USBG Announces 2026 National Officer Appointments and New Board Member

"Members who choose to serve their communities are the backbone of the US Bartenders' Guild." - Bo Shuff, Executive Director, USBG

HENDERSON, NV - Today the United States Bartenders' Guild (USBG) announces the organization's national leadership officers for 2026. They include a returning President, a promoted officer, one newly appointed officer, and a role reprisal for a long-serving officer.

National Officers

• President - Ingrid Shawn Rodriguez: Based in St. Petersburg, FL, Ingrid is the US Educator and Florida Area Manager for WhistlePig Whiskey. Ingrid has been actively involved in multiple larger organizations for over 20 years, serving in the local capacity as Director, Treasurer and President of NAWIC Tampa and ICRI FWC and serving nationally as the ICRI Region 1 Director, the Chair of the Conventions committee, and voting member in the Chapters Committee & Women in ICRI.

• Vice President - Lisa Belczyk: Lisa previously served as National Secretary and President of USBG Pittsburgh. She is an educator and experience designer, exploring the intersection of art, history, culture, food, and beverage. A classically trained musician who specialized in aesthetic education and imaginative learning, she designed innovative education and community programs for nearly a decade and a half, contributing to the mission and vision of the Grammy Award-winning Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

• Secretary - Tracy Gomez: A member of the USBG Salt Lake City community, Tracy says when she was hired at her first restaurant industry job over 15 years ago, she was warned by a coworker: "careful, you get sucked in." Her coworker was right. A job Tracy needed to support herself while in school turned out to be the beginning of a career she loves. She has served as a chapter Vice President and as a member of the local Board of Directors. In 2017 she joined the National Council of Chapters as a representative of the Southwest region, and served on that body first as co-Vice Chair and then as Regional Chair, until summer 2020.

• Treasurer - Joseph "Joey" Fredrickson: Joey, who calls Cincinnati home, reprises his role as Treasurer. His passion inside the hospitality industry is to be a positive influence to talented young industry professionals, teaching them habits that lead towards sustainable healthy lifestyles. Prior to accepting the nomination for National Board, Joey served two terms as the chair of the National Council of Chapters.

Robin Nance joins the Board of Directors

Industry veteran Robin Nance, who is based in New Albany, Indiana, has been appointed for a one-year term for 2026. She fills the position previously held by Anu Apte, who stepped down from her post prior to the completion of her three-year term.

For over thirty years, Robin has navigated the intricate landscape of hospitality, honing her skills and nurturing her innate ability to connect with others. From her early days working in restaurants, nightclubs, and bars to her role as Director of Trade Engagement and Advocacy for Beam Suntory, Robin's career trajectory has been a testament to her boundless dedication and tireless advocacy for those within her community.

Said USBG Executive Director Bo Shuff, "Members who choose to serve their communities are the backbone of the US Bartenders' Guild. Our Board of Directors and the Officers have taken that service to the next level. They donate countless hours to community building, education and advocacy to strengthen the bartending community and hospitality industry. We are grateful to Lisa and Tracy for taking on new roles and welcome Robin's support for USBG."

About the United States Bartenders' Guild

Founded in 1948, the United States Bartenders' Guild is the national, member-led not-for-profit association of bartenders and other hospitality professionals that unites and elevates the bar industry through education, community, and advocacy. Through its network, the USBG connects members with peer-to-peer learning, expert instruction, service projects, and skills-based competition, all while fostering a fun and healthy environment and reinforcing the importance of the 'third place' in neighborhoods across the country.