ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) today announced the addition of Jesse McCollum as Washington Representative. McCollum’s hire brings NBWA’s Federal Affairs department to full strength after a reorganization that took place following NBWA President Craig Purser’s selection as the Association’s president in December of 2005.

“We are very glad to have Jesse McCollum on our team,” said Purser. “Jesse is a self-starter who founded his own political development firm. His vast political experience and his experience as a small business owner will serve NBWA’s small business members well as we strive to promote their interests in Washington.”

As Washington Representative, McCollum will work closely with NBWA’s Federal Affairs team to promote the interests of beer distributors by increasing the visibility and effectiveness of NBWA on Capitol Hill. Priorities include promoting the value of the American system of beer distribution, protecting a state’s right to regulate malt beverage products and providing beer distributors with permanent relief from the death tax.

Before arriving at NBWA, McCollum served as the principal of JTM Strategies, a political development firm which he founded. Prior to his role as a consultant, McCollum served as finance director for the Chris John for U.S. Senate (LA) campaign and served as a legislative assistant in the office of Rep. Ed Towns (NY-10). McCollum also served on the Tim Johnson for South Dakota and Harold Ford, Jr. for Congress (TN-9) campaigns.

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, McCollum is a graduate of George Washington University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He currently resides in Washington, D.C. with his wife Devon.