02/19/2025

Kris Gardner Appointed Executive Director of the North Carolina Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association

Shared on behalf of the NCBWWA

RALEIGH, N.C., February 19, 2025 -- The North Carolina Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association is pleased to announce that Kris Gardner has been hired to serve as the organization’s next Executive Director.

Gardner has served as general counsel to NCBWWA for over 20 years. During his tenure as legal counsel, he has advised beer and wine distributors statewide on various regulatory issues throughout the industry. He has also worked on dozens of bills at the General Assembly that have helped shape sound beverage alcohol policy in North Carolina. Gardner is known for his dedication to state-based alcohol laws that encourage responsible alcohol consumption through an independent distribution tier. He is preceded as Executive Director by Tim Kent, who passed away unexpectedly late last year.

"We are very excited to welcome Kris as our next Executive Director. With his extensive experience and passion for responsible alcohol policy, Kris’s transition from General Counsel to Executive Director will be seamless," said Tim Bauguess, NCBWWA’s Chairman.

Gardner added, "Although I have served as General Counsel for many years, it is a tremendous honor to be the next Executive Director of the North Carolina Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to work alongside our members and Associate Director Mary Catherine Green."

Gardner will continue to serve as NCBWWA’s legal counsel. He is currently a partner at Tharrington Smith, LLP in Raleigh, where he began his legal career in 2002. He earned a law degree from North Carolina Central University and a bachelor's degree in political science from UNC Chapel Hill. He lives in Raleigh with his wife and three children and loves the great outdoors.

About the North Carolina Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association

Founded in 1936, NCBWWA is a nonprofit trade association organized to promote and protect the general business interests of beer and wine distributors in North Carolina. North Carolina beer and wine distributors are locally owned and operated businesses. They provide the critical link in the state’s beer and wine distribution network by offering adult consumers the choice they desire at a great value, while ensuring a safe and orderly marketplace. NCBWWA works with local and federal officials to develop policies that ensure equity and fairness for its member organizations.

Learn more at ncbeerwine.org.