Christy Lynn Bjornson

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Secretary Jim Hudson announced Wednesday (Feb. 14) that Christy Bjornson will serve as the new director of the Arkansas Tobacco Control Division (ATC). Bjornson was named director of Arkansas’ Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC) in October 2023. She will maintain her role as ABC director while also leading ATC. Both ABC and ATC are within the Department of Finance and Administration’s regulatory division. Bjornson replaces Greg Sled as ATC Director. Sled, who had been with ATC for more than 25 years, passed away in December. ATC, which oversees 5,262 tobacco permits throughout Arkansas, ensures all retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers of tobacco, vapor and alternative nicotine products fully adhere to all Arkansas tobacco laws. ABC, which oversees 6,468 alcohol permits throughout the state, has responsibility for the regulation and supervision of alcohol, including manufacturing and distribution. Christy Bjornson. In addition, ABC also oversees operation of the state’s permitted medical marijuana facilities. “The director of both ATC and ABC must work closely with enforcement agents and the business community to maintain compliance within these regulated industries,” Hudson said. “Christy demonstrates this ability on a daily basis as she manages a wide range of high-profile issues. With one director leading both divisions, DFA streamlines multiple processes across these two offices while also saving taxpayer dollars, which is a priority for Governor Sanders.” “It is an honor to take on the role of ATC Director,” Bjornson said. “ATC’s dedicated staff works to ensure citizens of Arkansas are protected from harmful and illegal tobacco sales, as well as providing guidance to businesses in an effort to keep them compliant with Arkansas law. I look forward to continuing those efforts as an integral part of Arkansas’s regulatory division.” Bjornson earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Central Arkansas and a juris doctorate degree from the William H. Bowen School of Law. FacebookXLinkedInThreadsPrintEmail Related Christy Bjornson to lead ABC divisionArkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Secretary Jim Hudson announced Tuesday (Oct. 10) that Christy Bjornson will serve as the new Director of the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Division. ABC, a division of the Department of Finance and Administration, oversees more than 6,400 alcohol permits across the state…October 10, 2023In "Central Arkansas"DFA announces Trent Minner as Regulatory AdministratorThe Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) announced Wednesday (July 19) that Trent Minner will join the agency as Regulatory Administrator. In this position, Minner will oversee the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC), Racing Commission, Medical Marijuana Commission and Tobacco Control Division. He replaces Mike Moore, who recently retired.…July 19, 2023In "Business"Casteel named director of the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage ControlGov. Asa Hutchinson has appointed Mary Robin Casteel as director of the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control. Casteel was named interim director in May after the departure of former director Bud Roberts. “The ABC faces a number of challenges in the near future, and continuity of leadership will help ensure the…June 9, 2017In "News Briefs"