Board of Directors
WINE WOMEN organization is run by the all-volunteer Board of Directors and Forum Chairs who plan and execute all the organization’s activities. Click on the Directors’ names below to learn more about them.
The Founder Advisory Board
Ashley Burnett, President
Ashley Burnett grew up in Fresno, California where her love for the wine industry and nonprofit work began. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2005 and stayed in Los Angeles working in account management and telecom sales until 2017 when she finally made the move to her dream city Napa, California. Ashley pivoted into the wine industry as Senior Manager for US Partnerships and Business Development for NakedWines.com, then to her first time working at a winery as Guest Services at Corison Winery under the legendary Cathy Corison. Now, she is an Account Manager at H&A Barrel Management where she gets to combine all the things she loves: wine, account management and our community! Ashley was WINE WOMEN’S Business Development Director for 1 year before taking over as President in 2021. She looks forward to the continued growth of WINE WOMEN and being inspired by all of the amazing women in the Northern California wine industry.
Jen Lessner , Membership Director
Jen Lessner is a strategic, revenue-focused marketing leader who blends data-driven strategy and actionable insights, fueled by varied experiences and an authentic passion for the wine industry. A Chicago native who grew up in Northern California just an hour from Napa Valley, her proximity to wine country made her journey into the industry both seamless and inspired. She began her career at Delicato Family Wines and later joined O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, leading insight-driven campaigns that strengthened brands, expanded distribution, and delivered measurable growth. She later broadened her experience through contract-based marketing projects, partnering with wineries—including ASV Wines on brand development initiatives and executing a 3-pack bottle mailer program within the trade channel. Jen values building strong relationships and looks forward to supporting growth that strengthens this wine community.
Outside of work, she enjoys time with her fiancé and toddler daughter— doing bubble games, park adventures, and playtime outings.
Cara Schlanger , Program Director
Cara Schlanger is a marketing and eCommerce executive with a proven track record of driving growth, brand expansion, and customer engagement for global brands. She began her career in publishing, working on iconic titles like Sunset, Time Inc. Health, and Reader’s Digest, which took her to Sydney to lead marketing across the Asia-Pacific region. She later became General Manager of Marketing at Australian Consolidated Press.
Cara returned to the Bay Area to join Williams-Sonoma, Inc., where she helped lead the global expansion of West Elm, Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn brands, launching retail locations and 35+ websites across eight countries. She also brings startup experience from Tavolo.com and most recently led marketing and eCommerce at Cozey.
A dual U.S.–Italy citizen, Cara lives full-time in Napa, where she’s had a home for over 12 years. She enjoys travel, gardening, cooking, and yoga—and is currently exploring a career pivot into the wine industry while supporting mission-driven organizations.
Morét Brealynn , Enrichment Director
Morét Brealynn is currently the owner-winemaker of her eponymous winery, Morét-Brealynn, as well as the General Manager for multiple small boutique wineries and a wine consulting business. She has been in the wine industry for over 10 years, starting in the tasting room at Silver Oak for two years. She then moved on to Kosta Browne, managing internal events and market travel for the winery Principles. From there, she managed the Hospitality and Events at Martinelli Winery then spent five years at HALL Wines, in PR, marketing, and an Executive Assistant role for Kathryn Hall. Her varied experience in events and organizational skills make her a wonderful addition as the Programs Director at WW. Morét is excited for the opportunity to connect with all the members at WINE WOMEN and discuss the programs and connections women are looking for in our industry. In Morét’s spare time, you’ll likely find her on a golf course or eating tacos with her fiancé, Adam, with their dog, Stout, in tow.
Briana Jeffs, Business Development Director
Briana Jeffs is a Sr. Vice President for the Wine Division at Silicon Valley Bank (Division of First Citizens Bank). She has spent over 17 years in evolving roles as a commercial banker and has committed the last several years focused on financing the wine industry. Briana spends much of her time in the market dedicated to deepening relationships with wineries by providing thought leadership and creative financial solutions. She’s excited to help drive future growth and success within the Wine Women organization.
Briana is a Wyoming native and completed her undergraduate and Master of Business Administration at the University of Wyoming. Upon her first visit to Napa Valley, she immediately fell in love with its beauty and community and hasn’t looked back since her move to wine country in 2019. In her spare time, Briana is a Certified Personal Trainer teaching small group fitness classes. She enjoys travel, all kinds of exercise and of course, great wine.
