Consociate Media Partner and Chief Brand Strategist Michael Kimball has been appointed an Associate Director to the Virginia Wineries Association (VWA) Board of Directors, effective immediately.
The VWA is a wine community that shares ideas and resources to benefit everyone in the Virginia Wine Industry. The nonprofit that formed in 1983 promotes viticulture and vintner practices that ensure the highest quality wine production among its member wineries.
“I love Virginia wine and being a part of a team, and I crave making an impact,” Kimball said. “I am looking forward to doing that to the best of my abilities in this new role in this new stage of my career.”
Kimball brings a unique perspective to VWA, having held multiple positions at one of Virginia’s largest wineries, including vice president. During his tenure there he also created and hosted one of the first Virginia wine-centric podcasts. Kimball is now the creative voice in marketing wineries from Virginia’s Eastern Shore to the Blue Ridge Mountains at Consociate Media, where he was named Partner in 2020. He joined the $1.8 million media, marketing and management firm that represents multiple sectors, including wine and craft beer and food and beverage in 2019.
Kimball embraces innovative storytelling that focuses on people, passion and place in that order.
“I’ve always aspired to make a difference in this industry and am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the group that is tasked with doing that,” Kimball said. “I have a passion for it and enjoy being part of the leadership that works directly with the wineries in the Commonwealth.”
Over the years, Kimball has participated in numerous industry organizations and made professional connections across the country. He served as Chairman of the Williamsburg Tasting Trail, as a Board Member of the Colonial Virginia Wine Trail and on the Virginia Oyster Trail Management Team as well as participating in the marketing advisory group for the Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee.
Kimball has enjoyed judging prominent Virginia wine competitions such as the Shenandoah Valley Wine Competition and the Monticello Cup Wine Competition. In January 2024, he judged the preliminary round of the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup® competition.
Kimball is a Vermont native who graduated from Rutgers University.
The 13-person VWA Board members also include George Hodson, President; Jennifer Breaux, Vice President; Lacey Huber, Secretary; Mitzi Batterson, Treasurer; Justin Rose, Past President; Stephen Barnard, Director; Ed Cowdrey, Director; Athena Eastwood, Director; Shannon Horton, Director; Ben Jordan; Director Stan Joynes, Director; Bill Travis, Director; and Kimball, Associate Director.
This is the second time that Kimball has been a member of the VWA Board, having previously served as Vice President.