The United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) announces the results of the organization’s elections for seats on the National Board of Directors. Donny Clutterbuck and T. Cole Newton return to the Board for second terms, while Portland’s Bradley Stephens joins for a first term.
Each year, three (3) vacancies open on the National Board of Directors. All current USBG members are encouraged to learn more about the eligible candidates and cast votes to elect or reelect three candidates for the open seats.
Applicants are thoroughly vetted by the USBG Nominating Committee through a series of evaluations and interviews. Candidates who advance typically have a proven track record of national volunteer experience and success in collaborative leadership positions.
T. Cole Newton
Born and raised in Washington, DC, T. Cole Newton moved to New Orleans in 2006 to volunteer full-time with AmeriCorps in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. After his service year, Cole took a bartending job at Commander’s Palace, culinary alma mater of Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse. In 2008, he developed and implemented the cocktail program as the first bar manager at the Uptown bistro Coquette. Inspired by that experience, Cole 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.
Newton’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, humorous and insightful essays.
In addition to his work in bars, Newton still volunteers extensively. He is currently the national President and Board Chair of the USBG, and the Board Secretary of the New Orleans Women and Children’s Shelter.
Donny Clutterbuck
Donny Clutterbuck began his career working dive bars and nightclubs in Buffalo, New York before finding his way into restaurant work, focusing on bartending and management. With an obsession for problem solving, Clutterbuck moves through his work looking to have the most positive impact on his surroundings as possible. With a passion for food, wine, cocktails, and management, his true underlying love is one for solutions and progress. He lives by the mantra “May every day be the best day.”
Bradley Stephens
Portland-based Bradley Stephens has served as the Chair of the USBG’s National Education Committee. He also has held the titles of Board Chair for the USBG Oregon Chapter and Vice-chair of the West Region on the USBG’s National Council of Chapters.
He is the founder of Portland Margarita Week and the PDX Cocktail Boomerang Program; holds a Stave & thief Executive Bourbon Steward Certification; and has reached the semifinals of Herradura Legends and the US top 30 of the 2021 Patron Perfectionist competition.
Said USBG Executive Director Aaron Gregory Smith, “I’d like to thank all those who participated as candidates, but also all of those who took time to review the candidates’ qualifications and vote. I’m thrilled to continue working with Cole and Donny and am excited to begin working with Bradley as the newest member of our Board of Directors.”
Plan to Attend or Participate in Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 27-29, 2023
To learn about the latest trends, issues and hot topics, and to experience and taste the best products within the bar, restaurant and hospitality industry, plan to attend Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 27-29, 2023 in Las Vegas. Visit BarandRestaurantExpo.com.
To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at Bar & Restaurant Expo, contact:
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Tim Schultz (for companies H to Q) e: [email protected] p: 917-258-8589
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