Kristin Bodenstedt brings over thirty years of government-related experience in diverse legislative and private sector roles to her position directing government relations for Bacardi North America. She oversees the Washington office for the largest privately-owned spirits company with iconic brands such as BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, PATRÓN® tequila, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky and BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin. She joined Bacardi in December 2002.

Prior to Bacardi, Ms. Bodenstedt represented corporate, trade association and non-profit clients in positions at the MWW Group, Burson-Marsteller, Arent Fox, the National Association of Manufacturers and the Cato Institute. Ms. Bodenstedt served in several legislative governmental positions including as legislative counsel to Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) in the United States Senate. Beginning her career with the Texas State Legislature in Austin, Texas, Ms. Bodenstedt served as legislative assistant to Texas State Representative David Counts and later to Texas State Representative Keith Oakley.

Ms. Bodenstedt serves on the Executive Committee and chairs the International Committee for the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS), the leading trade association for the spirits industry. She also serves as a former chair and on the Executive Committee for the Government Relations Leadership Forum. Ms. Bodenstedt holds a law degree from the University of Texas Law School and a B.A. in government with high honors from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a member of the Texas and DC Bar and resides in the Washington, DC area.