(PD) - Jean Arnold Sessions was named executive director of the Sonoma County Vintners trade group Thursday after serving in an interim capacity for the last four months.

Sessions has served as the former president of Hanzell Vineyards in Sonoma, a consultant, and creator of Women in the Business of Wine, a web-based mentoring resource for women in the wine industry.

She replaced Carolyn Stark, who resigned in February for personal reasons after a year on the job. The nonprofit trade group represents 170 members and is a leading voice in the local industry, especially on the debate over winery events.