As Director of Higher Purpose for Maker’s Mark, the iconic handmade bourbon driven by a vision for better flavor and a better world, Valerie Netherton is one of the leading sustainability experts in the American drinks industry. For nearly 20 years, Valerie has been at the front lines, leading the transformation of Maker’s Mark in support of its ambitious goals to sustain flavor-driven innovation through nature, promote environmental diversity and sustainability in its operations, and ensure the brand has a positive impact on the communities where its employees, farmers, and consumers live and work. With her advocacy and support, Maker’s Mark became the largest bourbon distillery in the world and the first in Kentucky's famed Bourbon Country to achieve B Corp Certification in 2022. In her tenure, Valerie has led Maker’s Mark to become one of the first companies of its size and scale to genuinely embrace regenerative practices, setting a new industry standard for others to follow. This year, she developed and executed a global partnership with the directors of Common Ground (2024) and Kiss the Ground (2020), which inspired the USDA to put $20 billion toward soil health. As its partner, Maker’s Mark is also a founding member of the Common Ground 100M Acres Initiative and pledged that 100% of Maker’s Mark grain be sourced from Regenified Certified farms by the end of 2025. As Maker's Mark continues to build and invest in community, Valerie has led fundraising efforts, generating over $14 million for various nonprofits in the US and globally. Most recently, she led the new chapter in the brand’s partnership with Keeneland to raise $4 million for various Kentucky nonprofit organizations through a commemorative bottle series. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in partnership with The LEE Initiative, she launched the CommUNITY Batch: a special Maker’s Mark expression donating 100% of the proceeds toward feeding hospitality workers and supporting independent farms practicing sustainable agriculture. Through both sales and fundraising, the initiative raised over $3M. Valerie resides in Louisville, Kentucky. While having the best job in the world with Maker’s Mark, her favorite role in life is mom to three children ages 13, 12, and 10.