David Millman joined DDO as Managing Director in 2004, after a 20-year career in the music business. He worked for record companies and then founded his own PR & Marketing firm, specializing in wineries (including DDO) and musicians. In recent years, he has served on the Boards of the International Pinot Noir Celebrations and Oregon Pinot Camp, in addition to his work with various other organizations. Many of you have met David as he travels the world spreading the good word of DDO.
Arron Bell is our Assistant Winemaker and Operations Manager; in charge of all winemaking operations and bottling, under the direction of Veronique, and facility and site management operations. Arron joined us in July of 2002, working as a caviste in the cellar. Over the last few years, he has been promoted through the ranks as Tasting Room Manager, Hospitality Director, Cellarmaster and in 2009 to his current position. We are very pleased to have him working under the direction of winemaker Veronique Drouhin-Boss.
Ashley Bell is our Director of Sales & Education, welcoming you to our winery and estate atop the Dundee Hills with a smile, a world of information and wine knowledge. In May of 2004, Ashley joined the DDO team as Tasting Room Director, helping to open our Tasting Room and aide in the creation of DDO Direct, our wine club. In 2005 she was promoted to Hospitality Director and in 2009 to her current position, helping to oversee all aspects of direct sales, hospitality and staff education. Whether you're planning a trip to the Dundee Hills of Oregon or the Côte-d'Or in Burgundy, Ashley looks forward to helping plan your visit.
MaryAnn Coon was hired as Office Manager in June of 2004. Though new to the wine industry when she joined us, MaryAnn has always worked in an international setting and very much looks forward to learning more about the wine world in Oregon and Burgundy. As the glue that holds all departments of DDO together, MaryAnn was promoted to Office and Logistics Manager in the Spring of 2008.
Lauren Smith (left), originally from Chicago, joined our team in the spring of 2008 working part time in the Tasting Room. Impressed with her positive outlook and evergrowing knowlege of wine, she was quickly added to our full time team in the new position of Compliance Specialist. Over time she was promoted quickly through the ranks as Hospitality Manager and to her current position of Tasting Room Manager in the Fall of 2009. Dyane Savino (not pictured) is the newest addition to our Full Time team, starting as Assistant Tasting Room Manager in the Fall of 2009. Dyane joined our Tasting Room team part time in the summer of 2007, after relocating from her home state of New York. Fluent in French and enthusiastic about the worlds of wine and European cuisine, we're excited to have Dyane share our story with you. Terrie Vander Lugt (right) joined the Tasting Room team part time in the spring of 2007. Having recently moved to the NW from Texas, Terrie was eager to share her passion for people and wine in a new setting. In the summer of 2009, we were lucky enough to convince her to join our team full time in the new position of Hospitality and Compliance Administrator. Responsible for the ever-changing world of compliance and direct shipments, we're thrilled to have Terrie and her sunny disposition here full time.