Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission Sees Executive Transition
PORTLAND, OR – A significant leadership change is underway at the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC), the state agency responsible for regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages and recreational marijuana. Craig Prins, who has served as the Executive Director of the commission, has announced his retirement, effective July 1, 2025. His departure marks the conclusion of a tenure overseeing the complex regulatory landscape of Oregon’s controlled substances industries.
The announcement of Mr. Prins’s retirement came as part of the agency’s activities concluding in June 2025, setting the stage for a transition at the helm of one of Oregon’s key state bodies. The OLCC plays a critical role in public safety, revenue generation, and maintaining the integrity of both the burgeoning cannabis market and the long-standing alcohol industry within the state.
Transitioning Leadership: Tara Wasiak Takes the Helm
Succeeding Mr. Prins as the new Executive Director is Tara Wasiak. Ms. Wasiak is slated to assume the leadership role immediately following Mr. Prins’s retirement on July 1, 2025. Her appointment comes at a crucial time for the OLCC, as it navigates ongoing changes in state policy, market dynamics, and enforcement priorities for both alcohol and cannabis.
The transition is expected to ensure continuity in the commission’s operations while potentially introducing new perspectives on regulatory approaches. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of the agency, implementing commission policies, and acting as the primary liaison between the commission, state government, and regulated industries.
The Role of the OLCC in Oregon’s Economy and Public Safety
The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission’s mandate is broad, encompassing licensing, compliance, enforcement, and the operation of the state’s unique liquor distribution system. On the cannabis side, established following the passage of Measure 91 in 2014, the OLCC regulates growers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, and laboratories. The agency collects substantial tax revenue from cannabis sales, which is dedicated to schools, mental health services, state police, and local governments.
Regulation of the alcohol industry dates back decades, with the OLCC controlling the sale of distilled spirits and overseeing the distribution and sale of beer and wine. This dual mandate means the Executive Director must possess a deep understanding of disparate markets and regulatory challenges, from ensuring public health and safety to combating illicit activity and fostering a compliant business environment.
Craig Prins oversaw the agency during a period that saw the maturation of Oregon’s recreational cannabis market and ongoing evolution in alcohol regulation. His retirement on July 1, 2025, closes a chapter in the commission’s history.
Looking Ahead Under New Leadership
Tara Wasiak steps into the Executive Director role on July 1, 2025, tasked with leading the agency through its next phase. Challenges facing the OLCC include addressing issues such as illegal cannabis production and export, ensuring social equity within the regulated industries, adapting to potential legislative changes, and maintaining efficient operations across both the liquor and cannabis divisions.
Stakeholders across Oregon’s regulated alcohol and cannabis sectors will be observing the transition closely, anticipating how the change in leadership might influence regulatory priorities, enforcement strategies, and the agency’s overall direction. The smooth transfer of leadership is vital for maintaining stability and predictability for businesses operating under the OLCC’s purview and for the state agencies that rely on the revenue and public safety functions performed by the commission.
Mr. Prins’s departure on July 1, 2025, marks a significant event for the OLCC. As Tara Wasiak assumes her duties, the focus will shift to the continued effective governance and evolution of Oregon’s critical alcohol and cannabis regulatory frameworks under her direction.
The transition, formally announced as part of the activities concluding in June 2025 and taking effect on July 1, 2025, highlights the ongoing evolution within Oregon’s state government agencies responsible for overseeing complex and economically significant industries.
