Shea Cusick, an avid craft beer enthusiast who has worked within the vibrant craft beverage industry, recently became Maine Brewer’s Guild’s new Executive Director. Previously, Cusick was the Sales Manager at Nonesuch River Brewing in Scarborough, Maine. During her time with Nonesuch, she built a strong sales program, working directly with distributors and on-premises accounts to significantly increase the number of barrels sold. She also sits on the Guild’s legislative and events committees and is a certified beer server through the Cicerone Program. Fun fact: Her night light as child was the Blatz beer sign (an Old Milwaukee product), which might have something to do with her finding her way into the brewing industry!

Currently Cusick is part of the leadership team of the Pink Boots Society and contributes to some of its financial duties. She is also enrolled in the Certified Server Training for the second phase of the Cicerone Program, which requires several years of study. At Maine Brew & Bev Guide, we wanted to get to know her a bit.

What style of beer do you enjoy most?

Always the next one! I like sampling different beers everywhere I go and am open to trying something new. I always ask the server what they are excited about and hear the story behind the beer.

What brought you into the Maine craft beverage industry?

My first introduction to it was working for the Maine Brew Bus out of Portland, and during the tours, I probably visited Nonesuch Brewing hundreds of times. I got to know owners Tim, Michael, and Jeff and that led to a job offer. But also, I’ve been a big craft beer fan for many years. I spent time learning about as many breweries as I could get to in Maine and beyond.

How does your skillset from previous roles help you in new position?

I come from a family of salespeople and I spent many years working in restaurants and bars honing my service skills. Then, I moved to New England from Ohio working with Eastern Mountain Sports and Trader Joe’s mostly. That’s when I started really getting into beer. Sometimes when you work a variety of jobs over a long period of time, it isn’t obvious to you that you are building a foundation out of skills and concepts that will one day serve you well. I’m fortunate because now I see that I was building the foundation for this role.

What are some early plans for your role at Maine Brewers’ Guild?

Elections for Brewer’s Guild positions start in June. We’re looking for interested people to join and to get back to the full strength of our board of directors. I’m looking forward to visiting brewers around the state and listening to what’s going on in their environment, towns, and breweries, etc. to find commonalties. I believe wholeheartedly in collaboration and I am excited to have a tourism-packed summer and ride out this momentum. The Guild is in a good spot now; our brewers are resilient, and have come out of the other side after Covid-19 pandemic even more united and connected.

What Maine activities do you enjoy most?

We live in Cape Elizabeth and I enjoy hiking and kayaking—anything on water or in woods in the summer. In the winter, I love snowshoeing. I also enjoy coaching my son’s team for Flag Football.

What do you see as a pressing need right now?

As we emerge from the pandemic, we are looking to form an Events Committee to develop new ideas for the Guild to bring people together. I am excited to work on new ways to support our members and local initiatives in Maine’s craft beverage industry.

To learn more about the Maine Brewers’ Guild visit:
www.mainebrewersguild.org

— Story by Kay Stephens