Walter Heeb retired in 2020 after 32 years of service at the Molson Coors Shenandoah brewery in Elkton, VA USA. Beginning his career in plant quality, in 1988, Heeb progressed through lab and analytical positions to become the quality department manager in 1996. He expanded his leadership scope with the addition of blending and finishing operations the following year. In 2006, the decision was made to “build-out” the Shenandoah brewing operation to include brewing, fermenting and conditioning functions. Heeb was identified as the plant operations and maintenance lead for this 7MM barrel/annum project.  This project partnered with brewery designer, Briggs of Burton, Burton-upon-Trent, UK on design, staffing, commissioning and operation. Over the following 15 years, Heeb served as Brewing Unit Manager, Utilities and Waste Water Manager and Senior Technical Brewer. 

Heeb holds a BS and MS in Biology from James Madison University and an MSc in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. He has been active in both local and national level trade organizations for over 30 years, in particular the Master Brewers Association of the Americas. In late 2020, Heeb begin work with the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, London, England as an examination tutor and content author. For the past 15 years, Heeb has volunteered his time with local non-profit agriculture and conservation organizations with particular interest in water quality.  He operates on a small farm in Augusta County, Virginia USA where he enjoys many outdoor activities.