AGLC Organizational Changes
From: Kandice Machado, CEO
Good afternoon.
I am pleased to share news of organizational changes at AGLC that will position us to bring more focus, innovation and agility to our efforts to strengthen Alberta’s gaming, liquor and cannabis industries.
I have created two new roles on AGLC’s executive team. Combined, the Executive Vice President of Business Development and the Executive Vice President (EVP) of Public Engagement and Chief Regulatory Officer will work to open the province’s marketplace with reduced barriers and new opportunities. Their efforts will focus on promoting private sector growth and consumer choice, while upholding the interests of Albertans through modernized compliance and regulatory enforcement.
The EVP of Business Development will oversee the gaming, liquor and cannabis operational areas and guide AGLC’s strategic response to evolving industry needs and new opportunities.
Further strengthening this role, AGLC has three individuals who will report to the EVP, Business Development, each providing dedicated leadership to these areas.
Steve Lautischer, Vice President, Gaming — Steve has been acting in the role of Vice President, Gaming and Cannabis for the past year, leading significant changes to both industries. This includes the ongoing development of Play Alberta, the preparations for retail sportsbooks in our casinos and racing entertainment centers and AGLC’s exit from online cannabis sales. Steve will now focus solely on the gaming industry and the stakeholders critical to that industry’s success.
Jay Shukle, Senior Director, Cannabis — Jay has used his considerable experience in the private business sector to lead AGLC’s cannabis area, helping achieve an incredible milestone of over $1 billion in cannabis wholesale sales in Alberta and over 120 contracts with licensed cannabis producers.
Kathy Hibbs, Senior Director (Acting), Liquor Services — Kathy has extensive experience through her various roles at AGLC since 2005. This has included leading the development of the provincial liquor strategy and a nearly 38 per cent reduction in red tape for AGLC. She will lead AGLC’s efforts to improve the business environment for the liquor industry in our province.
Jody Korchinski has left AGLC. Her contributions have been valued and I wish her the very best in her future endeavors.
The EVP, Business Development position will be posted in the coming weeks.
Dave Berry, AGLC’s current Vice President (VP), Regulatory Services will take on the role of EVP of Public Engagement and Chief Regulatory Officer to bring an aligned approach to outcomes-based policy development, public consultation strategies and regulatory operations while continuing to focus on red tape reduction and social responsibility initiatives. The VP of Policy and Public Affairs, Angelle Sasseville and Gary Peck, Vice President (Acting), Regulatory Services will report to Dave.
Over the 10 years she has been with AGLC, Angelle has overseen the transformation of AGLC’s policy framework and the launch of various programs, including most recently CannabisSense. Her extensive experience in government communications, marketing, policy development and stakeholder relations will continue to drive these areas forward.
Gary has considerable executive level experience in law enforcement, and, since joining AGLC in 2016, has led various investigative teams and supported the development of the anti-money laundering reporting program for online gaming.
These changes to AGLC’s leadership reflect our commitment to refocus how we carry out our role in the oversight of gaming, liquor and cannabis industries. I look forward to working with our stakeholders to steward a balanced environment where your businesses thrive and the interests of Albertans are protected.