NVHF Executive Director
The Executive Director oversees the strategic direction of the Napa Valley Hospitality Forum, ensuring it remains a relevant and useful resource for industry professionals. They coordinate the work of the board and support its efforts to keep the Forum accessible and member-focused. As meeting moderator, they facilitate clear, productive discussions that reflect the needs and perspectives of the membership.
Professional Profile
Founder, Becker Drace Network
Email: galen@beckerdrace.com
Galen Becker Drace’s career in Napa Valley combines wine, hospitality, and systems management. In 2021, he founded Becker Drace Network, a direct-to-consumer (DTC) consultancy, where his analytical mindset and communication skills helped renowned brands like Arkenstone Vineyards, Covert Estate, and Napa Valley Vintners tackle complex challenges. Building on this success, he and Paul Leary co-founded Turnkey DTC, with a mission to become the go-to resource hub for all things DTC.
Turnkey DTC provides a broad range of services, from detailed operational projects to high-level executive strategy. The company ensures clients receive tailored solutions by leveraging deep industry expertise and a results-driven approach. If Turnkey DTC cannot take on a project for any reason, it is committed to connecting clients with other experts and resources to ensure they continue moving toward a solution.
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.