The chair of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, Rob Patridge, announced this week that he will leave the position for a private-sector job.
Patridge was appointed to the position in July 2013. He is perhaps best remembered for his critical role in helping Oregon set in place rules to regulate the state’s recreational cannabis industry after citizens in 2014 voted to legalize pot.
Patridge led statewide “town hall” public meetings and other stakeholder engagement to formulate the framework for regulations. At the time, Oregon was the third state to approve legal cannabis consumption for adults.
Along with the OLCC’s executive leadership, Patridge worked with Oregon legislators during the 2015 and 2016 legislative sessions to translate Measure 91 into workable laws that served the cannabis industry’s development.
According to an article on Katu.com, Patridge was also an advocate “for economic opportunities for the state’s licensed liquor businesses” and “helped expand retail liquor stores and helped spotlight Oregon’s efforts in craft alcoholic beverages and distilled spirits.”
“The opportunity to serve on, and lead, the Commission during this dynamic time at the agency has been a highlight of my public service career,” Patridge said in a press release. “Because the OLCC has an extremely capable and professional staff we’ve been able to effectively and efficiently make changes that reflect the rapidly changing alcohol and cannabis markets.”
He submitted his resignation on Monday. March 10 will be his final day in office.
Patridge formerly served as an Oregon state representative. Since 2013 he has also been the Klamath County district attorney, Katu.com reported, a position he will also resign from as he joins the private sector.