Presenting the New Members of the 2020-2022 Leadership Council
The election of the new 2020-2022 BG Leadership Council members is complete and we’re thrilled to welcome Francisco (Paco) Gudiño and Zoey Thorson.
We also want to thank all the members of our guild who participated in this important process with your votes!
Francisco (Paco) Gudiño - Tijuana, México
Paco Gudiño was born in San Diego, California, raised in Tijuana, México. He discovered specialty coffee through the vast number of coffee shops thriving on both sides of the border in San Diego and Tijuana. Paco fell in love with the sensory experience of flavors of coffee and the openness of its community—and has been building a network in coffee ever since! He is the founder of Silvestre, a sustainability-driven coffee brand acting locally on waste minimization, climate change, and water security to promote a more sustainable society through a cup of coffee.
"What I love the most about coffee is the diversity of its community and the possibilities of innovation for the future."
Zoey Thorson - New York, New York
Zoey is a veteran specialty coffee professional with experience in every aspect of the supply stream. She has worked from farm level to cup, and has had experience working with and teaching professionals all over the globe. Recently, she returned back to her home in New York City to join the team at Felix Roasting Co, where she does everything from training baristas and roasting coffee to managing PR and operations. Zoey is an Arabica Q-Grader, as well as a Specialty Coffee Association Authorized Trainer in the Brewing and Barista Skills modules. Zoey has contributed her time and skillset to the BGA and SCAA in the past and is excited to potentially be able to keep the guild relevant and accessible on a more global level by contributing to the Leadership Council. Outside of world coffee, Zoey is an aspiring mermaid of sorts and avid fermenter of things.