Meet the Team At Theorem
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Kisha Itkin
Founder & CEOBy educational background, Kisha Itkin might seem more suited for a job in science or math. However, Kisha’s studies of complex math and science never replaced her passion for design, antiques and a sense of place.
Kisha began coming to Napa Valley as a tourist. On those early visits, she was always drawn to Napa’s history, beauty and of course, the amazing wines. Whether it was the knowledge needed to produce ultra-premium wines or the artistic talent that goes into designing wine bottles and labels—everywhere Kisha turned, she saw something that touched her love of art and science.
So, on one of her international adventures with her husband Jason, Kisha felt inspired to search for property in Napa Valley. She located a few properties of interest and after several calls to local real estate brokers, found that no one would return her calls. After a week, an agent finally agreed to show Kisha and her husband the properties. It was a cold, rainy day on Diamond Mountain for that visit. The mud was thick in the vineyards, the buildings in shambles and the views looking out to Mt. St. Helena were impossible to see. But something about that old porch and the smell of that soil... The connection was undeniable. Kisha and Jason made an offer the next day and so began the story of Theorem Vineyards.
Kisha has overseen the restoration of the property. She also coordinates the vineyard and winery operations and sits at the helm of all facets of Theorem Collection, including Theorem Ranch. In her spare time, Kisha is an avid equestrian and loves traveling, fashion, architecture and design.
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Jason Itkin
FounderJason owns Theorem Vineyards with his wife Kisha. Although Jason loves a great bottle of wine, he is best known for his work as a trial lawyer. In 2004, Jason co-founded the nationally known law firm of Arnold and Itkin LLP. Jason’s track record of multi-million-dollar verdicts has earned him many honors and awards. Perhaps Jason’s greatest honor was being named as a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates. The Inner Circle’s membership is comprised of the top 100 trial attorneys in the United States. Jason was selected to join the Inner Circle before the age of 40, making him the elite organization’s youngest member.
Although Kisha runs the winery operation, Jason is not shy about chiming in with his ideas. Often, Jason can be found walking the vineyards while preparing for a big case.
The Itkins are active members and proud supporters of the Houston and Napa communities. They support many causes individually and through the Arnold & Itkin Foundation.
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Andy Jones
WinemakerOriginally from Jackson, Wyoming, Andy Jones moved to the Bay Area to continue his career in the culinary world after working in the restaurant business from a very early age. After settling down in Northern Napa Valley, it did not take long until the wine side of the business had his full attention.
In 2008, Andy made the leap from a management position at a Michelin Star restaurant to cellar intern at Outpost Wines. Throughout many years working as an Assistant Winemaker for Thomas Brown, Andy was able to gain incredible knowledge and respect for wine-making techniques, along with being exposed to some of the most premier vineyard sites in both Napa and Sonoma County. After consulting for the last few years, Andy is happy to be focusing solely on the Theorem properties and looking toward the future.
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Alex Burchett
Chief Operating OfficerRaised in Iowa, Alex Burchett developed a deep appreciation for the land early on, shaped by his family’s roots in farming and cattle ranching. That connection ultimately led him to the world of wine. In 2015, he and his wife moved to California, drawn by their shared passion for viticulture and the vibrant community that surrounds it.
Alex brings a unique blend of corporate rigor and agricultural reverence to his role as COO at Theorem Vineyards. He began his career in leadership roles at Target and Levi’s before transitioning to the wine industry with Treasury Wine Estates, the world’s largest luxury wine supplier. There he held global and regional roles across finance, strategy, sales, and general management, building a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to grow a brand rooted in place and purpose.
Now living in Napa’s Silverado community with his wife and young son, Alex is fueled by hard work, meaningful relationships, and time spent outdoors. He believes the best wines are the ones that bring people together—and the most memorable moments are often found around the table. -
Scott Freeland
Chief Financial OfficerScott believes that dreams and passions should not be ignored or discounted, but examined and pursued. This is what ultimately led Scott, his wife, and his three children to uproot from their Texas home and make their way to the Napa Valley in 2015. After more than two decades in banking and finance, Scott has wholeheartedly transitioned into the wine industry. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Economics, Scott began his career in Financial Services with Merrill Lynch in Dallas, Texas. That eventually lead to being Executive Director and Investment Team Leader in Fort Worth, Texas for J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Beginning with the Fall of 2016 harvest, Scott worked as a cellar intern at a custom crush winery in Calistoga and eventually moved over to the hospitality and management side of the winery. Scott has been a winery representative on the Napa Valley Vintner's Community and Industry Issues Committee and is continuing his formal education attending Sonoma State University.
