(NVR) - As part of a long-term succession plan implemented by the Phelps family to maintain family ownership and management, Joseph Phelps Vineyards has promoted Elizabeth Neuman to the post of director of business development and Will Phelps to director of marketing.

Members of the family’s third generation, Neuman and Phelps were also appointed to the executive management team of Joseph Phelps Vineyards and will participate in all senior management business matters.

This appointment is a significant move in a long-term succession plan that began with the involvement of the family’s second generation in 1998, the hiring of a family business adviser in 2012, and the appointment of two independent members to the board of directors in 2013.

“Our family is committed to maintaining and nurturing Joseph Phelps Vineyards as a family-owned and -run winery,” said Bill Phelps, president of Joseph Phelps Vineyards.

Granddaughter of Joe Phelps, Elizabeth Neuman was the first member of her generation to join the family wine business, beginning in 2011. She joined the winery as a sales representative and received a promotion in 2013 to regional sales manager, representing Joseph Phelps Vineyards in seven markets on the East Coast and Midwest.

Neuman graduated from Lehigh University, earning a degree in business administration. Prior to joining Joseph Phelps, Neuman was wine consultant at Southern Wine & Spirits’ fine wine division. She is studying for her executive MBA.