Gov. Glenn Youngkin has appointed Dale Farino as the new CEO of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC), effective April 29.

Mr. Farino, currently serving as the vice chair of the ABC Board, brings a wealth of experience from his career in the beverage industry.

“Dale Farino’s exceptional background in both national and international beverage distribution positions him perfectly to lead the Virginia ABC,” Gov. Youngkin said.

“His strategic insights and operational expertise are vital as we continue to enhance our services, increase revenues and enforce regulations to keep Virginians safe.”

Mr. Farino retired as the executive vice president of Breakthru Beverage Virginia, where he developed market strategies and operational excellence. His commitment to innovation propelled Breakthru into a major player in the alcohol beverage industry.

Prior to his tenure at Breakthru, Mr. Farino held significant roles at Tidewater Wholesalers and Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and he served as president of the Wine Wholesalers Association.

“I am honored by the trust placed in me by Gov. Youngkin and excited to lead an agency that plays such a vital role in the Commonwealth,” Mr. Farino said. “I look forward to leveraging my industry experience to advance ABC’s mission and to serve the citizens of Virginia.”

Mark Stepanian, former owner and CEO of Loveland Distributing Company and former chair of the Virginia Beer Wholesalers Association, will fill Mr. Farino’s seat as vice chair of the ABC Board of Directors.