Ray Stout is the Executive Director of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, representing the over 300 Craft Breweries in the State of Illinois. The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild is a nonprofit trade organization dedicated to supporting the development and expansion of the craft beer industry in Illinois. Founded in 1997, the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild focuses its efforts on three primary areas: Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy, Education, and Promotion of the Craft Beer industry. Prior to joining the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild Ray was an Executive of a number of Labor Organizations both on the East Coast and the Midwest. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Siena College, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, and numerous professional certificates from Cornel University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Ray has received two United States Department of Defense awards for his support of employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Forces.