**PRESS RELEASE**
November 18, 2021
Hector, NY — Daniel DeBell and Marc Hurlbut have been named to leadership positions at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards. DeBell has been promoted to President and COO and Hurlbut to Chief Financial Officer. John Keeler, who served as President starting in 2009 announced his retirement earlier this year. He will continue to serve during the transition.
“We are very excited to make this announcement.” Leigh Triner, Co-CEO said. “John has served the company well and led us through the transition from a small regional winery into a significant East Coast producer.” “We wish him the best as he moves into a well-deserved retirement.” Doug Hazlitt, Leigh’s brother and Co-CEO added, “With Dan and Marc leading the way, we are in very capable hands to move this company forward to even greater success.” Hazlitt went on, “I’m sure John will keep busy in retirement. There are plenty of fishing holes that need attention!”
Before joining the Hazlitt team in 2011, Daniel DeBell worked for nineteen years at the Goodrich Corporation, IRS Systems in Ithaca, NY. The management, negotiation, and problem-solving skills he utilized there as General Manager has translated seamlessly into the wine business. Initially hired as General Manager, Daniel was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2015.
Marc Hurlbut was hired as Controller in February 2021. His 30 years of finance experience in the manufacturing industry quickly benefited financial operations at Hazitt’s two production facilities and retail locations in Hector, NY, and Naples, NY as well as the company’s custom wine production business, East Coast Crush & Co-Pack. Before working at Hazlitt, Marc was the Executive V.P. Finance Administration at SYNTEC Optics, Wordingham Technologies in Rochester, NY.
John Keeler joined Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards as company President in February 2009. During his tenure, Hazlitt acquired Widmer Wine Cellars from Constellation Brands and founded East Coast Crush & Co-Pack. Before Hazlitt, he was Co-CEO at Monarch Machine Tool in Cortland, NY.
“John Keeler will be missed.” Daniel DeBell emphasized. “He’s been a great mentor and team leader. He laid the groundwork over the past 12 years that will allow Marc and I to really step up, take the reins, and drive the business forward.”
DeBell continued, “The industry is changing. It is evolving very rapidly. There are abundant challenges at every turn right now. From COVID and supply chain issues to staffing shortages.” “The Hazlitt family has been proactive and visionary. They have assembled a team, from top to bottom, that is configured for success.”
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About Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards & Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars
The Hazlitt family has been growing superb grapes on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, NY for over 150 years. Established in 1984, Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards continues the family tradition of award-winning viticulture and wine production. In 2010, Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars was founded when the Hazlitt family purchased the 3+ million gallon Widmer Wine Cellars in Naples, New York from Constellation Brands.
The family’s internationally renowned wines include Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Cabernet Franc. Most notably, Hazlitt is infamous for its Red Cat, White Cat, and Cabin Fever – some of the most popular and best-selling New York State wines. For more information, please visit Hazlit1852.com.
About East Coast Crush
East Coast Crush & Co-Pack (EC3) was founded in 2011 to take advantage of excess production space at Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars. EC3 is a custom service beverage production company that works with customers regionally, nationally, and globally. The company also imports, produces and packages wines for US distribution for customers throughout the world. EC3 specializes in the production and packaging of controlled beverages including wine, cider, seltzer, and other spirits.
