Corey Nicely is the Category Manager of Cooler at Pilot. In this role, she is responsible for strategy-setting, planning and executing all programs within packaged beverage (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) for the company’s 650 travel centers.  She partners with suppliers to optimize contracts, build guest-focused planograms, and promote sales-driving programs through in-store and digital tools. Corey started at Pilot in 2019 and has grown her career on the Cold Vault team throughout her time with the company. Prior to her work at Pilot, Corey graduated from Maryville College with a B.S. in Business Management, where she also played softball. Corey and her husband, Austin, have a two-and-a-half-year-old son, Riley, and their springer spaniels, Emma and Skye. 

Ray has been with BevNET since March 2011 and oversees strategic planning and content for the Taste Radio podcast, BevNET's education platform and various aspects of BevNET conferences.

With over 15 years of experience in the beverage industry, Cassie Finley currently serves as the Vice President of Customer Development at Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits. Cassie's extensive background in category management includes the last two years with the largest ocean-to-ocean distributor in the world, as well as significant buying experience at leading retailers, including 4 years with the largest grocer, Kroger, and two years in natural channel with Whole Foods Market. Her career began with a 15-year tenure at Walmart, where she honed her skills in buying, category management and vendor relationships. Cassie is passionate about connecting people with products that enhance their experiences, and she thrives on developing innovative strategies that drive growth and customer satisfaction. Her commitment to excellence and her deep understanding of the beverage market from both the retailer and distributor lens gives her unique perspective on how to win with the customer.

As founder and CEO of BevNET, John Craven is a widely-recognized authority on the beverage industry and he is frequently cited in mainstream media. His vision shapes the editorial, publishing, and positioning of all of BevNET's properties, including BevNET.com, NOSH.com, BevNET Magazine, Brewbound.com and their associated conferences. John is a graduate of Boston College with a BS in Marketing and Computer Science.

Suzanne is a driven and curious marketer with an entrepreneurial mindset and a heart for great brands. She has been with the Coca-Cola Company for almost four years and currently leads Dunkin’ RTD Iced Coffee. Upon joining the company in 2021, Suzanne supported the ARTD portfolio, positioning existing brands with strong mixing credentials to win in a fast-paced and constantly-evolving category. She supported the launches of Topo Chico Hard Seltzer in the US and Canada, Fresca Mixed, and Jack & Coke. Suzanne’s background is in travel and alcohol, where she has experience at each level of the three-tier system. Suzanne graduated with honors from The University of South Carolina, where she studied International Business and Marketing, with a minor in French. She also received her MBA from USC’s Darla Moore School of Business. Suzanne lives in Atlanta with her husband and dog.

Eric is the founder and CEO of BeyondBrands, a collective of entrepreneurs, C-level and VP-level executives, and industry experts dedicated to building and scaling consumer product goods companies. Eric has over 20 years of experience in the natural products industry. He is best known as the co-founder of Steaz, a leading organic tea brand that was strategically acquired in 2016 as well as a member of Runa Tea which was successfully sold in 2018. He is the co-founder of Good Catch, the world’s first plant-based seafood brand. He is an active Nutrition Capital Network Selection Committee Member.

Mike Schneider is BevNET’s CRMO and the co-host of Taste Radio podcast. Mike has over 20 years of experience building products and brands. Mike loves soccer and will talk your ear off about the Arsenal. His favorite holidays are St. Totteringham’s Day and Michael Thomas Day.

Ken Sadowsky, is a beverage industry veteran, investor and advisor known to many as The Beverage Whisperer. He is the Sr. Advisor in the USA for Verlinvest, a Belgium-based investment company backed by the family controlling beer giant AB InBev, as well as serving as a Director at Vita Coco, Hint, and LifeAID.

Subriana is the Senior Vice President of Sales, West for C.A. Fortune, national food and beverage broker, which recently acquired the company she co-founded, Navigator Sales and Marketing. In 2020, she launched the Navigator Lighthouse Foundation, a 501c3 focused on helping women and minority entrepreneurs succeed in the grocery retail space. Prior to Navigator, Subriana served as Senior Vice President, Sales and Merchandising for Albertsons Southern California (Supervalu). Prior to joining Supervalu, Subriana spent over 10 years in Sales and Marketing roles with PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay Division. She started her career at Jewel Osco (American Stores) in Chicago. She currently serves as the 95th Headlite (President) for the Illuminators which is the premiere organization of vendors/suppliers in the grocery industry. She sits on the Executive Board of Directors for the California Grocers Association. Subriana received her BA in Economics from Spelman College. She then went on to receive her MBA in Marketing from University of Chicago. She received her Food Industry Executive Management certificate from University of Southern California.

Jessica Qussar is a seasoned marketing executive with over 20 years of experience driving brand strategy, product innovation and multi-channel marketing for some of the world’s leading consumer brands. She began her career in the music and entertainment industry before transitioning to the CPG sector, first at Vita Coco across various brand and culture marketing roles during five pivotal years of rapid growth before joining Anheuser-Busch InBev in brand development and innovation. Jessica has held executive leadership roles at numerous innovative beverage brands including CORE Hydration where she helped scale the brand through to acquisition by Keurig Dr Pepper, and ZenWTR, playing an integral role in the award-winning water brand’s launch and national growth. Jessica recently joined Suite 9C Design Studio, led by legendary brand creator Paula Grant, where she brings her extensive strategic marketing expertise to a diverse portfolio of clients. Her work continues to reflect a deep passion for building meaningful brands and delivering impactful consumer experiences.