Jaci P. Flug is a partner in the Hospitality, Alcohol, and Leisure Industry Group at Greenspoon Marder LLP. She is a seasoned legal professional with a remarkable track record of guiding tech startups and corporations through complex legal landscapes. Ms. Flug has previously served as general counsel and senior vice president at Drizly, the nation’s leading and largest e-commerce platform for on-demand alcohol delivery.

During this time, Ms. Flug played a pivotal role in the company’s journey, from series C fundraising to its $1.1 billion acquisition by an American tech giant – a deal that involved extensive scrutiny by the Federal Trade Commission. Beyond this, Ms. Flug has provided important counsel on a wide spectrum of legal matters, ranging from litigation and employment law to contracting, privacy, security, and marketing. Moreover, she is a recognized authority in the beverage alcohol industry, having expertly managed industry and regulatory affairs, fostering crucial relationships with regulators, legislators, industry members, and trade associations. She frequently lectures on the topic of beverage alcohol e-commerce. Ms. Flug also previously served as general counsel for a tech company with ancillary services to cannabis industries, interacting with regulatory bodies and members of state and local legislatures and advocating for strong social equity programs. As general counsel for the New York State Liquor Authority, she advised the Board on all disciplinary, licensing, and trade practice matters, including the legislation concerning the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of alcohol in the State of New York.

Connie's career journey has taken her from banking, commodity trading, and structured derivatives to a surprising turn into the wine industry. Raised in an Italian winemaking family, her early exposure sparked a passion for wine, leading her to pursue intermediate and advanced certifications at WSET.

Nineteen years ago, a serendipitous interview with Andrew McMurray opened the doors to the wine business at Zachys - an unparalleled learning ground. Selected as extra help during that holiday season, Connie dedicated the following three months to immersing herself in every aspect of the wine industry, building the foundations for her future endeavors.

Post-holiday season, Connie joined Domaine Select, an Italian fine wine importer and distributor, taking on the role of VP of Finance and Operations. There, she gained invaluable insights into both operational and financial facets, contributing to a notable turnaround in the company's trajectory.

In 2009, a pivotal moment arose when Connie was approached by three visionaries from Lauber. Together, they founded Verity Wine Partners in September of that year. Remarkably, the team catapulted Verity from $0 to over $42 million in just five years, earning recognition as one of INC Magazine's Top 5000 fastest-growing companies.

In 2016, Connie embraced a greater challenge, assuming the role of CFO and COO at Maison Touton Selections, a thirty-five-year-old, $200 million national wine importer and distributor with operations across 11 East Coast states.

In 2020, in a remarkable full-circle moment, Connie returned 'home' to Zachys in a vastly different role. Armed with 19 years of diverse wine industry experience, she is guiding Zachys through its next phase of growth, shaping its future as it enters its 80^th year in business.

Paul brings the knowledge and unique insight of more than two decade’s worth of experience working both in key positions within the New York State Legislature and as a pivotal and successful advocate for such high-profile clients as Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, MGM, Resorts World, Total Wine and More, and the New York State Laborers.

After Paul earned his JD from the University of Maryland, he joined the New York State Senate Majority Counsel/Program staff. During the next seven years, Paul became a highly respected advisor to the Majority Leader and key members of the Senate Conference. His particular issue areas covered a diverse range of key policy subjects such as transportation, racing and wagering, alcohol and beverage control as well as NYS fiscal policy as Paul represented the Senate in ongoing Budget negotiations with the Assembly and the Executive while in State service.

In 2010 Paul joined Albany Strategic Advisors as a Vice President working with many of the firm’s top clients on a range of legislative issues. Over the years Paul has utilized many of the contacts and experience gained in the Senate to guide ASA’s clients through a multitude of complex issue areas relating to alcoholic beverage control, racing and wagering, MWBE compliance and enforcement, and labor relations. Before joining ASA, Paul spent seven years as the Director of Legislative Affairs for Powers & Company where he managed and provided strategic advice for all of the firm’s legislative and state procurement clients. Throughout his professional career, Paul has worked closely with members of the New York State Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus on such important issues as the NYS Minority and Women-Owned Business program and other caucus priorities. New and continuing clients benefit from the combination of Paul’s results-oriented approach and tremendous experience providing bi-partisan New York State government relations.