 Craig Prins, Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission's Executive Director, announces retirement
Commissioners appoint Tara Wasiak as agency's new director
Portland, OR -- At today’s regularly scheduled meeting of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC), the agency’s executive director, Craig Prins, announced his retirement. Prins was appointed the agency’s interim executive director in February 2023. In October of that year, Commissioners permanently appointed Prins as the agency’s leader.
“This has obviously been a tough decision to make,” Prins told Commissioners. “I am grateful for your trust and partnership over these last two years. While difficult, I also believe this is the right decision at the right time. We have reached major milestones in modernizing the OLCC’s operations and rebuilding the public’s confidence in our mission. Having had the honor to work with this organization’s dedicated public servants, I have complete faith in their ability to build on this progress.”
Prins led the agency-wide effort to update the OLCC’s strategic plan and focus on building a modern, efficient organization. Under his leadership, the OLCC recently broke ground on a new $87.6 million warehouse in Canby and has begun a major technology overhaul of its distilled spirits retail and distribution infrastructure. The agency has continued to be at the forefront in addressing new challenges in cannabis regulation. Prins also placed increased emphasis on supporting the state’s efforts to prevent and treat alcohol and other substance abuse.
Prins indicated that the success of these efforts contributed to his decision. He noted that when he accepted the position one of his primary goals was to steady the agency and build a foundation for its future growth and success. Prins said this goal had been met, telling Commissioners that with their partnership, “We have steadied the organization and placed the OLCC not just on a path to restore public trust but to enhance and expand the confidence Oregonians can have in us.”
“On behalf of my fellow commissioners, I want to thank Craig for his distinguished service to the OLCC and to the state,” said Commission Chair, Dennis Doherty. “The revenues raised by the OLCC help keep our communities beautiful, safe, and prosperous. The innovative programs and projects Craig has initiated mean that we will be able to deliver these benefits to Oregonians for decades to come. This is a well-deserved retirement, and we wish Craig well.”
Prins started his career in public service as a Deputy District Attorney in Multnomah County where he prosecuted criminal, delinquency, and child dependency cases. Over the next twenty years, he assumed positions of increasing authority, most recently, serving as the Inspector General of the Oregon Department of Corrections. His retirement will be effective July 1, 2025.
After Director Prins’ announcement, the Commissioners voted to appoint Tara Wasiak as his replacement. Wasiak has been the OLCC Deputy Director since November 2023 and will assume the role of director on July 1. Before joining the agency, Wasiak was interim Director of the Portland Bureau of Transportation.
“I’m excited by what lies ahead for the OLCC,” Wasiak told Commissioners on her appointment, “I’m committed to building on our recent successes and demonstrating to Oregonians the value of our agency’s work.”
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About the OLCC: The OLCC oversees access to alcohol and cannabis products in Oregon through education, regulation, and distilled spirits distribution. Our aim is to protect public health and safety while supporting responsible businesses and providing funding for local and state agencies.
News media needing additional information, contact:
John Brady
971-235-7561
john.brady@olcc.oregon.gov
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