Mazurak leaves his government post for the private sector
FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ/Press Release) — Jack Mazurak has joined the nonprofit trade group Kentucky Distillers’ Association as director of government and regulatory affairs.
Mazurak comes to KDA from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, where he spent more than six years as director and executive director of its office of marketing and public affairs.
During three governorships, Mazurak worked to attract, retain, and grow anchor industries throughout Kentucky, including spirits, automotive, metals, logistics and distribution, and aerospace.
Originally from upstate New York, Mazurak earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism/mass communication from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University.
KDA President Eric Gregory said Mazurak’s extensive experience in economic development and his experience in effective communication were instrumental in his hiring.
“Jack knows Bourbon is more than just a drink – it’s jobs, investment, tourism and more. He has a strong track record of working with industry and government to enhance the vibrancy of our Commonwealth and our communities,” said Gregory. “He is driven, determined and passionate about the growth and success of our industry, and his communications experience will be essential in delivering this message to elected officials and opinion leaders. We are proud to welcome him to our talented team of successful lawyers.
Mazurak said he looks forward to the opportunities ahead.
“Working with the distilling industry over the past six years, I have seen firsthand how Bourbon creates jobs, attracts tourists from around the world, generates new tax revenue and builds more vibrant communities,” did he declare. “I am grateful to the KDA – its board, member companies and staff – for this opportunity. I look forward to working with elected officials at all levels of government to further develop the growth of the spirits industry and secure Kentucky’s rightful title as the one and true home of Bourbon.
Founded in 1880, the KDA is the voice of the state for bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse members produce the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbons, from legendary global brands to emerging micro distilleries building the next generation of timeless craftsmanship.
Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic industries, a thriving $8.6 billion economic and tourism engine that generates more than 20,100 jobs with an annual payroll exceeding $1 billion each year, and accounts for more $300 million in local and state taxes and $1.8 billion in federal liquor taxes.
A key export, the iconic industry is currently in the midst of a $5.1 billion construction boom, ranging from innovative new tourism experiences to expanded production facilities, bottling centers and aging warehouses, all to satisfy the growing global thirst for Kentucky Bourbon.
Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 430% since the turn of the century.
Kentucky now has more than 10.3 million barrels of aging bourbon in warehouses across Bluegrass, the highest in its revered distillation history. Distillers filled more than 2.4 million barrels in 2020 alone, the third year in a row that production topped the two million mark.
Attendance at KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries has skyrocketed more than 300% in the past 10 years. Total attendance in 2019 was nearly two million, the most since KDA founded the tours in 1999 and 2012, respectively.
