Meet Our Staff
Stuart Spencer
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Stuart Spencer began his career with the Lodi Winegrape Commission in 1999 as the Program Manager where he was instrumental in conceptualizing and guiding many of the region’s successful marketing, research and education, and sustainable viticulture programs, including LODI RULES. Today, Stuart remains heavily involved in these areas serving as the Executive Director at the pleasure of the region’s 750 winegrowers. As the principal spokesperson for the Lodi appellation and respected winegrower, winemaker, and Lodi industry expert, Stuart participates regularly in promotional and educational opportunities throughout the United States and abroad, raising awareness of Lodi’s distinctive winegrapes and wines.
Stephanie L. Bolton, PhD
RESEARCH & EDUCATION DIRECTOR
LODI RULES SUSTAINABLE WINEGROWING DIRECTOR
stephanie@lodiwine.com
Having joined the Lodi Winegrape Commission in 2016, Dr. Stephanie Bolton leads the grower research, education, and communications initiatives, along with the LODI RULES sustainable winegrowing certification program, providing targeted and daily support to Lodi winegrowers in these areas. Stephanie’s role is key in facilitating effective networking and scientific communication for progressive winegrowing among the 750 farmers in the community – linking growers to the resources they need to farm to their full potential. When Stephanie isn’t collaborating on exciting viticulture projects or out in the vineyards, you can find her in Marin Co. exploring the coastal headlands.
Katie Ann Crippen
MARKETING ASSISTANT
Katie Ann Crippen joined the team as the Marketing Assistant at the Lodi Winegrape Commission in 2019. Katie’s background in marketing and wine business strategies combined with her knowledge of Adobe design software and her experience in DTC sales makes her essential for helping to execute the finer details of the Commission’s marketing and public relations initiatives including advertising, social media, email, brand management, and media and trade outreach. When Katie isn’t busy sending Jenny 100 emails, she’s more than likely playing with, talking about, or doting over her adorable four-legged fur baby, Buttercup.
Gabriella Goode
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Gabriella Goode came on board as the Administrative Assistant at the Lodi Winegrape Commission in 2020. With a background in and a passion for agriculture, Gabriella’s keen attention to detail and friendly attitude allow her to excel at guiding the day-to-day operations of the office and providing timely and efficient support to Lodi winegrowers and the entire Commission team in the areas of grower education and outreach, marketing, and events. When she’s not managing schedules and tasks, Gabriella is loving on her new baby, Hailie, while trying to keep up with her active toddler, Gianna.
Jenny Heitman
INTEGRATED MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Jenny Heitman began her career with the Lodi Winegrape Commission in 2010, working as a wine educator in the Lodi Wine Visitor Center. Today, she guides the organization’s marketing and public relations initiatives. Jenny’s role is fundamental in managing brand consistency across all departments and in establishing strategies for advertising, social media, email, and media and trade outreach to increase awareness, perception, and value of the Lodi appellation, winegrowers, diverse winegrapes, and wines. When Jenny is not busy responding to Katie’s emails, she’s cooking for, reading to, or chasing after her energetic toddler, Rustyn.
Paul R. Marsh, CS
VISITOR CENTER MANAGER WINE CLUB DIRECTOR
Paul Marsh joined the Lodi Winegrape Commission in 2021 as the Lodi Wine Visitor Center Manager and Wine Club Director. A certified sommelier, Paul’s extensive experience in wine education, food and beverage programming, customer service, and business management has been key to his success in managing the day-to-day operations of the Visitor Center, creating guest and wine club member experiences, and fueling membership and sales for the Lodi Wine Club.
Kim Miller
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Kim Miller joined the Lodi Winegrape Commission in 2017 as the Accounting Manager. A master of prioritization, Kim’s considerable experience in business management along with her sharp analytical skills are integral to her role in managing the general accounting functions for both the Lodi Winegrape Commission and its 501 (c)(3) – the California Wine Education Foundation – including, but not limited to: accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll, audits, insurance, and taxes. When Kim is not crunching numbers, you’ll likely find her traveling with her husband Ron, making memories with family – grandkids and Bella, her Aussie Border “child,” included – cooking, running, or working out at the gym.