Joseph Rollo Retires, Britta Purcell Becomes Manager, Member Relations
SAN FRANCISCO – Tom LaFaille has been named Wine Institute’s Director of International Trade Policy effective July 1. He assumes the position from Joseph Rollo who retired on June 30 after 22 years of service.
As Director of International Trade Policy, LaFaille will work with government agencies and industry groups to reduce foreign wine trade barriers and open new markets overseas. The government agencies include the United States Trade Representative, the Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA), Department of Commerce, U.S. Tax and Trade Bureau (International Division), Patent & Trademark Office and the State Department. LaFaille will represent the California wine industry on the World Wine Trade Group, the Agriculture Trade Advisory Committee (USDA), the California Council for International Trade and FIVS. He will also manage Wine Institute’s International Public Policy Committee and be a member of the Institute’s Technical Advisory Committee.
An attorney, LaFaille served as Wine Institute’s Member Relations Director from 2003 to 2010. Previously, he was U.S. Representative Mike Thompson’s top aide on Capitol Hill, handling winery-related legislation and regulatory matters for the Congressman and the Congressional Wine Caucus, including international wine trade issues.
Britta Purcell, who served as Coordinator, Member Relations, becomes Manager, Member Relations, effective July 1. Purcell has been with Wine Institute since 2005 working in the Member Relations Department. She is a graduate of UCLA with a degree in Political Science.
Linsey Gallagher remains Wine Institute’s Director of International Marketing.
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Journalists requiring further information can contact communications@wineinstitute.org
