Our Staff

Hi, my name is Dan Mitchell, and I’m the founder of Ithaca Beer Company. For the past seven years I, and my staff, have been working to create the best brewery in the Finger Lakes region. I've lived in Ithaca for 12 years now. I've been around the Finger Lakes since I was 5, spending every summer on Keuka Lake, living in Penn Yan for two years, and eventually going to and graduating from Cornell. There is no better place to live.

I set out to bring a micro-brewery to the Finger Lakes region that its residents would be proud of. That is my goal. Please help me to reach my goal by letting me know how we're doing.

Thanks, and Cheers!

"The Chief" first joined us in 2002 after learning the trade on the West Coast at award-winning Bay Area breweries including Drake's and Gordon Biersch.  An Upstate NY native and admitted hophead,  he does most of our brewing and cellar-work.  When he's not mashing in or raking out, he's busy as a father of five(one son, two dogs, two cats), husband and handyman.  Drop him a line at chief@ithacabeer.com. 

Mike joined us in early 2007.  Originally from State College, PA, he completed the Craft Brewer's Apprenticeship program through the American Brewer's Guild.  From there he joined the team at Dogfish Head where he brewed for two years.  When  not brewing Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and family.

Bill comes from Longtrail Brewing in Vermont, and Smuttynose Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH.  He currently resides in beautiful Trumansburg, NY.  His love for intelligently crafted brews and curling brought him to the greater Ithaca area where he will finish out the greater part of his life with his wife Patina and son Dylan.

 Danny is a North Carolina transplant who joined our team in June 2006.  He recently married the love of his life, Lin, a native New Yorker.  Together the share 5 grown children and 5 grand children (with #6 on the way).  Danny brings a wealth of warehousing and forklift experience as well as an extensive collection of vintage tunes that keeps the bottling line hoppin'.  Chances are that when you purchase Ithaca Beer or Soda, Danny packaged it.  As the self admitted "old man" of the group he says "the beer kids keep him feeling young at heart, and teach him a thing or two every once in a while."

Bio to be added soon.

Hi!  I’m Amanda McGonigal (aka “Kenya), the office manager here at Ithaca Beer.  My nickname comes from can ya do this or can ya do that.  The boys here are constantly asking me to get them something.  I started working here in January 2006.  I worked at the local ice cream manufacturer for over 18 years before beginning my career here at Ithaca Beer.  I do have to say it has been a true match for me.  I absolutely love working here.  I am married with two kids and I live in the beautiful Lodi, NY.

Eric  is the ellusive sales representative, you never know where he'll turn up next.  He travels to all the different territories where Ithaca Beer is available helping to promote our fine selection of brews and spreading the spirit of the Finger Lakes.  Eric is always working to help everyone experience the Ithaca Beer lineup.  On the rare occassion when he isn't out on the road he lives in Newfield, NY with his three pitbulls.

Alex grew up in Ithaca and has lived here off and on since the early 80's.  Originally he worked in computer support for several organizations before moving to Alabama, then to Rhode Island, then returning to Ithaca.  He had been a homebrewer for several years before joining the Ithaca Beer staff.  Now he helps beginners learn what homebrewing is all about as well as helps to educate visitors on the finer points of craft beer.  When not homebrewing he is an avid watcher and player of hockey, enjoys anything that can be grilled, and sharing his life with his beautiful fiancee Denise.