Board of Directors

Brian and his family arrived in Austin in 2012, moving from the land of snow and Big 10 football. The first local brewpub he visited was Black Star and remains his favorite due the mix of great beer and amazing food. Brian is passionate about transportation, as it is essential to allow for people to have greater economic freedom, see more of the world around us and stay connected with family and friends. An engineer by degree, he has worked in aerospace, automotive and now urban mobility. He has travelled extensively in Europe and Asia and enjoys meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. He has many lifelong friendships that started with six simple words, “Can I buy you a beer?”

Jeffrey W. Ouellette is a technology and culture progress advocate for the global built asset industry (buildings and infrastructure). Leveraging his past 30+ years of experience in design, construction, and software development and marketing, he is an independent consultant for local, national, and international companies and organizations that desire to utilize standards and industry best practices as they work to become more digitally adept. Jeff’s work provides him an opportunity to regularly travel around the world and enthusiastically experience beer, food, and social culture in all its many varieties… stories he will gladly share with you over a pint. He has been a resident of Austin since 1996 and is married to a native Austinite, Rebecca, with whom have two kids and a dog… all frequent, and appreciative, patrons of the Co-op.

Hailing from the crowded streets of Bellevue, Nebraska, Greg is a long time patron and member-owner of Black Star Co-op. After graduating from the University of Texas, Greg has been a researcher at his alma mater since 2004. He and his wife, Cheryl, also run a local bed and brew that focuses heavily on one of Greg's favorite things in life; beer.

A rare Austin local, Gabe loves the food and beer culture in this city. He’s spent his career in the Austin tech space, working in just about every capacity and currently works as a product marketing manager for an AI start-up. When he’s not in the office, Gabe loves to travel with his wife to find new and interesting coffee/beverages and is always interested in swapping travel stories or tips. He is incredibly excited to be on the Black Star board and looks forward to contributing his expertise!

James believes in drinking good beer, eating good food, and above all cooperation. A longtime patron of Black Star, James started attending board meetings in 2019 to get more involved with this unique establishment he loves so much. You can often find him listening to the evening news with pint at the bar. Don't mind the earbuds: say hello and ask what's up at Black Star... Or tell James what you think should be up!

Hi! My name is Autumn and I’m a rare Austin Native! I grew up in the Crestview neighborhood and come from a family of Black Star Co-op Members! I graduated from Trinity University with a degree in Communication, but currently work in Education Tech and am also a small business owner (Brew Pub + Coffee Roasters in the Philippines)! I enjoy all things craft (beer + food) and I look forward to working and getting to know you all soon!

When Mrs. Schoolfield isn’t drinking beer, maybe you’ll find her at ACC where she is pursuing a dual major in Culinary & Pastry Arts. Or, you might find her at Austin Books & Comics, where she’s always looking for the latest & greatest Aliens comic book. On occasion, she’s also been known to pop by the theater for a musical or otherwise fabulous production. When she isn’t working on a new recipe, baking or reading, she is otherwise laughing and drinking it up with her husband or playing Nerf wars with her son. Mrs. Schoolfield enjoys bad jokes, sci-fi movies, chats with new folks, and drinking a Vulcan while eating an Avocado Club. Prost!

A Brentwood local, keen beer drinker and home-brewer Graham is originally from the land of cask beer (England) but has acclimatized well to Austin since moving here in 2013. His wife (an Austin original), claims he becomes a little more Texan every day, a claim he disputes. His main gig is in product marketing for a local engineering firm, where he employs strategic, project management and evangelism skill that he hopes to bring to the Black Star board. His side gigs include, playing trombone in a local jazz band, spoiling his small white fluffy dog, and eating good cheese – all skills and activities with less direct use during board meetings, but who knows what the future brings…. Graham is excited about serving the Black Star Coop members and contributing to support and build a quality neighborhood pub!

John believes that Black Star is unique; its business model, the fact that it’s a co-op, the quality of its beers, and the foods it serves. He also believes that the member/owners and “regulars” are unique assets to Black Star and wants to explore ways to empower them to be our best ambassadors! He wants to bring his 20 years of business/technology experience to help Black Star strive in the very competitive Austin market. John loves to travel the world and he knew his wife was a keeper when he realized that she had more camping gear than he did! He’s here every week, just ask the amazing staff, and come join him for a pint! Term Expires: 2018