Terry McNaughton, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Suntory Global Spirits,
Named Vice Chair
Washington, D.C. — Today, Responsibility.org announced Joe Durso, Vice President, National & Public Affairs, Pernod Ricard, will serve as Chair of its Board of Directors, and Terry McNaughton, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Suntory Global Spirits, will serve as Vice Chair. Both gentlemen began their positions effective January 1 and will serve two-year terms.
Joe Durso brings extensive experience to this role with deep knowledge in public affairs, policy development, and issue advocacy. He is also a passionate community leader recognized for successes in crisis management and media relations. Prior to joining Pernod Ricard in 2021, Durso served as Vice President of Public Affairs for Embrace Families, Inc. for 17 years, where he developed effective health care and social service policy at the local, state, and federal levels. He also served as Longwood, Florida’s Mayor and District 2 City Commissioner, becoming the youngest mayor in the city’s history, and was a professor of political science at the University of Central Florida.
“Responsibility is at the heart of everything we do at Pernod Ricard, and I’m honored to bring that commitment to my role as Board Chair of Responsibility.org,” Durso said. “Responsibility starts with me, but it takes us all. This work saves lives, and together with our partners, we will continue to drive meaningful change.”
Terry McNaughton, incoming Vice Chair, is a seasoned public affairs leader with a strong track record of advocacy and industry engagement. At Suntory Global Spirits, McNaughton has played a key role in shaping public policy and fostering partnerships that prioritize community well-being.
“Responsibility.org’s work is critical to creating safer communities and saving lives,” McNaughton said. “I look forward to collaborating with Joe, the entire Board of Directors, members of the National Advisory Board, and the strong Responsibility.org team to build on the organization’s successes and continue to make a positive impact on advancing alcohol responsibility.”
Robert Hall, CEO of Ole Smoky Distillery LLC, will step down as Chair and is retiring from the spirits industry after a longstanding career as a respected advocate for responsibility. Hall served as Chair since January 2024 and played a pivotal role in supporting the organization in implementing a new partnership structure to strengthen collaboration across the industry. His leadership ensured progress as Responsibility.org adopted its five-year strategic plan, positioning the organization for continued success.
“Robert’s vision and commitment have paved the way for our next chapter,” added Leslie Kimball, Executive Director of Responsibility.org. “His guidance has positioned us to make an even greater impact in the years ahead, and we are deeply grateful for his service. With Joe and Terry stepping into leadership roles, we are confident that the momentum created by Robert will continue to advance our missions and deliver impactful results.”
Durso and McNaughton, along with the rest of the Board of Directors, will continue to receive guidance from Responsibility.org’s independent National Advisory Board, which is comprised of medical and educational professionals, a former state Attorney General, and other experts in mission-related fields.
“The leadership of Joe and Terry marks an exciting new chapter for Responsibility.org,” said Chris Swonger, President and CEO of Responsibility.org and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “We also want to recognize Robert Hall for his outstanding leadership as Chair. His work created a strong foundation that Joe and Terry will build upon.”
