DWO Board of Directors
Alix Hollis, Executive Director
Alix joined DWO in 2008. Her passion for wine, as well as her longtime business management experience led her to this current position.
Bob Visconti, President
Bob is the Creator and Founder (along with other current board members John Lossia and John Marasco) of the Detroit Wine Organization which was created in the year 2000. He has been in the wine industry for more than 25 years and holds the positions of VP of Elite Brands and Senior Sales Manager for Imperial Beverage Company which is a state wide Michigan wholesaler of Premium Wines and Craft Beers.
John Marasco, Vice President
John is Vice-President of Sales at Vintage Wine Company. He is one of the Founders of DWO.
Stacey DeAngelis, Treasurer
Stacey and her husband, Rob DeAngelis, are the owners of DeAngelis Cantina del Vino, a local winery based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. In addition, Stacey is currently, and for the past 20 years, a Tax Accountant with Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, PLC, specializing in matters relating to estate and gift tax, income tax and compliance reporting for private foundations and charities. Stacey is also a member of the West Washtenaw Business Association, Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce and Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
Mark High, Secretary
Mark High serves as the DWO’s General Counsel. Mark has practiced law for more than 25 years and currently practices in the areas of corporate, international and corporate finance for Dickinson Wright PLLC. In addition to his service with DWO, Mark is Secretary of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and is a member of the Detroit Regional Chamber.
Tami Tennant, Board Member
Tami is the Michigan state Manager for Majestic Fine Wines where she manages Kendall Jackson’s portfolio of wines. She has been actively involved with the DWO since 2003 and joined the Board of Directors in 2007.
John Lossia, Board Member
John is the owner of Merchant’s Fine Wine in Dearborn. He is one of the Founders of DWO.
Michael Schafer, Board Member
Michael Schafer Esq. aka the Wine Counselor, is the charismatic wine educator and sommelier who entertains while teaching. His humorous and fun approach to wine is reflected in his trademark phrase “I taste bad wine so you don’t have to.” Michael has been featured on CNN, ABC and in the Detroit News. He is a published author. Michael judges in international competitions. Michael has studied wine around the world for over 25 years.
Jevon Kennell, Board Member
Jevon is a full time engineer at GM’s Milford Proving Grounds and has 15 years of automotive noise and vibration engineering experience. He and his wife Julia have been volunteering to help with DWO events for several years. They have also provided services such as print media, graphic design and web design.
Eileen Gikas, Board Member
Eileen is a Local Sales Manager for Comcast Spotlight, the Ad Sales Division of Comcast
Jill Admonius, Board Member
Jill is the on premise (restaurant) manager for the Vintage Wine Company. She has been in the wine industry for 25 years and is a recent DWO volunteer.
Elizabeth Trudeau, Board Member
