Head Brewer, Co-Owner Of Oswego Brewing Co. Stepping Down

OSWEGO, IL — Head brewer and co-owner of Oswego Brewing Co. will step down from his role at the downtown brewery, officials announced Friday. The move comes four years after the business opened in 2018.

Marc Wilson's final day at the brewery, located at 61 Main St., will be June 17. Carolyn Stephens has accepted the promotion to succeed Wilson as head brewer, according to staff.

"It was not even a question about promoting Carolyn to Head Brewer," Wilson said in a statement. "She’s a talented brewer and a critical member of our brewery operations. Her creativity, attention to detail and skill in making high quality beer makes her more than qualified to take over as Head Brewer. I look forward to the great things Carolyn will bring to OBC."

Co-owner Chris Heinen said Wilson will be moving back to Texas with his family. He credited Wilson for creating the brewery's most popular beer: Hay’z for Horsez New England Style IPA.

"Marc did great things for us during his tenure at OBC," Heinen said in a statement.

He continued: "Marc was also instrumental in educating and training Carolyn that allowed her to sharpen her talents as a Brewer. We will greatly miss Marc and are saddened by his departure. We are excited to see what Carolyn will do as Head Brewer and we’re excited for the future of OBC."

Officially founded on May 18, 2018, Oswego Brewing Co. is celebrating its fourth anniversary this year. Co-owners Peter J. Rzeminski II, Aaron Royster and Heinen will host a celebration May 21, where they'll thank patrons and investors and celebrate Wilson and Stephens, the changing of the guard, and "the bright future for the brewery and Oswego."