Rawnica Dillingham

About Rawnica Dillingham

I bring over 25 years of expertise at the intersection of hospitality and beverage alcohol, where service, storytelling, and strategy connect. My background in hospitality taught me how to lead with people first, building experiences that resonate, relationships that last, and teams that excel. That foundation fuels my work in beverage alcohol and hospitality adjacent CPGs, where I drive sales growth, expand markets, and elevate brands through strategy and execution.My career has spanned both hospitality and spirits, giving me a foundation in service, leadership, and operations that I’ve carried into building and leading international sales teams. I have managed complex distributor and key account partnerships, executed launches and campaigns that deliver measurable results, and created strategies that connect brand growth with hospitality driven experiences. I thrive at aligning strategy with action, turning vision into sales performance and market presence.Equally important, I am committed to championing women and marginalized groups across the industry. I believe inclusive leadership is not only the right path but also a catalyst for innovation and sustainable growth. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or creating space for new voices, I work to ensure that the future of this industry reflects equity, belonging, and opportunity.For me, success is measured not only by revenue and results but also by the communities strengthened, the leaders developed, and the doors opened for the next generation.

Experience

1. Chief Sales Officer (CSO)

   New Riff Distilling

   Jan 2024 — Present · Newport, KY, US

   As Chief Sales Officer at New Riff Distilling, I lead the strategic vision and execution of all sales initiatives, driving growth and innovation for our independent, family-owned distillery. My role encompasses oversight of sales strategy, distribution, and account management, ensuring alignment with New Riff’s mission to deliver quality-driven Kentucky whiskey.Key responsibilities include: • National Sales Strategy: Developing and executing comprehensive sales plans across on-premise, off-premise, and direct-to-consumer channels. • Distributor Partnerships: Managing relationships with distributors to optimize performance, pricing, and incentives. • Private Single Barrel Program: Overseeing one of the industry’s most successful private barrel programs, driving engagement and growth. • Team Leadership: Designing an effective organizational structure, hiring and training top talent, and fostering a high-performance sales culture. • Forecasting & Analysis: Utilizing data-driven insights to manage sales KPIs, allocate inventory, and refine market strategies. • Market Expansion: Leading efforts to open new markets, optimize existing ones, and explore international opportunities. • Collaboration: Partnering with marketing, production, and leadership teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging and customer experience.I’m passionate about creating a dynamic, people-centric sales environment that blends innovation, storytelling, and authenticity to elevate the New Riff brand and redefine what it means to be a quality-driven whiskey producer.Core Competencies: Strategic Planning | Distributor Relations | Private Barrel Sales | Sales Leadership | Market Insights | Pricing & Incentive Management | Data Analysis | Mentorship & Team DevelopmentFeel free to connect with me to discuss sales strategy, whiskey innovation, or how New Riff is reshaping the bourbon industry!

Education

• Cornell University

  Certificate

• Miami University

  BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES

• Cornell University

  Leadership Program Certificate