TABC Executive Director Thomas W. Graham named regional vice chair of National Conference of State Liquor Administrators

AUSTIN - Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Executive Director Thomas W. Graham has been named vice chair of the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA) Southern Region.

Graham was appointed to the position by NCSLA Southern Region Chair Russell Thomas on Oct. 27. His term will conclude on June 30, 2026. Graham, who first joined TABC in 2006, was named executive director of the agency in 2022.

The NCSLA is the country's leading voice for state alcohol regulators, with chapters in each U.S. state. The group's primary mission is to promote effective and equitable alcoholic beverage control laws in each state while helping to devise the most effective enforcement methods for each state's alcohol regulations. The group also assists states in working with the federal government to ensure each state's alcoholic beverage industry is in compliance with federal requirements.

As an NCSLA regional vice chair, Graham will represent both Texas and its partner states across the Southern region.

"This is an incredible honor that really highlights the key role of Texas and its alcoholic beverage industry across the nation," Graham said. "As one of the United States' largest economies, Texas can and should have a leading voice when addressing the successes and challenges of alcohol regulation in all 50 states. I couldn't be prouder of the men and women of TABC, as well as our partners in the Texas alcoholic beverage industry. It's my honor to work with them to ensure future success."

The NCSLA was founded in Chicago in 1934, shortly after the end of Prohibition. The group provides educational resources to its member states and assists in facing modern regulatory challenges such as new beverage categories, ownership structures, and more.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission was established by the Texas Legislature in 1935 as the Texas Liquor Control Board. The agency is charged with regulating all phases of the state's alcoholic beverage industry and employs more than 200 commissioned peace officers and dozens of civilian auditors to help ensure public safety and compliance at more than 60,000 licensed businesses in Texas.

Media Contact:

Chris Porter

TABC Director of Communications

[email protected]