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May 18, 2017

TABC Chairman Lilly begins Search for Agency's Next Executive Director

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Chairman Kevin J. Lilly has begun the search for the agency's next Executive Director, capping off a busy first day on the job following his appointment to the position by Governor Greg Abbott on May 10.

Lilly attended a four-hour training session with key TABC officers Monday, including retiring Executive Director Sherry Cook, Deputy Executive Director Ed Swedberg, Executive Chief Robert Saenz, General Counsel Emily Helm and Governmental Relations Director Mariann H. Morelock. Following the training, Lilly met with state Senator Kelly Hancock, who chairs the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce. Hancock, whose committee hears many pieces of legislation pertaining to the agency and the Alcoholic Beverage Code, administered Lilly's oath of office. Later in the day, Lilly met with representatives from other state law enforcement agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Lilly said one of his top priorities is leading the search for a new Executive Director.

"It was a pleasure to meet with the TABC leadership team this week and to hear about the agency's important work keeping the public safe while regulating an industry which has served as an incredible economic driver for our state," Lilly said. "My top priority is finding a new Executive Director who will lead the agency during this critical time. The next biennium will see the agency go before the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, and the new Executive Director will play an important role throughout that process and in the years to come."

Prior to his appointment as commission chairman, Lilly was a member of the Texas State University System's Board of Regents and served as a tank commander in the U.S. Army. Lilly also serves as a trustee of Strake Jesuit College Prep and is a former trustee of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Houston Symphony. He holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Texas State Guard as well as a bachelor's degree in business administration from The University of Texas and a master's in business administration from Southern Methodist University. Lilly resides in Houston, where he is Founding Partner, President and CEO of Avalon Advisors Wealth Management.

Media contact:
Chris Porter
Public Information Officer, TABC Headquarters
(512) 206-3462

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Chairman Kevin J. Lilly (left) takes the oath of office administered by state Senator Kelly Hancock (right) at the senator's Capitol office Monday, May 15. Governor Greg Abbott appointed Lilly to lead the three-member commission May 10. Courtesy Photo/The Texas Senate

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Chairman Kevin J. Lilly (left) meets with state Senator Kelly Hancock at the senator's Capitol office Monday, May 15. Hancock serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce, which hears numerous pieces of legislation affecting both TABC and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. Courtesy Photo/The Texas Senate