Mac Gipson, administrator of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, is retiring at the end of the year after 12 years in the role, according to an announcement by Gov. Kay Ivey Friday.
Ivey also announced she is naming Curtis Stewart as the new ABC administrator for her second term beginning next year.
According to Ivey's news release, Stewart comes to the helm of ABC from the Alabama Department of Revenue, where he most recently served as deputy commissioner.
"As we continue working hard for the people of Alabama, I am proud to assemble the best team, and that includes Curtis Stewart," Ivey said in a statement. "I am truly grateful to Mac for his years of service to Alabama, and I am confident that Curtis is the natural fit to take the lead at ABC. No doubt, there will be a lot to accomplish in my next term, and I certainly feel good that we have Curtis to help continue navigating what's to come at ABC. His depth of knowledge and heart for public service will be of true benefit to the folks across our state."
After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from the Commerce School at Washington and Lee University, Stewart began his career with the Atlanta office of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell, and Co., Certified Public Accountants (now KPMG). Stewart has also worked as a sole practitioner in public accounting in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
"I am honored for Governor Ivey to give me this opportunity to serve in her administration and to continue my service to the great state of Alabama," Stewart said in a statement. "I am excited about getting to know the team members of the ABC and working together with them to provide products to the citizens of Alabama, along with providing funds used for governmental services throughout the state."
The announcement of Stewart marks the first cabinet appointment ahead of Ivey's second term. Ivey also recently announced her new director of legislative affairs, Drew Harrell. Stewart's appointment is effective January 1, 2023.
Alabama is one of 17 remaining alcoholic beverage control states in the United States. Multiple bills have been filed in recent years to eliminate ABC boards and let the private sector operate in the alcohol market without competing against the state.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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