Our Staff
As a grower-owned company, we know our success as an organization depends on the success of the people who make it happen. We strive to be Yakima Valley’s employer of choice, committed to providing our richly diverse workforce with safe and gratifying working conditions, competitive compensation, career development opportunities and recognition for notable contributions.
The Executive Team
Ryan Hopkins
Chief Executive Officer
If Ryan was a hop, he would be Pahto™. He has been bred to be good for growers, processors and brewers. Pahto™, like Ryan, is relatively new to the Yakima Chief Hops team. However, because of his deep roots in the Yakima Valley, he connects with Pahto®’s name, which is the inspiring native name for Mount Adams.
Steve Carpenter
Chief Supply Chain Officer
If Steve was a hop, he would be Ahtanum®, because he’s sweet, earthy and rarely bitter. He also has deep roots in the Ahtanum Valley.
Lisa Garcia
Chief Human Resources Officer
If Lisa was a hop, she would be Sabro®, the strongly expressive daughter of a wild American Neomexicanus mother. Known for its complexity, Sabro is a favorite of brewers looking for a bold, bright, strong impression in their beers.
Karl Vanevenhoven
Chief Operations Officer
If Karl was a hop, he would be Sabro®. Having followed its journey from soil to serve, you could say Karl and Sabro® have a SabroMance that has helped generate unique brews in the PNW, as well as awards at the Fresh Hop Ale Fest and AHA during its first commercial release in 2015 with Russian River Brewing.
Howard Allred
Chief Financial Officer
If Howard were a hop, he would be Eroica. Like Howard, this variety was born and bred in Idaho and is known for subtle bitterness and consistency.
Cesar Silva
VP, Data Science
Denis Gayte
Sr. VP, Global Sales
If Denis was a hop, he would be Cascade. An oldie but goodie! Easily adaptable and can fit into many beer styles, this American craft classic can go anywhere……it’s the 4 x 4 of hops. Cascade has been planted in other regions around the world but has maintained its solid roots in the state of Washington.
Bryan Pierce
Chief Sales And Marketing Officer
If Bryan was a hop, he would be Ahtanum®. He not only lives in Ahtanum Valley, but is also an avid homebrewer and grower himself. Like Ahtanum®, Bryan is bright, vibrant and a much-needed contributor to our company portfolio.
Missy Raver
VP, Quality
If Missy were a hop, she would be Loral®. They both have a unique combination of pleasant fruitiness and growth, and under almost every condition is robust.
Ken Mortensen
VP, Extraction & Supply Chain
If Ken were a hop, he would be Sorachi Ace. As a kid his lively fastball and devastating breaking pitches led him to Washington State University where he was a standout on the pitching staff and advocate for good hops for his entire infield.
Nick Zeigler
VP, Research & Development
If Nick was a hop, he would Ekuanot®. Definitely polarizing – but when used correctly, he provides oodles of benefits. Nick, like Ekuanot®, is full of flavor and deeply weird, providing a fresh outlook on a wide range of beer styles.
Pedro “Pete” Venegas
VP, Customer Relations
If Pete was a hop, he would be HBC 472. He’s earthy, mild and can pack a punch. Proud to be an American Hop…but without forgetting neomexicanus ancestry.
Aric Gamache
VP, Information Technology
If Aric were a hop, he would be Amarillo® because he too was once found wild and growing on Virgil Gamache Farms.
Salvador Benitez
VP, Pelleting
If Sal were a hop, he would be Chinook. Both were born and bred in the lower Yakima Valley and are known for their consistency and versatility.
