Austin is an educator and strategist. For more than a decade, he has been a trusted advisor to mission-driven companies, nonprofits, philanthropies, and education organizations on areas ranging from organizational strategy and communications to growth and innovation. A good friend once said, “If I could give Austin a superpower, I think it’s that he sees the world as it could be, especially by bringing together seemingly disparate ideas, principles and industries.” He’s always trying to live up to those words.

Prior to founding Friday, Austin held multiple roles spanning consulting, policy and advocacy, non-profit management, community organizing, teaching, and coaching – always with a focus on improving education systems, expanding opportunity, and improving communities.

A native Texan, Austin graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin. He serves on the advisory board for PelotonU and has taught college prep English at San Quentin with the Prison University Project. He lives in the Bay Area with his wife Maggie and their black lab Tim Riggins, where outside of work he’s trying to break 80 and smoke the perfect brisket.

Mural by Jason Pyrzynski

Favorite Friday Activity

Enjoying dinner and wine on the back porch before re-watching Friday Night Lights