Our Team
Angela Mueller, Executive Director
Angela Mueller, Executive Director of Taste of Vail, leads a legacy of excellence in culinary event production. With over 30 years of experience in the Vail Valley through her company, Ren Event Productions, Angela has built a reputation for crafting extraordinary events that celebrate the artistry of food, wine, and spirits. Her unwavering passion for showcasing exceptional culinary experiences has been the driving force behind Taste of Vail’s enduring success.
Under Angela's leadership, Taste of Vail has become a premier platform for local, regional, national, and international talent, providing a stage for chefs, vintners, brewers, and artisans to share their creations with a discerning audience. The festival features more than 25 carefully curated events, offering guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Vail.
Angela’s vision extends beyond creating remarkable experiences. She is deeply committed to strengthening the community by fostering collaborations with restaurants, wineries, lodging partners, sponsors, and guest chefs. Her priorities include delivering an "exceptionally strong and revitalized" festival each April while enhancing the organization’s revenue streams and community impact.
Taste of Vail is more than a celebration of food and drink—it is a catalyst for connection, innovation, and inspiration, brought to life through Angela Mueller’s dedication and expertise.
Bryanna Kody, Assistant Director/Chef Director
Loving the art of pastry since a young age Bry decided to turn her passion into her career. Bry went on to study at Johnson & Wales University in Providence Rhode Island graduating with a bachelors in Baking & Pastry, Food Service Management. Bry interned in France at Ecole Nationale Superieure de Patisserie. Her passion lead her to work at some highly rated places such as Biltmore, Husk, and more. Her love of pastries and more have lead her to start her own bakery located in Eagle, Colorado. She has the passion to work with the local and guest chefs of Taste of Vail. Coordination is our key to an amazing experience for all and Bryanna makes it happen!
Kate Lessman, ThinkBigMedia PR/Sponsorship Coordinator
Think Big Media PR Founder, has 20 years of working in the outdoor, travel, lifestyle and non-profit industries. Prior to Think Big, Kate worked at Vail Resorts, where she handled corporate communications promoting the company’s world-class resorts. She developed and led company-wide public relations campaigns and also continually garnered top media results in local, regional and national media outlets. Kate also worked with world-class athletes such as Lindsey Vonn and planned multiple high-profile media events across the country. Kate works with our partners and creates outstanding activations. Think Big Media works with our social media to ensure amazing content is seen.
Ella Mueller, Ren Events/Operations Coordinator
Ella Mueller has worked for Ren Event Productions for over 8 years. She has been the hands on operations and is behind the scenes making the event run smoothly. Ella is working in the wine industry and has the knowledge needed to handle our operations tasks for the Taste of Vail.
Julie Heaydon, Wine Director
Hailing from Australia, Julie has worked in event management most of her life. She sojourned into the wine industry for a period of time before relocating to Colorado with her family so her children could follow their ski racing aspirations. Julie has lived in the Vail valley for the past twelve years and has worked for the Beaver Creek Race Department and manages their on hill events as well as having an instrumental role in the Birds of Prey World Cup. Julie has worked for the Taste of Vail for the past two years. Her wine knowledge is invaluable to the Taste of Vail.
Adriana Perez, Logistics Coordinator
A food systems advocate and community builder at heart, Adriana combines her love of food and cultural connection in her work with Taste of Vail. Whether coordinating culinary events, exploring the great outdoors, or practicing her ceramics, Adriana aims to create meaningful experiences that celebrate food, nature, and human connection.
Carrie Larson, Sponsorship Director
Carrie Larson serves as the Sponsorship Director for the renowned Taste of Vail, an annual culinary and wine festival held in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. With her expertise in building strategic partnerships and fostering community relationships, Carrie plays a pivotal role in curating the event’s robust network of sponsors, ensuring the festival’s continued success and growth.
Outside of her work, Carrie is passionate about exploring new cuisines, enjoying the mountain lifestyle, and supporting local businesses. Her commitment to excellence and community makes her an invaluable part of the Taste of Vail team.