Koch started his career in politics working for
Tony Coelho and was part of his campaign to become
House Majority Whip. Koch later became staff director for House Democratic Leader
Richard Gephardt before joining the Wine Institute. Since becoming President and CEO in June 2003, membership has grown 70% to over 1,000 Californian
wineries and affiliated businesses which are predominantly family owned. He has a substantial
equity interest in the Central European Distribution Corporation, a company that manufactures and distributes
vodka in Poland. Koch is active in raising funds to find a cure for
Crohn's disease and
ulcerative colitis. ==References==