Austin serves as Chief Growth Officer at UStrive, where he leads all corporate, nonprofit, and philanthropic partnership development and support. In his role, Austin directs all strategic growth initiatives that drive our mission and long-term vision to reach as many mentors and aspiring collegians as possible, both domestically and abroad.

Austin brings with him over 17 years of experience in nonprofit management, business strategy, state and federal policy advocacy, and technology development. Before joining UStrive, Austin served as CEO of College Forward, a Texas-based college success organization reaching over 500,000 first-generation, low-income students nationwide. In July of 2021, he led the industry’s largest merger on record, combining the missions and business operations of a fellow nationally recognized nonprofit, College Possible. Post-merger, Austin served as Senior Vice President of Revenue, Advancement, and Growth at College Possible until July 2024.

Austin received his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Trinity University and went on to the University of Pennsylvania to complete an executive degree in social entrepreneurship. Outside of work, Austin spends most of his time in Austin, TX, playing sports and consuming as much comedy and music as possible with his wife Kyla and his son Jackson.