagship American pale ale. It’s the beer that we homebrewed over and over to lead our product story—creating an aromatic, flavorful, palatable beer that both the craft beer newcomer and aficionado will enjoy.

What motivated you to join the board of the National Black Brewers Association?

I want to be involved in seeing this segment of the industry grow, and I have significant successes and mistakes that I can share to help build capacity for risk identification and strategic planning.

What are your top priorities as a board member?

My top priorities are ensuring the organization’s books are clean for accounting, funds are budgeted and allocated for the most critical areas for organization and member growth, and that there is clear communication internally and externally with members and the public.

How do you hope to engage with and support NB2A members?

I hope to catch up with members in person at events or over email. I look forward to hearing the stories and concerns that affect operators and figuring out if there are any gaps that the NB2A can fill.

What’s something unique about you that people might not know?

My sneaker collection is beautiful. But it’s not like people don’t know that—I’m usually wearing heat. My book collection is also nice, and I believe in reading as a critical component of continuous learning.

Updated Board of Directors Roster

Jon Renthrope, President

Garrett Oliver, 1st Vice President

Ale Sharpton, 2nd Vice President

Annie McGinnis, Secretary

Rich Bloomfield, Treasurer 

Marcus Baskerville, Past President

Celeste Beatty

Alisa Bowens-Mercado

Denise Ford-Sawadogo

Skinny Deville 

Christopher Harris

Rodney Hines

Khris Johnson

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As we step into 2025, the National Black Brewers Association Board of Directors is more energized than ever to drive our mission forward. With a steadfast commitment to fostering Black excellence in brewing, advocating for industry equity, and expanding opportunities for Black-owned breweries, we are poised to make an even greater impact in the coming year.

Their passion for this movement goes beyond the boardroom—it’s rooted in the craft, the culture, and the community that defines Black brewing. They are inspired by the brewers who continue to break barriers, the beer lovers who support this mission, and the allies who stand with us in making the industry more inclusive.

From expanding resources and opportunities to amplifying Black voices in beer, they are ready to champion real change. The momentum is here, and we invite you to be a part of it. Whether you’re a brewer, an enthusiast, or an advocate, your support fuels our journey.

2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for the NB2A—so let’s raise a glass to progress, innovation, and unity in craft beer. Cheers to what’s ahead!