Bjornson named Director of ABC

• Posted Date: 10/10/2023
• Office: All DFA
• News:

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
  October 10, 2023

  FOR MORE INFORMATION:
  Scott Hardin, Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
  501-352-9351, scott.hardin@dfa.arkansas.gov

   

                                                                          Bjornson named Director of Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division
                                                                                 Division oversees more than 6,400 permits throughout Arkansas

  LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (October 10, 2023) – Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Secretary Jim Hudson today announced Christy Bjornson as the new Director of the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Division. ABC is a division of the Department of Finance and Administration.

  ABC, which oversees more than 6,400 alcohol permits across the state, has responsibility for the regulation and supervision of alcohol, including manufacturing and distribution. In addition, ABC also oversees operation of the state’s permitted medical marijuana facilities.

  Bjornson will join ABC from DFA’s Office of Field Audit, where she was Attorney Supervisor.

  “With years of legal experience and as a leader in our Field Audit Division, Christy understands what it takes to ensure compliance with a complex set of rules,” said Secretary Hudson. “It is also critical to have a Director who can maintain relationships with permit holders, law enforcement and leaders on the local and state level. Christy is the leader ABC needs as the Division’s responsibilities continue to expand.”

  Bjornson’s first day as ABC Director will be Monday, October 16. Prior to joining DFA, she was a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Sixth Judicial District.

  “I am truly humbled to have the privilege of serving Arkansans as Director of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division,” said Bjornson. “The agency’s hardworking staff oversee and process thousands of permits each year, and I am eager to continue serving the people of Arkansas as a member of the team!”

  Trent Minner, Regulatory Administrator for DFA, has also been serving as ABC’s Interim Director. He will continue to serve as Interim until Monday.

  “Christy has the ability to quickly interpret and analyze complex scenarios to reach a solution,” said Administrator Minner. “While serving as interim Director, I’ve learned the importance of this ability as there are not any slow moments at ABC. We are looking forward to Christy formally joining the ABC team next week.

  Bjornson will report to Administrator Minner as ABC is within DFA’s Regulatory Division. The Regulatory Division oversees alcohol, tobacco, medical marijuana, gaming, and horse-racing in Arkansas.  

  Bjornson earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Central Arkansas and a Juris Doctor Degree from the William H. Bowen School of Law.

  She is a native of Little Rock.

                                                                                                                                    ###