Left Hand Welcomes Preston, Kean to Marketing Team

Left Hand Brewing Company, celebrating 25 years of righteous independence, is pleased to announce the hiring of Jill Preston as Brand Marketing Manager and Eric Kean as Community & Events Manager. Both will be based at Left Hand Brewing’s worldwide headquarters in Longmont, Colo.

Jill has resided in Longmont for the past 14 years and brings 20 years marketing experience to Left Hand Brewing primarily in the retail, restaurant and hospitality industries. Most recently Jill was in a marketing consulting role with Oskar Blues Brewery and the CAN’d Aid Foundation, and prior to that she served as the director of marketing for Snarf’s Sandwiches and the director of communications for Noodles & Company. Jill received her Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Kansas.

As Brand Marketing Manager, Jill will oversee all brand management and marketing strategies for the brewery and the Left Hand Foundation including national campaigns, new beer releases, packaging, advertising, public relations, digital and social media, community events, sponsorships and intellectual property.

Eric is a Colorado native and originally from Lyons. He has spent the last 12 years managing various large-scale festivals, speaking events, and concerts across Colorado. Most recently Eric served as the event manager for TEDxMileHigh events. He also held management positions with Planet Bluegrass and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Eric received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Colorado – Boulder and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the University of Colorado – Denver.

As the Community & Events Manager, Eric will act as an ambassador for both the brewery and the Left Hand Brewing Foundation. He will lead the planning and execution for the Foundation’s four major fundraising events: Hops + Handrails, Leftapalooza, Longmont Oktoberfest and Nitro Fest, whose proceeds benefit the Foundation and other local nonprofit partners. Eric also will work closely with an active group of volunteers, community members, sponsors and Left Hand Brewing employees to help elevate Longmont and the greater Northern Colorado region.

“We’re excited to have both Jill and Eric on board here at Left Hand,” said Chris Lennert, Left Hand Brewing COO. “They’re both long-time ‘Lefties’ and bring substantial experience in their fields to the brewery and the Left Hand Foundation. I’m confident they can build upon the great foundation we’ve established and help pave the way for the next 25 years.”