Front Street Brewery has announced the promotion of Kelsie Cole to head brewer, making Cole the first female head brewer in the state of North Carolina. A long-time employee of the brewery, Cole has worked most recently as assistant brewer under former head brewer and now director of brewing operations, Kevin Kozak. 

“Kelsie is innovative, intelligent and a joy to be around,” Kozak said. “I've been with Front Street for eight years, and the time has come for me to start doing some equipment upgrades and further our lab work within the brewery. I'm confident Kelsie can handle the day to day production of consistent, well-crafted beer.”

Cole studied brewing techniques under former assistant brewer Christopher McGarvey and recently completed the Intensive Brewing Science and Engineering course with the American Brewers Guild in Salisbury, Vermont.

“She put herself through brewing school, which shows her passion for the craft,” Kozak said.

Cole said that becoming the first female head brewer in North Carolina is a dream she never envisioned just four short years ago when she began serving at Front Street while attending University of North Carolina Wilmington.

“I'm beyond grateful to be a part of such an innovative, creative and successful industry and to be surrounded by people who both support and inspire me every day,” Cole said. “North Carolina's craft beer industry is built on camaraderie and filled with people ignited by passion. To be a leading figure in Wilmington's craft beer environment is an honor and privilege, and I look forward to the opportunities this position holds.”

Cole obtained a bachelor's degree in business with a focus in marketing from UNCW in 2012. She has also worked at both Cape Fear Wine & Beer and Lighthouse Beer & Wine as a certified beer server, the first level of cicerone certification. She was recently nominated as one of WILMA magazine's Women to Watch finalists in the Rising Stars category for area women 30 and under.

“More and more women are getting involved with the brewing community, and I'm really happy to see it,” Kozak said. “It helps balance out what was a testosterone-heavy business. I know she'll do well, and I'm looking forward to see her skills and personality make its mark on Front Street Brewery.”

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