Johanna Holm, Marketing & Communications Director
Johanna (Jo) Meyers Holm is a marketing and events professional with over 15 years of professional experience in Northern California, specializing in event production, marketing strategy, and DTC hospitality. She is currently a Marketing & Event Consultant providing digital marketing and event services to small businesses. Before entering the freelance world, she worked as the Director of Marketing & Events for Elusa Winery and Tasting Room Manager for Larson Family Winery. Previously, she led regional sales teams at La Tavola Fine Linen Rental. With a background in project management and a B.A. in Studio Art and Art History from UC Irvine, she blends creativity with business acumen to craft impactful experiences. Passionate about community and connection, Jo is actively involved in industry networking groups, currently serving as President of ILEA Napa-Sonoma and is excited to be joining the board of Wine Women. Jo lives in Napa with her husband Erik and son Benjamin.
Beth Proctor, Treasurer
Beth Proctor graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in Business Administration, Accounting and Journalism. After many years working in various accounting roles in the telecommunications industry in Kansas City, Beth moved to the wine country in 2019 where she currently works for Boisset Collection on the accounting team. As the mother of two successful, adult daughters, she appreciates the opportunities that the WINE WOMEN organization offers for networking, mentoring and shining light on the many wonderful women in the industry.
Beth presently lives in Napa where she enjoys wine tasting, tropical travels, building new friendships and spending time with her daughters.
Jeanette C. Bolaños, Secretary
Jeanette is a newcomer to the wine industry after spending many years working in healthcare. She holds a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from USC. Never one to waste an opportunity to learn something new, she decided to lean into the idea of a midcareer shift and recently completed Sonoma State’s Executive Wine MBA program and is now working in Business and Finance Operations for Medlock Ames. She is excited to expand both her working knowledge and personal appreciation for all things wine. When she’s not trying to hone her palate, she’s spending time with her husband adventuring to parts unknown, or pursuing her other great joy – Flamenco dance performance. A new resident of Sonoma County, she’s looking forward to making new connections in this amazing industry.
Christine L. Mueller, President Emerita, Co-Founder
Christine Mueller has worked with Fortune 500 companies and has been the CEO of Marketing Made Simple/2Alibis LLC since 1999, with more than 25 years in advertising, media sales and marketing. Since the mid-90s, she has worked with wineries and hospitality-focused businesses to help them raise their visibility through web strategies, print advertising, PR and broadcast. Chris served as the president of the Napa-Sonoma Chapter of Women for WineSense from 2006 to 2015 and then as President of Wine Women. She is a current member of SFSU Hospitality and Tourism Management department’s Advisory Board, and delivered the commencement speech in May 2012. She has an Advanced Certificate from WSET, and serves as the Brand Ambassador for Spann Vineyards.
Marcia Macomber, Co-Founder
Marcia Macomber has served as Creator-in-Chief for Cornucopia Creations, her marketing and graphic design firm, for more than 20 years. Her clients range from large corporations, such as ClosetMaid, to small entrepreneurs, including gourmet chefs, small wineries, contractors, CPAs and sculptors. She served as Communications Director and Marketing Director of the Napa-Sonoma Chapter of Women for WineSense for five years and then as Marketing Director of Wine Women for three years. In addition to her marketing and design work, Marcia hosts the WINE WOMEN Radio Hour – a weekly show broadcast locally on KSVY 91.3 FM and downloadable as a podcast on the Radio Misfits Podcast Network across the US. She has been a past president and member of Business Network International (BNI) and is currently a member of the Sonoma chapter of Polka Dot Powerhouse.
Jackie Egidio, Co-Founder
California has always been Jackie Egidio’s home, first on the Central Coast and next in Nor-Cal wine country. She always admired the diversity of the West Coast’s landscape, and it’s no surprise to her that there is similar quality and variety businesses across Northern California. With over 20 years of experience in strategy management, finance and accounting, Jackie has been able to support industries from wine to wealth, and a few in between! She’s been an integral part of multiple business models, financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and wine costing. Helping her companies reach their strategic goals while continuing to learn and grow personally and professionally puts a smile on her face every time. It’s been most rewarding for her to network and support other women in both wine and finance. She knows that together, we share strategies and valuable insight that have helped us all move forward.
Ellen Reich Luchtel, Co-Founder
Ellen Reich Luchtel is owner and vintner, with her husband Gary Luchtel, of Fortunati Vineyards in Napa, where they grow and make remarkable wines including Chardonnay, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Ellen is an active member of CANVAS, Napa Valley Vintners, Napa Valley Grapegrowers, Napa County Farm Bureau, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley AVA and the Junior League of San Francisco. She served as Membership Director of the Napa-Sonoma Chapter of Women for WineSense for more than five years and then as Membership Director of WineWomen.