L’Ecole Team

Martin Clubb

Co-owner & Managing Winemaker

Marty is Managing Winemaker and Co-owner of L’Ecole № 41 with his wife, Megan, and children, Riley and Rebecca.  Marty assumed the operation of the winery from Megan’s parents, Jean and Baker Ferguson, in 1989, six years after the winery’s founding.

Today Marty’s primary focus is a hands-on approach to the winery’s viticulture operation.  Along with his Estate Ferguson and Estate Seven Hills Vineyards, Marty personally works with over 30 vineyards located throughout the Columbia Valley.  He collaborates with each grower to optimally manage contracted vineyard blocks to meet the quality requirements established by the winery.

In addition, Marty is a Managing Partner in the highly acclaimed Seven Hills Vineyard and the SeVein vineyard development, home to L’Ecole’s newest Estate vineyard, Ferguson.

Marty’s ongoing dedication and commitment to our wine industry is evident in his many leadership roles. He has served nearly 30 years on the Boards of various wine industry associations, including the Washington Wine Commission.  He is currently a Director of the Washington Wine Institute and WineAmerica.  Marty was instrumental in the founding of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance, serving as its first President.  He worked with other industry pioneers in the development of the Walla Walla Community College Center for Enology and Viticulture and continues serving in an advisory role.

Ryan Pennington

Chief Operating Officer

Ryan Pennington is the Chief Operating Officer of L’Ecole № 41. He is responsible for managing the business side of the winery including sales, marketing, administration, and human resources.  He joined the L’Ecole team in July of 2023 after ten years at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the largest wine producer in the Pacific Northwest, where he was most recently Vice President, Communications & Corporate Affairs. Prior to Ste. Michelle, he served for five years as Communications Director for the Washington Wine Commission, the marketing agency representing all growers and wineries in Washington.

Ryan has also served on several industry boards including the Washington Wine Commission, the marketing agency representing all growers and wineries in Washington; the Washington Wine Institute, the public policy arm of the Washington wine industry; the Northwest Wine Coalition, the joint international marketing organization for Washington and Oregon wines; and WineAmerica, the national association of American wineries.

David Rosenthal

Director of Winemaking

David Rosenthal is Director of Winemaking for L’Ecole № 41. He leads all vineyard and winemaking activities for the winery, working closely with Owner & Managing Winemaker Marty Clubb and Chief Operating Officer Ryan Pennington.

Over the course of his distinguished career, David has been responsible for some of the most popular and highly rated wines in Washington. David worked his first harvest in Napa Valley in 2001 and was immediately captivated by the winemaking process. After Napa, he moved to Washington to begin working for Chateau Ste. Michelle, eventually ascending to Head White Winemaker. There he continued the storied tradition of exceptional winemaking, adding to an extensive list of high scoring wines and accolades. Over the years, David has had the opportunity to work with leading wineries in Australia, New Zealand, and Oregon, but Washington has always been home.

David is a board member of the Washington Wine Technical Group and a frequent Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) instructor.

Tyler Morrison

Assistant Winemaker

Tyler is a Walla Walla native who grew up farming on his family’s wheat farm.  Driven by wanting to make excellent wine that he could share with friends and family, Tyler enrolled in the WWCC Enology and Viticulture program and graduated in 2018.

At L’Ecole, Tyler is involved in all aspects of the winemaking process from vineyard visits to bottling and events.

He likes hiking, camping, and home wine and beer production.

Collin DeLong

Associate Winemaker

Collin was born and raised in Wenatchee Valley, Washington.  Following his freshman year of college, in 2014, he accidentally fell in love with the art of winemaking after getting a job at a zip line course and winery located in Chelan, Washington.  After a few years of winemaking in the Lake Chelan AVA, he uprooted and enrolled in the Walla Walla Community College Enology and Viticulture program.  Shortly after graduating in 2020, he joined the L’Ecole winemaking team where he plans to gain more knowledge about winemaking and to contribute to producing outstanding wines.

In his spare time, Collin loves to travel, hike, and spend time with his family.

Melissa Clubb

Brand Manager

Melissa was born and raised in Walla Walla. Watching the wine industry flourish in the valley naturally led her to fall in love with wine. Before joining L’Ecole, she spent 10 years in the financial sector and most recently building a successful Real Estate career. At L’Ecole, Melissa represents the 3rd generation of the family and is involved with all aspects of the branding management strategy, from social media strategy to bolstering the winery’s reputation.

Beyond work, Melissa believes in living a life based on kindness, authenticity, and inclusivity. Melissa loves exploring new restaurants, traveling, and skiing alongside her husband, Riley, and their son. She is a Walla Walla University (’20) business alum.

Ben Dimitri

Marketing Manager

Ben originally joined the L’Ecole team in 2010, working in different roles throughout eight years, including setting the pace for excellence as Tasting Room Manager, followed by a hands-on crush experience during L’Ecole’s 2018 harvest. He left L’Ecole to further explore the winemaking process, honing his skills while working in wine production in the valley for more than two years.

Ben rejoined his alma mater in September 2021 to embrace a new challenge, taking on the role of Marketing Manager.

When Ben is not at the Schoolhouse, he can be found hanging out with his kids and friends, playing guitar or ukulele, attending a concert, cooking, reading, and enjoying life.

