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Sean Sullivan
Graduate Student, Northeastern University
Sean Sullivan is the former Executive Director of the Maine Brewers' Guild, a position he held from September 2013 until March 2023. Under his leadership, the Guild grew significantly, reflecting the booming craft beer scene in Maine. When he started, there were about 45 breweries in the state; by the time he left, that number had surged to approximately 170. His tenure was marked by initiatives such as the Maine Beer Trail map, various festivals, and lobbying efforts to improve the legal landscape for breweries in Maine.12
Before taking on this role, Sullivan was involved with the Portland chapter of Greendrinks, which focused on sustainability and community engagement through beer. His passion for craft beer began around 2008, and he has been a prominent advocate for Maine's brewing industry.13
In 2023, Sullivan decided to step down from his position to pursue a master's degree in computer science at Northeastern University's Roux Institute. This transition marks a new chapter in his career after a decade of significant contributions to Maine's craft beer culture.24