CEO has led Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America since 2006

Wolf

Craig Wolf will step down as CEO of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America on June 30, leaving the $11 million-revenue organization he has headed for nearly 12 years to challenge Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh in the upcoming elections.

Wolf first joined WSWA in 2000 as general counsel. He became CEO six years later, succeeding Juanita Duggan, who is now CEO of the National Federation of Independent Business.

In a statement, WSWA credited Wolf's leadership with protecting tax provisions important to wholesalers. The association also said he grew both its political action committee and its staff size and budget.

"Under Craig's leadership, WSWA has built a reputation second-to-none when it comes to effective advocacy on both sides of the aisle on behalf of distributors. WSWA truly punches above its weight," said Carmine Martignetti, chairman of WSWA's executive committee.

Wolf will run as a Republican against Frosh, a Democrat and longtime figure in Maryland politics who has been state attorney general since 2015, the political blog Maryland Matters reported. Frosh is favored to win but Wolf is expected to be a credible challenger.

Wolf is expected to announce his candidacy in February, Maryland Matters reported.

Before joining the WSWA, Wolf was counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee and a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice. He also is currently a major in the U.S. Army Reserve and a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Wolf has a law degree from the University of Baltimore.

WSWA's executive committee has begun a search for Wolf's successor.