JOINT CONTROL
A Quick Chat with new ABC Director Christy Bjornson.
By Rebekah Hall Scott
Little Rock native Christy Bjornson assumed the role of director of the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC) in October 2023. ABC oversees more than 6,400 alcohol permits statewide and management of medical marijuana facilities. With experience as an attorney supervisor from DFA’s Office of Field Audit and deputy prosecuting attorney for the Sixth Judicial District, Bjornson is known for navigating complex legal terrain, promising to uphold compliance and cultivating positive relationships with stakeholders.
Previously, you worked at the DFA’s Office of Field Audit as attorney supervisor and at the Pulaski County Prosecutor’s Office. How will your past experiences translate to your new role as director of the ABC?
My career developed at the prosecutor’s office here in Pulaski County under the leadership of Larry Jegley. Through almost seven years of terrific mentors, I walked away from that office having honed my skills as a trial attorney and with more than a few great examples of leadership. The quick pace of the courtroom and high number of felony cases taught me how to juggle a busy schedule and a ton of people and personalities. My experience gives me a steady foundation to work through complex alcohol and medical marijuana legal issues and serves as a framework for enforcing industry regulations.
As ABC director, how do you oversee the operation of Arkansas’s medical marijuana facilities?
On the ABC administration side, we are the more in-office component of overseeing medical marijuana facilities. Just like a prosecutor takes over a case worked up by the police, my office and our staff attorneys review violation reports and evidence while our boots-on-the-ground counterparts in ABC enforcement investigate industry-related violations. On any given day we may be discussing ways to improve and modernize our public-facing systems for things like RIC (Registry Identification Card) card applications or promulgating new rules to align with law changes. We want our rules to make sense for a growing industry, so there is always some component of balancing interests in every decision we make. Our support staff processes over 6,000 applications for alcohol and medical marijuana permits and renewals every year — all while the phone never stops ringing.
How do you go about maintaining relationships with permit holders, law enforcement and local/state leaders?
I think the key is clear expectations and clear communication. When you are clear with people, they can trust you, and I think that goes a long way towards maintaining relationships. I like solving problems and helping people come to a resolution, and I strive to make sure that after walking away from a conversation, whether I agree with the individual or not, they know I have listened to and considered their perspective.
What are some of your goals for the first year of your tenure as ABC director?
I’m eager to speed up the RIC process — providing updates allowing applicants to apply, pay and receive their cards without having to appear in person for pickup. These are the identification cards worn by anyone who works on-site at a medical marijuana facility, both security and staff. Part of that goal will be accomplished by the institution of a new national licensing software designed to replace the current MMC management system. The implementation of this software is anticipated in early 2024.
How does serving the public in the state you grew up in feel?
I could not be prouder to work in public service in my home state. Arkansas is a beautiful place to live, full of so much talent and heaps of potential. I am so pleased to be in a position where I can help entrepreneurs from my community launch successful businesses and bring more jobs to Arkansas, whether that be new restaurants with alcohol permits or new dispensaries serving qualified patients.
When you’re not on the job, what are some of your favorite things to do in Central Arkansas?
I keep busy playing tennis in a local league, and I love to hit the hiking trails with my pup, Zuko. You can often find me at Robinson Auditorium for a night out at the theater!
Do you have any fun or unusual hobbies?
I try to win the NYT Wordle and Connections every day. I think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce might be the cutest couple on the planet, and my reality TV guilty pleasures include “Survivor” and anything on Bravo.