Jaime Iseminger

Wine Club & Direct to Consumer Sales Manager

Jaime moved to Walla Walla in 2001 for her previous role as a Training Instructor for Deere & Co.  A glass of L’Ecole Schoolhouse Red was enjoyed with dinner her first evening in town and the rest is history.  She joined the L’Ecole team as the Shipping Manager in 2005 and today oversees Wine Club and DTC activities with a focus on providing optimal service for our customers.  Jaime and her husband have a small farm east of Walla Walla that occupies most of their time away from work.  You will also find her horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, and cooking for friends.  She is a graduate of The Ohio State University (’98, ’00).

“I am nuts for our Semillon especially with cedar plank salmon or fresh chevre spread on a baguette. On the red side, I love the Columbia Valley Syrah with a grilled elk loin.”

Ciera Roop

Retail & Hospitality Manager

Ciera is a Walla Walla Valley native who was born and raised on her family’s farm, where her love for agriculture originated. She joined the L’Ecole team in early 2019 on the tasting room floor, after working at various local wineries and restaurants over the past decade. Connecting with and delighting guests are her favorite parts of life in the tasting room. Ciera was recognized as one of Washington Tasting Room Magazine’s 2022 Movers, Shakers & Winemakers.

Ciera is a mom to three young daughters and she and her husband spend their free time relishing their growing family. She is an animal lover with three rescue dogs that keep life interesting. Baking and cooking count amongst her favorite activities, along with regular visits to her family’s farm.

Lindsay Miller

Woodinville Tasting Room Manager

Lindsay started in the wine industry in Michigan in 2016. What was supposed to be a fun summer job quickly turned into a passionate career, eventually landing her in the Woodinville wine scene in the Spring of 2021. Her love for people and creating relationships helped her excel to Tasting Room Manager at multiple wineries, including our new Woodinville Tasting Room. She is very excited to welcome and educate each guest that comes through the door!

Outside of the tasting room, you can find Lindsay sharing a bottle of wine (or two) with friends, exploring the PNW, or planning her next overseas excursion.

Annie Wallace Cox

National Sales Manager, West

Annie’s background includes twenty years of experience in the wine industry. Originally from Portland, she began her wine career with a sales position for a prominent Oregon winery, followed by extensive sales and management experience at the distributor level. For nearly a decade before joining L’Ecole in May 2022, Annie worked at Vias Imports Ltd, managing sales of a respected portfolio of Italian wines across a six-state territory.

After moving to the Seattle area in the mid-2010s, Annie fell in love with the Northwest for all its beauty and its world-class wine. When she’s not enjoying the pleasures of the food and wine scene, you can find her out on the hiking and Nordic ski trails with her husband and two black labs.

Matt Rice

National Sales Manager, Midwest & Southeast

Matt joined the team in September 2019.  Centrally located in Kansas City, Missouri, to readily service the broad expanse of L’Ecole’s Midwest markets and beyond, he brings a deep understanding of the Pacific Northwest wine industry to his role as National Sales Manager.  Previously Matt served as National Sales Manager for Owen Roe Winery for 12 years, managing 44 markets nationally and internationally.  There he gained hands-on knowledge of all facets of the wine industry, including harvest work, wine production, and overseeing all sales channels.

An avid reader and record collector, Matt also loves spending time with his wife and cooking to share meals and wine with family and friends. He is a graduate of The University of Kansas.

Matthew Carroll

National Sales Manager, Northeast

Matthew has quite the commute from Walla Walla to his home in Maryland. He joined the L’Ecole team after over a decade of working with respected importers, such as Skurnik Wines and European Cellars. Before his time on the import side of the industry, he lent his talents to several fine dining restaurants around the Washington, DC area after nearly a decade working in special education. He is currently working toward his Master Sommelier certification.

When he’s not traveling and spreading the word about L’Ecole, you can find him playing music in the pit orchestras of area theaters, or on a tractor tending to the horse farm that he and his partner call home.

Nanci Crowley

Controller

Nanci joined L’Ecole in 2000 as part-time accountant.  As the winery grew, her position also grew to address the financial complexities of the evolving wine industry.  Nanci was named controller in 2009.  In addition to her financial responsibilities, she manages compliance and provides human resources support.

Nanci is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound.  She loves time with her family, cooking, sports, and fine wines.

“Nothing better than a Seahawks game, popcorn and L’Ecole Chardonnay! Go Hawks!”

Ryan Rogel

Inventory & Logistics Manager

Ryan, a Walla Walla Valley native, began his journey in the hospitality industry working in local restaurants before joining L’Ecole in 2021. His enthusiasm for wine quickly flourished, and he found joy in connecting with guests and sharing stories with Vins de L’Ecole Wine Club Members. In 2025, Ryan stepped into the role of Inventory & Logistics Manager, a position that reflects his dedication and growth within the company. He’s proud to be part of the L’Ecole team and excited to continue building his career in the wine industry.

When Ryan is not at the winery, he can be found going on family bike rides or playing the drums.

Kiernan Charnley-Ovens

Office Manager & Executive Assistant

A Walla Walla native, Kiernan spent nearly a decade in the valley’s vibrant hospitality industry. Driven by a passion for new challenges and an interest in expanding her knowledge of the wine industry, she joined the L’Ecole team in 2023 as Office Manager & Executive Assistant.

Outside of work, Kiernan enjoys spending time at home reading, discovering new films and TV shows with a particular fondness for sci-fi, and enjoying life with her partner, their three dogs, and two cats.