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​Distinguished Life Service Award​

About the Award

The Distinguished Life Service Award recognizes Master Brewers members who have provided sustained and exceptional lifetime commitment and service to the​ Association. 

2025 Awardee

Kathy Kinton began her brewing career in 1979 as a temporary chemist with Miller Brewing Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and later in 2001, she became the first woman President of Master Brewers. At the Milwaukee Brewery, she utilized her food science degree in various quality control/quality services as well as corporate environmental engineering positions. In 2001, Kathy became the Quality Services Manager in Irwindale, CA, and in 2009, the Quality Services Manager in Shenendoah Valley, VA. Throughout her professional career, she was known to challenge the status quo with the following:

“I have an idea”
“Why not”
“Let’s try it!”

Kathy joined Master Brewers in 1988 and became the first woman president for the Association's District Milwaukee in 1994. She began working with the Master Brewers Executive Committee and Board of Governors when she became Chair of the Scholarship Committee, later chairing the Education Committee, where​ she led the reorganization of the annual Brewing and Packaging two-week courses utilizing adult education concepts. Kathy authored a new chapter “Environmental Issues Affecting Brewery Operations” in the 1999 Edition of the The Practical Brewer. She has been an instructor for Master Brewers courses, included in strategic planning sessions, presented papers, and led workshops on environmental issues. Kathy served as Co-Chair of both the World Brewing Congress 2004 and 2012.

Kathy is also a member of American Society of Brewing Chemists (ASBC), and served as Chair of the ASBC Foundation Board for five years.  She has received Honorary Life Membership Awards from both Master Brewers and ASBC. And, last year as part of 2024 World Brewing Congress program, Kathy discussed her career journey, Master Brewers pivotal moments, and personal perspectives in a podcast interview. 

Since retiring from MillerCoors in 2011, Kathy continues as an avid enthusiast of Master Brewers and the brewing industry. She currently divides her time living in Michigan and North Carolina and enjoys family, traveling, music, writing, reading, and mentoring.