Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) announced that John (Jack) Aaron of Athens Distributing Company will receive the Lifetime Leadership Award winner at Access LIVE 2025 in Denver.
The WSWA Lifetime Leadership Award recognizes industry professionals, who during their lifetime, have made significant and lasting contributions to this industry that have led to the most successful alcohol marketplace in the world, according to the organization.
“Jack Aaron embodies the values of integrity, leadership, and dedication that define our industry,” said Dina Opici, WSWA chairwoman and president of Opici Family Distributing, in a press release. “His commitment to the three-tier system, combined with decades of service to WSWA and his local community, make him truly deserving of this honor. Jack’s legacy at Athens Distributing Company and his tireless advocacy for the wholesaler tier have set a standard of excellence for all of us.”
“Jack Aaron’s commitment to our industry and our communities in Tennessee is unparalleled. His willingness to always stand up for our core values demonstrate to us all what genuine servant leadership looks like,” added executive director, Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Tennessee Ryan Haynes. “As the Chairman of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Tennessee, he is a true friend and partner to us all. We are proud to salute Jack Aaron for his years of service that are second to none!”
Jack Aaron’s Mark on the Industry
“Jack’s service and dedication to our industry is extraordinary,” said WSWA president and CEO Francis Creighton in the release. “His ongoing commitment is underscored by his continued leadership of his state association, his fierce defense of the three-tier system and the extension of his family legacy at Athens.”
Founded nearly 75 years ago and currently in its fourth generation of family ownership, Aaron was instrumental in helping to establish Athens Distributing Company as the largest wine and spirits wholesaler in West Tennessee and continues to serve the industry as the current chairman of Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Tennessee, according to the organization.
Aaron is also a dedicated civic leader and philanthropist, having served on the Board of Directors for St. Agnes Academy/St. Dominic School (2012-2022) and the Chickasaw Country Club as well as being a key supporter of St. Jude Research Hospital, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Streets Ministries, St. Michael Catholic Church and Catholic Charities, according to the organization.
Aaron is a champion of the three-tier system and an active member of WSWA, serving on the Board of Directors for 20 years and as chairman in 1990, as well as holding other executive advisory roles that help the association better serve its members, including:
- Executive Committee
- Past Chairman’s Council
- Large Enterprise
- Council Communications & Membership Committee
- Meetings & Convention Committee
“Being a member of WSWA has been a rewarding experience for myself and Athens of Tennessee. I will always cherish the lasting friendships I have made with so many of my fellow wholesalers. It was truly an honor to serve the association,” said Aaron in the release.
