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For Immediate Release
November 13, 2020
CAPS announces new national president Lesley Brown
– Hospitality industry veteran replaces outgoing president Mark DeWolf
for three-year term –
Vancouver, BC. The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS, http://sommelierscanada.com) – Canada’s only national sommelier association — is delighted to announce that Lesley Brown will assume the role of incoming national president, for a three-year term.
Ms. Brown follows past president Mark DeWolf and most recently served as CAPS Canada vice president and was president of CAPS’ British Columbia chapter. A 20-year veteran of the wine and hospitality industry, she is currently the vice president of sales and marketing at Vancouver-based agency, HQ Wine + Spirits.
“We are thrilled that Lesley is assuming the reigns as CAPS’ leader,” said Mr. DeWolf. “Her unique ability to spearhead a long-term vision while managing the day to day challenges of our culturally diverse sommunity will continue CAPS’ growth for years to come.” He added, “ I can think of no one better suited to guide the organization in its mission to build a national community of sommeliers in Canada.”
“Thanks to the work done under the past leadership, we have a great opportunity now to raise the bar of sommellerie even higher in Canada,” commented Ms. Brown. “My mandate is to continue to expand on our pillars of education, communication, professional development, events, competitions, inclusion and diversity in a continued effort to unify our sommeliers from coast to coast and position CAPS Canada as leader in our industry.”
She continued, “On behalf of CAPS, we’d like to thank Mark for his dedication, achievements and strong leadership over the past term and wish him the best in his bid for role of vice president, Americas, Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI).”
Throughout the past several years, CAPS has solidified its identity as a bicoastal operation, and enjoyed international renown with both its national and regional events and competitions. The not-for-profit association places equal emphasis on education, mentorship, and communication and is committed to a long-term vision, while managing and embracing the day to day challenges of a culturally diverse, national constituency.
About CAPS
CAPS is a pan-Canadian association that brings together the sommelier profession, restaurant services and key stakeholders of the hospitality industry. CAPS is comprised of provincial chapters based in Halifax (CAPS Atlantic), Montreal (ACSP Quebec), Toronto (CAPS Ontario), Winnipeg (CAPS Manitoba) and Vancouver (CAPS BC). Passionately dedicated to service, CAPS is committed to building a strong community of sommeliers and fostering the growth of the culture of hospitality in Canada. Visit www.sommelierscanada.com, follow @caps_bc, @ACSP-Quebec @caps_ac and @caps.ontario #CAPS #sommunity.
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For more information, visuals or to arrange an interview or broadcast segment with a CAPS spokesperson, contact Susan Willemsen at The Siren Group Inc. Tel.: 416-461-1567. Email: susan@thesirengroup.com, www.thesirengroup.com or @thesirengroup.
