Fred Wooton, Commissioner of the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (WVABCA), was voted incoming chair-elect to the NABCA Board of Directors.
He will assume his responsibilities in May 2022, when current Chair-Elect Tim Holden, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, becomes NABCA Chairman of the Board.
Wooton has been with the WVABCA for more than 30 years and was appointed Commissioner in January 2017. He began his career with the ABC as an Inspector before being promoted to an Enforcement Agent and later to Enforcement Supervisor. Wooton has instructed officers and cadets at the West Virginia State Police Academy on alcohol beverage control laws, rules and regulations since 2004. He currently serves as the Secretary on the WV Retail Liquor Licensing Board.
Prior to joining the WVABCA, Wooton worked in the Lodging/Food and Beverage industry in southern West Virginia. Wooton graduated in 1984 from the West Virginia University College of Business and Economics with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He resides in Beckley with his wife, Debra.
“It is important to realize that beverage alcohol, which is legal to consume if you are over 21 and which is publicly available for consumption, be recognized as a product that can not only bring people together in social gatherings, but can also cause harm to oneself and others, if consumed to excess,” says Wooton. “For this reason, it is critical that we as a control system and all of the other regulators across the country do what is necessary to properly manage this product.”
“It will be my privilege to serve as NABCA Chairman when my term arrives and I appreciate the confidence and support of the board for electing me to serve in this role,” he adds.
Wooton has contributed to NABCA’s governance for 6 years as a board member. He has also served on several committees, including Finance, Governance, Public Affairs – Chair, Internal Affairs – Vice Chair, Pension Plan Trustee – Chair, Chairman’s Task Force, Brokers Advisory Committee, Regulatory Advisory Committee – Chair and Public Health Advisory Committee.
“Having been involved with these various NABCA committees and with his hospitality background, Fred’s contribution to the association will be valuable and I look forward to working with him when his term arrives,” says Neal Insley, NABCA President and CEO. “His enforcement and training perspectives can also help to generate a greater understanding about the importance of regulating this product.”
