Boulder, Colo. — The Brewers Association (BA), a nonprofit trade organization representing small, independent American craft brewers, has unveiled the recipients of its 2025 Industry Awards. These prestigious honors, established in 1987, recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the craft beer community. This year’s winners will be celebrated during a special ceremony on April 30, 2025, at the Craft Brewers Conference® (CBC) in Indianapolis.
“We are thrilled to congratulate this year’s award recipients. Their unwavering dedication and advocacy have been integral to the growth and success of the craft brewing industry,” said Bart Watson, President and CEO of the Brewers Association. “We commend their remarkable achievements and thank them for their invaluable contributions.”
2025 Industry Award Recipients:
Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing
- Ron Jeffries (in memoriam), Founder, Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales (Dexter, Mich.)
Named in honor of Russell Schehrer, a founding partner of Wynkoop Brewing Company, this award recognizes individuals or companies for their groundbreaking contributions to the craft brewing industry. Ron Jeffries, who passed away in 2024, is the recipient of this year’s award.
Jeffries, a trailblazer in the craft beer movement, co-founded Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales in 2004 with his wife, Laurie. Known for its innovative wild and oak-aged sour beers, Jolly Pumpkin made an immediate mark, earning a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival® in its first year. As a longtime supporter and board member of the Michigan Brewers Guild, Jeffries also played a pivotal role in shaping the craft beer landscape both locally and globally. His legacy is defined by his commitment to artisan brewing and the innovation he brought to the industry.
Brewers Association Recognition Award
- The NC Beer Community
The NC Beer Community is the recipient of the 2025 Recognition Award, which honors individuals, groups, or organizations whose enthusiasm and support have contributed significantly to the craft beer movement.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation in September 2024, which caused widespread damage and loss of life across North Carolina, the NC beer community showed extraordinary resilience. Over 20 inches of rain and severe flooding impacted over 7,000 roads and 650 bridges. Asheville, in particular, faced severe water system failures, leaving residents without access to potable water for over 50 days. Breweries across the state stepped up, transforming their taprooms into emergency supply hubs and providing vital relief.
The NC Craft Brewers Guild launched the “Pouring for Neighbors” campaign, raising $250,000 through national brewery support. Through its new nonprofit, the NC Craft Brewers Foundation, the guild has distributed $152,000 in grants, aiding breweries in rebuilding efforts and ensuring they continue to serve their communities.
F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award
- Ted Zeller, Norris-McLaughlin, and the Brewers of Pennsylvania
This award, named for the late F.X. Matt of F.X. Matt Brewing Co., honors individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to defending the small brewing industry.
Ted Zeller, this year’s recipient, is a trailblazer in beer law. He made headlines in 2006 when he led a landmark case against InBev, which ultimately led to long-term collaborations with D.G. Yuengling & Son. Zeller played a crucial role in defending the interests of craft brewers, helping secure victories like opposing harmful franchise law expansions in Pennsylvania and advocating for legislation that streamlined beer sales and registration processes.
His work was instrumental in positioning Pennsylvania as one of the most favorable states for craft breweries. “Ted has been the agent of change that turned Pennsylvania into one of the best states for breweries,” said Tom Kehoe of Yards Brewing.
Brewers Association Mentor of the Year Award
- Shawn Mullen, Stone Brewing Company
Shawn Mullen, recipient of the 2025 Mentor of the Year Award, has been a dedicated mentor to industry professionals, offering guidance and support to both individuals and businesses. Mullen, who joined the Brewers Association’s inaugural mentorship cohort in 2021, has a history of fostering talent and helping others excel in the craft beer industry.
Starting his career in the 1990s, Mullen helped build a craft-focused program for a Massachusetts liquor store group. His career has since included roles at Wallace Brewing, The Odom Corporation, and Stone Brewing, where he currently serves as Director of National Accounts for the East Coast. Mullen also earned his Advanced Cicerone certification in 2022 and joined the Brewers Association’s Market Development Committee in 2024.
“Shawn has been the professor of craft beer I always hoped for,” said Chris Housman, one of Mullen’s mentees. “He builds bridges and shows the path forward, empowering others to succeed.”
About the Brewers Association
Award recipients are nominated by their peers and chosen through votes by the Brewers Association Board of Directors, members of the craft brewing community, and previous award winners.
In addition to its Industry Awards, the Brewers Association also oversees two major professional brewing competitions: the Great American Beer Festival Competition and the World Beer Cup®.
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