director of food & beverage

Since 2015, I have been dedicated to driving the Des Moines hospitality scene forward through the creation of unique beverage programs and by supporting education and training throughout the market. I have had the opportunity to build bar programs from scratch (Harbinger), consult on new projects (Middlebrook Mercantile), contribute my style to beloved local spots (Alba, RoCA) and work alongside some of the greatest bartenders in the Midwest (The Bartender’s Handshake). I certified as a Sommelier in 2017 and since then have shared my passion for wine with the community through countless events with WineFest Des Moines. Always striving to expand my own knowledge and experience, I completed my MBA from University of Iowa in 2021 and took pride in being the sole representative of the hospitality industry in the program.

credit: madeleine king

professional history

Director of Food & Beverage
Surety Hotel, Aparium Hotel Group, Mar 2022-Present

Restaurant Consultant
Freelance, Mar 2021-Feb 2022

Beverage Director, Marketing Manager
RoCA, Dec 2019-Feb 2022

Bartender
The Bartender’s Handshake, Oct 2019-Feb 2022

F&B Manager
Hilton Des Moines, Sep 2018-Oct 2019

General Manager
Alba, Harbinger, Jan 2016-Aug 2018

education & achievements

Winefest Des Moines ‘Iron Somm’ Winner
2019, 2022, 2024

University of Iowa
Master’s of Business Adminstration, May 2021

Court of Master Sommeliers
Certified Sommelier Examination, Oct 2017

Truman State University
Bachelor of Arts, May 2015

credit: madeleine king