Mark Shilling
President | Spirits Industry Executive | Operations, Distribution & Brand Leadership
- Role
- Chief Operating Officer at Big Thirst
- Location
- Austin, TX, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Mark Shilling
President of Maverick Distilling, leading a historic, founder-owned Texas distillery and hospitality destination with a grain-to-glass focus and a growing portfolio of premium American whiskeys and spirits. Responsible for overall strategy, operations, and commercial performance across production, tasting room, wholesale distribution, and brand development.Spirits industry executive with 25+ years of experience building, scaling, and operating beverage alcohol businesses, from early-stage ventures through sustained growth. Deep expertise in distribution strategy, regulatory compliance, and go-to-market execution across on-premise, off-premise, and direct-to-consumer channels. Known for translating brand vision into operationally sound, compliant, and profitable businesses.Former President of the American Craft Spirits Association and recipient of the Gable Erenzo Spirit of Community Award. Prior leadership experience includes CEO and COO roles with premium spirits brands, co-founding a craft distillery, and advising distilleries nationwide on operations, sales, and market expansion. Brings a pragmatic, operator-first approach grounded in long-term brand stewardship and disciplined execution.
Experience
Chief Operating Officer
Mar 2023 — Present · Austin, TX, US
Responsible for company operations, including financial, staffing, business development and client relations, and management of the company\'s distillery operations consulting practice.
Education
Stephen F. Austin State University
BA, Political Science/History
1988 — 1990
Texas A&M University
Environmental Design
1986 — 1990
Skills
- Public Policy
- Political Communication
- Legislation
- Corporate Communications
- Community Development
- Legislative Relations
- Government Relations
- Public Speaking
- Politics
- Writing
- Public Affairs
- Policy Analysis
- Speech Writing
- Spokesperson
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Crisis Management
- Coalitions
- Public Relations
- Media Relations
- Distribution Strategies
- Distillation
- Message Development
- Strategic Communications
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
- Grassroots
- Political Consulting
- Strategic Leadership
- Lobbying
- Entrepreneurship
- Grassroots Organizing
- Political Campaigns
- Government
- Nonprofits
- Press Releases
- Crisis Communications
- Governmental Affairs
- Leadership
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