Leadership transition at Northwest Cider Association
Jana Daisy-Ensign (left) and Emily Ritchie (right)
After nearly 12 years of leadership, Emily Ritchie has decided to step down as Executive Director of the Northwest Cider Association (NWCA) on July 31st, 2026. The NWCA board has appointed long-time friendly familiar face of the industry Jana Daisy-Ensign as Interim Director starting August 1st.
Since joining NWCA in 2015, Ritchie has helped guide the organization from formative beginnings to where it stands today, as one of the most well funded and respected regional beverage associations in the country. During her tenure, the association expanded its membership and impact, secured more than $4.5 million in grants and sponsorships, strengthened advocacy efforts and developed signature programs including Northwest Cider Symposium and the Northwest Cider Cup, recognized as one of the industry's most rigorous and prestigious cider competitions in the Pacific Northwest. Grant funding supported research, orchard and fermentation education, quality initiatives, market development and exploration of international trade opportunities, helping elevate the reputation of Northwest cider and extend its influence far beyond the region.
Over the past 16 years, NWCA has grown alongside the cider industry into a leading regional trade association serving cideries, orchardists, allied supplier partners and cider fans across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and British Columbia. Today, the organization is recognized as a trusted voice for cider, a valuable resource for cider education and marketing and a model for regional collaboration.
"Emily's leadership has had a lasting impact on both our organization and the Northwest cider community," said Andrew Byers, President of the NWCA Board of Directors. "She leaves NWCA strong, resilient and well positioned for the future. On behalf of the Board, we are deeply grateful for her vision, dedication and more than a decade of service."
In 2024, Ritchie received the American Cider Association's Significant Impact Award, one of the industry's highest honors, recognizing her lasting contributions to the cider community. She was also honored with two SIP Magazine awards, reflecting excellence in communications and leadership.
The Board emphasized that NWCA enters this transition from a position of strength with a highly qualified and dedicated staff, more than a year of operating reserves, multiple active grant funded initiatives, a clear strategic plan, established organizational systems, and strong relationships with members, partners and funders.
The Board has appointed Jana Daisy-Ensign as Interim Director starting the transition Aug 1. Daisy-Ensign has been with NWCA for nearly seven years, including serving as Deputy Director. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the craft beverage industry, including 12 years in the Pacific Northwest cider industry and nearly a decade of nonprofit leadership expertise. One of the world's first Certified Pommeiliers, she serves as Competition Co-Director of the Northwest Cider Cup and received NWCA's sole Northwest Cider Leadership Award in 2019.
Ritchie reflects on the value of the relationships and connections made as she prepares for her next chapter. "Serving the Northwest Cider Association has been the honor of my professional career," Ritchie said. "I am incredibly proud of what this community has accomplished together
and grateful to the members, partners, volunteers, staff, and Board who made it possible. I leave knowing the organization is strong and well positioned for continued success."
About Northwest Cider Association
For more than 15 years, the Northwest Cider Association (NWCA) has brought cideries and cider lovers together to learn, experience and enjoy the Northwest cider culture. Representing more than 300 cider professionals throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and British Columbia, the group is dedicated to supporting, promoting and growing its thriving industry. For more information, visit NWCider.comand follow @nwcider on social media.