Galen Becker Drace
Executive Director
NVHF Role: Executive Director
I'm responsible for steering the NVHF towards its objectives; cultivating a collaborative and professional community within the Napa Valley hospitality industry.
I coordinate a board of directors made up of amazing professionals that are responsible for making the NVHF a free resource for our members.
As moderator of NVHF meetings, my goal is to encourage open and lively discussions and debate. The strength of the NVHF comes from its members' participation.
Founder - Becker Drace Network
Email: galen@beckerdrace.com
Bio:
Galen Becker Drace’s career in Napa Valley has been a unique blend of wine, hospitality, and systems management. Looking to better combine his skills and diverse interests would inspire him to found Becker Drace Network, a direct-to-consumer (DTC) consultancy. As a result he has been able to bring a strong analytical mindset, passion for effective communication, and a proven ability to navigate complex challenges to many renowned brands and organizations; including Arkenstone Vineyards, Covert Estate and the Napa Valley Vintners, among others.
In addition to his own business, he is the Executive Director of the Napa Valley Hospitality Forum (NVHF). The NVHF is a volunteer-run trade organization that offers its services and resources at no charge to industry members; the guiding principle is to provide a collaborative environment that improves the standards and careers of all participants. Galen is dedicated to fostering cooperation among 100+ wineries, elevating hospitality standards, collaborating on DTC growth strategies, and promoting professional development for all members.
Galen came to Napa to attend the Culinary Institute of America. A casual tasting at Corison Winery would be the catalyst to Galen’s career in wine. Following his time with Corison, Galen moved to Stony Hill Vineyard continuing to work on all things DTC. His time at these heralded properties taught him the importance of fostering deep personal connections and building relationships with long-term and emotionally invested clients.
Outside of work, a highlight of every week is reading to students at Calistoga Elementary through the Soroptimist Read Aloud Partners program, woodworking, gardening, and cooking for friends.