Jennifer Richards

Jennifer Richards joined the team at Sonoma County Winegrowers in August of 2021 as Vice President of Operations and Business Development. In her role, Jennifer leads all aspects of SCW’s operations and works closely with SCW President, Karissa Kruse in strategic business planning. This includes financial and human resource management, oversight of the commission’s educational and sponsorship programs and managing the annual grower assessment process.

Jennifer has a passion for Sonoma County and a deep background in representing and promoting the region. She started her 25+ year career in hospitality and hotel management at Sonoma Mission Inn and most recently was the Vice President of Business Development at Sonoma County Tourism. Jennifer has led large teams as the General Manager for several hotel and resort businesses, as well as overseeing operations and sales efforts at those properties. She has managed hotels locally, as well as in Southern California, Indianapolis, Dallas and Nashville.

In her roles with SCT and managing group business at several hotel properties in Sonoma County, Jennifer worked extensively with meeting planners, executives, and event coordinators to bring large groups to the area and ensure their goals and expectations are met by the experience. As such, Jennifer has become an expert on all Sonoma County has to offer travelers.