For more than 75 years, Constellation Brands has been rooted in the principles of our company’s founder, Marvin Sands, who was deeply committed to not only his business, but also his people. He aspired to foster an environment where everyone felt empowered to be their true selves and share their diverse passions and points of view to drive the company and its communities forward.

To honor his legacy, Constellation Brands established the Marvin Sands Heritage Award in 2016. This recognition is the highest honor our company bestows on employees. This annual, peer-nominated program honors employees from around the world who:

• Consistently add value to their team and the business;
• Raise the bar and encourage their colleagues to be the best they can be;
• Serve as a role model and ambassador of our company values and culture; and
• Make a positive difference in the lives of others.

This year’s recipients are Adolfo Berchelmann, Adam Evans, Paula Fitzgerald, Maggie Romanovich, and Stacey Townsend, who recently celebrated together in Park City, Utah, at our High West Distillery. Constellation Brands has donated $5,000 on the behalf of each employee to a charity of their choosing.

Meet this year’s winners below and learn more about their ongoing philanthropy.

Adolfo Berchelmann, Director, Operations

Adolfo demonstrates leadership in more ways than one at the Nava Brewery in Coahuila, Mexico. He and his wife, Rocio, are always looking to give back to their community through time, dedication, and financial support.

He is active within various organizations that help children and individuals in need. When it comes to his team at the brewery, Adolfo has guided the way for production, planning, warehousing, shipping, and logistics. Like Marvin Sands, Adolfo leads with his “heart connected to his head.”

“Adolfo is an example of passion and commitment to work. He always thinks about the best way to do things in the company and in our community. He is an open person, cheerful, responsible, promotes collaboration, actively participates in the achievement of objectives, and extends support to all our colleagues, sharing his knowledge. He lives the Constellation Brands culture,” says Miguel Ortiz, Brewery Senior Manager.

Adam Evans, Senior Vineyard Manager

For over 24 years, Adam has served as a volunteer fireman in rural Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, dedicating his time and making a difference in his community. Adam is highly ranked, serving as a leader in the volunteer force. His leadership extends to his work at Constellation Brands, where he is an active participant in the Constellation Scholarship and Cadetship Program at the Hawke's Bay vineyard. Beyond that, Adam is a doting husband and father to two children.

“When looking at the criteria for the Marvin Sands Heritage Award, without question Adam checks every box all the way down the list,” says Susan Boyd, Manager, Area Viticulture.

Paula Fitzgerald, SVP, Business Transformation and Digital Acceleration

Paula subscribes to the phrase, “to whom much is given, much is expected.” She is a true champion for giving back to her colleagues, community, and company. She has been hugely supportive of local company events, including fundraisers for the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, Chicago Cares Summer Service, and the Christo Rey Corporate Work Study Program. She is an active representative of our WISE Business Resource Group, which works to advance women in the workplace.

Outside of work, Paula volunteers for animal rescues, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Future Business Leaders of America. At Constellation Brands, her leadership and coaching inspire her team and coworkers to be better employees and people.

“Paula cares as deeply about people and culture as she does about results. She spends a tremendous amount of her personal time mentoring and coaching others and she does so in a way that reminds you of what is important – personal satisfaction, how you treat others, the legacy you are building for yourself, and most importantly, the culture you are fostering with those around you,” says Dan Herlihy, Vice President, Product Leader, IT.

Maggie Romanovich, Director, Learning & Development

Kind, creative, humble and a go-getter are just some of the words that define Maggie. In addition to participating in several of Constellation’s Business Resource Groups and acting as a genuine collaborator and friend to many in the company, she also volunteers her time and energy to numerous causes outside of work, including the Northern Illinois Foodbank and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

In her suburban Chicago community, Maggie co-leads her district’s DEI Parent Group, supports her local PTA, and local elections as a precinct committeeperson, and was a Cub Scouts Den Leader. She is a tireless advocate when it comes to issues of education and DEI. Maggie also participates in Constellation's community service programs, including the Constellation Cares Summer Service program.

“Maggie is inspiring to those around her, driven not just by her knowledge and understanding but also from the heart. She is the first to recognize others for their work and contributions and does so with grace. She invests in her team and colleagues through her many leadership interests both within the workplace, and within her home,” says Daniel Jensen, Vice President, Sales Enablement and Distributor Development.

Stacey Townsend, National Account Manager – Wine & Spirits

In 2009, Stacey and her now-husband, Bryan, founded the nonprofit Trigger’s Toys after bringing their certified therapy dog, Trigger, to visit children in Dallas Fort-Worth area hospitals. It has since grown into a community-building event that supports the purchase of holiday gifts and decorations for local hospitals.

Stacey’s core values enable her to lead with kindness, bringing a passion for education, personal development, and business development to her team. When Stacey is not working, helping run a nonprofit, and juggling being a mom, she is volunteering at her daughters' school.

“Stacey is, at her core, one of the kindest and most generous individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She is always willing to lend a helping hand in everything she does. She is a huge asset to our company and a visionary making positive contributions to others not only within her work community, but on behalf of her own community at home,” says Pam Martin, National Account Manager.