ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Sonoma State University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Linda Nowak as Interim Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute (WBI). Nowak, a distinguished educator and respected leader in the field of wine business, returns to the role she held from 2007 to 2010, when she was instrumental in furthering WBI’s reputation as a global leader in wine business education.
Nowak’s extensive background in marketing, business administration, and wine education uniquely positions her to lead WBI during a transitional period. She holds a Ph.D. in business administration from Saint Louis University, with a major in marketing and a minor in international business. She earned her MBA from Mercer University and her Bachelor of Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Nowak is no stranger to Sonoma State University, having served as a professor of marketing from 1996 to 2010. Her tenure included notable achievements as Executive Director of WBI, where she played a critical role in advancing the institute’s educational offerings, cementing its reputation as the first in the U.S. dedicated to wine business research and education. She was a key figure in launching several of WBI’s pioneering programs, which continue to provide exceptional training for wine industry professionals.
In addition to her work at Sonoma State, Nowak’s academic career includes her time as dean and professor of marketing at California State University, Stanislaus, where she continued to teach advanced marketing courses. Her published research spans a wide range of topics, from consumer behavior in the wine industry to corporate social responsibility and cause marketing.
"We are excited to welcome Dr. Nowak back to Sonoma State University," said Dean Elisabeth Wade of the College of Science, Technology and Business. "Her leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand WBI’s programs and further its mission to provide cutting-edge education and research for the wine industry."
Gary Heck, president and owner of Korbel Champagne Cellars, saw the vision for WBI and was crucial to its founding in 1996. Now, 28 years later, he continues to serve as WBI board chairman. "We are honored to welcome Dr. Linda Nowak back to the Wine Business Institute during this pivotal time,” he said. “Her remarkable experience and visionary leadership will guide us as we strengthen our commitment to excellence in wine business education and cultivate the next generation of industry leaders.”.
“I’m excited to return to the WBI and Sonoma State University. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff and Board in continuing to advance WBI’s role as a leader in wine business education and research supporting the growth of future industry professionals," Nowak said.
Nowak’s return to the Wine Business Institute marks an exciting new chapter for the institute as it looks to build on its legacy of innovation and industry leadership.