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Sasha Dougherty
Director of Partnerships and Business DevelopmentGrowing up in Chicago, Sasha spent countless days in the kitchen of her Grandparent’s restaurant as well as helping her parents cater large events. While food and wine always felt like home, her passion was writing and performing. She co-founded a comedy group that performed original works in both Chicago and New York to critical acclaim and a cult following. As a luxury travel agent creating unique trips for her clients all over the world, Sasha had the opportunity to explore food and wine of various regions throughout California and beyond. No matter where she went, the Napa Valley kept calling her back. When a job offer presented itself, she jumped at the opportunity and moved with her husband and young son to wine country. While working at a Forbes 15 star property in Napa, she curated ideal and exclusive experiences for high-end guests visiting the Valley. Sasha brings her passion for wine, entertaining, and celebrating life with her to Theorem Vineyards.
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John James
Director of HospitalityGrowing up just outside of Boston, John worked in restaurants until his mid-20s. In 2014, John earned the opportunity to work as a harvest intern for Andy Jones and Thomas Rivers Brown in Napa Valley. They were so impressed with his work, that the two winemakers offered John a full-time cellar position. He has never looked back. John worked with Andy and Thomas for the next 4 years, eventually becoming their Assistant Winemaker. With the desire to learn different winemaking styles, John served as an Assistant Winemaker to a few other well know consultants in the Napa Valley. After 9 years of making wine, John felt like something was missing and decided to return to what he loves most-- creating unforgettable experiences. John’s knowledge of winemaking and passion for crafting elevated experience have made him a key part of the team.
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Thomas Rivers Brown
Consulting WinemakerThomas was born in Sumter, South Carolina and discovered his passion for wine while attending the University of Virginia. In 1997, he moved to Napa and began his career with an entry-level position at Turley Cellars. Thomas’ philosophy of letting the site dictate the way the wine is produced has made him one of Napa’s most respected winemakers. His wines have earned the highest acclaim, including more than twenty-five 100 point scores from Robert Parker. In 2010, Thomas was also named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine.
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Josh Clark
Vineyard ManagerJosh’s farming career got its start while riding on his dad’s lap, as he steered the tractor around their Napa Valley vineyard. It’s there that Josh learned the rhythm of the seasons and the rhythm of the vines. After graduating with a degree in Agricultural Engineering Technology with a minor in Ag Business, Josh worked at a large family run vineyard in Paso Robles, managing all phases of development, maintenance and harvest. Eventually, he moved back home to Napa Valley, taking the reins of his father’s business, Clark Vineyard Management. Today, Josh’s team oversees 400 acres of premium wine grapes in Napa and Sonoma Counties. He specializes in smaller, high-quality vineyards, with the philosophy that technology and age-old practices are not opposing forces when your aim is growing the best possible grapes.
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Wade Estes
Culinary Gardens and Grounds ManagerA Napa Valley native, Wade grew up in rural Angwin surrounded by vineyards and woodland. This rooted a passion for the outdoors, leading to his first career path as a Certified Arborist at a local tree service company, where he worked his way up the ranks. Throughout his time as an arborist, he would often take time to explore his other interests of farming, ranching, and, eventually, fermentation. He traveled through parts of Europe working on organic farms through the WWOOF program. He worked at a biodynamic, organic apple farm that offers farm-to-table cooking classes in Philo, California, and as a ranch hand for a cattle company in Colusa, California. Eventually, Wade’s career path turned toward wine, and he was hired by a small Cabernet Sauvignon producer in Calistoga. Wade joins Theorem Vineyards using his unique skill set both in the garden and in the winery.
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Joey Brink
CellarmasterBorn and raised in Saint Helena, California, Joey comes from the multi-generational Nichelini wine family. Spending much of his childhood at Nichelini Winery, he has always been close to and intrigued by the winemaking process. Though wine was always part of his life, Joey also explored other interests as he grew up in the valley. His passion for sports and competition led him to earn a degree in kinesiology from California State University, Chico in 2018.
Joey entered the wine industry in 2019, joining the team at Mending Wall Winery. There, he gained extensive hands-on winemaking experience, eventually becoming the winery’s Cellar Master. Working under Thomas Brown, Joey contributed to the production of wines for a range of prestigious clients, gaining invaluable insight and expertise along the way.
Joey joined the Theorem team in Spring 2025 and looks forward to honing his craft in a small production setting where he can be closely involved in every stage of the winemaking process. He brings a strong work ethic, a keen sense of precision, and lively spirit to the team.