The United States Bartenders’ Guild announced that Ingrid Shawn Rodriguez will assume the role of president of the guild. T. Cole Newton, Joseph Fredrickson and Jessica Taylor round out the organization’s leadership.
Said USBG executive director Aaron Gregory Smith, “Having committed leaders like Ingrid, Cole, Joey and Jessica, each with deep knowledge of our industry, helps further the USBG’s aspiration for bartending to be a respected and fun occupation in a healthy environment that builds a hub for community..”
- President – Ingrid Shawn Rodriguez (Tampa Bay); first term: Based in St.Petersburg, FL, Ingrid is the US Educator and Florida Area Manager for WhistlePig Whiskey. Ingrid has been actively involved in multiple larger organizations for over 20 years, serving in the local capacity as Director, Treasurer and President of NAWIC Tampa and ICRI FWC and serving nationally as the ICRI Region 1 Director, the Chair of the Conventions committee, voting member in the Chapters Committee & Women in ICRI.
- Vice President – T. Cole Newton (New Orleans): second term: Born and raised in Washington, DC, Cole moved to New Orleans in 2006. He opened his Mid-City cocktail dive Twelve Mile Limit in 2010. His second bar, the Domino, opened in 2019 on St. Claude Avenue in the New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood. Cole’s book, Cocktail Dive Bar: Real Drinks, Fake History, and Questionable Advice From New Orleans’s Twelve Mile Limit (Running Press, 2021), recounts his experience as a young bar owner in the Crescent City with classic and original recipes, as well as humorous and insightful essays. He serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors of the New Orleans Women and Children’s Shelter.
- Secretary – Joseph Fredrickson (Cleveland); second term: Fredrickson’s passion inside the hospitality industry is to be a positive influence to talented young industry professionals, teaching them habits that lead towards sustainable healthy lifestyles. He has demonstrated a commitment to bettering his local community by serving on the Board for Downtown Cleveland Residents.
- Treasurer – Jessica Taylor (Indianapolis): Jessica Taylor has a long history in the hospitality industry. She spent 20 years working in restaurants, microbreweries, bars, and hotels. Later, she worked on the supplier side of the business as a Brand Specialist for Absolut. Jessica has spent the past 8 years working at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits where she is currently the National Program Manager for Brand and Product Education. She is a certified instructional designer and active member of the Association for Talent Development where she continues education in the talent development space. Jessica has been an active member of the USBG for over 12 years and has served in numerous roles both locally and nationally, including, Indianapolis Director of Education, Indianapolis Treasurer, Indianapolis Chapter President, National Education Committee Chair, National Secretary, and National Vice President. Jessica and her husband, Dustin, have three daughters, Alyssa (23), Emma (20), and Makenzie (15). Her passion for the hospitality industry and family are her driving forces in all that she does.
Said Rodriguez, “As a dedicated USBG member for over a decade and a part of the guiding leadership team since 2018, my commitment extends to shaping the future. Embracing diverse experiences, I am enthusiastic about fostering an inclusive environment within the bar & hospitality industry. Together, we will drive the USBG’s mission, uniting, elevating, and advocating for our community, now & in the future.”
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