Riverhead, N.Y.—Steve Bate is leaving the post of executive director for the Long Island Wine Council and will be replaced by the group’s current marketing director Ali Tuthill. Bate has been the executive director for the past 12 years and helped increase the group’s membership by 40%, revenues by 200% and secured more than $3 million in grants. "I am very proud of the Long Island wine industry's growth in stature and economic impact during my tenure, and I am even more grateful for the active support of our members to help make it all happen." said Bate in a statement announcing the changes. "But with the evolution of our members' needs and exciting new changes to the region's branding and marketing orientation, it's really a perfect time for Ali Tuthill to take over the Council's reins."