After more than a decade of service to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC), Chairman Jeff Painter last week announced his departure from the organization, effective Dec. 1.
“Jeff’s steady leadership and deliberate decision making came at a key time for Virginia ABC,” says ABC Chief Executive Officer Travis Hill. “Navigating through various controversies and our transition to an authority, Jeff’s chairmanship was marked by a multitude of successes. It’s been a great pleasure to work with Jeff to build a modern Virginia ABC.”
Painter began his service with Virginia ABC in 2006 as the agency’s legislative and regulatory coordinator. He went on to become ABC’s chief administrative officer from 2008 to 2010. Then-Governor McAuliffe appointed Painter as chair of Virginia ABC’s Board of Directors in 2014.
In 2018, Governor Northam appointed Painter as chair of the newly created Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. Also in 2018, Painter served as Chair of the Board for the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA).
Painter is a native of Page County, a graduate of Emory and Henry College and principal of Ferncliff LLC, a business strategies, communications, and government relations firm.
“I leave to dedicate more time and energy to my own personal business, knowing that ABC will continue to excel and serve the commonwealth with distinction,” says Painter. “I am very proud of the great strides forward Virginia ABC has taken on behalf of the citizens of the commonwealth during my service. From our first social media posts, newspaper and radio ads to our unprecedented expansion and renovation of retail spaces; to national recognition for our achievements in education and enforcement; to reaching over $1 billion in sales; it’s been an enjoyably challenging and rewarding time.”
Vice Chairman of the ABC Board Maria Everett will assume the chair role.
