Arizona Gov. Ducey appoints new Liquor Licenses and Control director
Sep 23, 2021, 4:30 PM
Tracy Uffelman (Arizona Governor's Office photo)
(Arizona Governor's Office photo)
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced Thursday a new director for the state’s Department of Liquor Licenses and Control.
Tracy Uffelman replaces John Cocca, who resigned from his post in April. Arizona Department of Public Safety Director Col. Heston Silbert has been serving as the interim director.
The resignations of both Cocca and the deputy director of the department were allegedly linked to an undercover operation at a Valley strip club in which a detective was charged with a sex crime, according to an investigation by ABC15.
Uffelman brings more than 50 years of experience to the role, according to a press release.
“His wide range of experience will serve Arizona well, especially as we implement to-go liquor services across the state,” Ducey said in the release.
“I am delighted to appoint Tracy as director, and look forward to working with him to best serve our businesses and constituents.”
Uffelman held numerous positions working at Alliance Beverage from 1990 to 2013, including general manager, director of sales, hotels and resorts as well as vice president of legislative and community relations, according to the release.
Prior to that, he was the western regional manager for William Grant and Sons from 1991 to 2001, a family-owned company that sells whisky and other spirits to almost 200 markets.
“It is an honor to serve the state of Arizona as director of the Department of Liquor, and I am grateful to Governor Ducey for appointing me to this role,” Uffelman said in the release.
“Our team will work hard to foster economic growth, expand opportunities for businesses of all sizes and Arizonans, and protect public safety.”
Uffelman became a partner of TBK Partnership LLC. after his time with Alliance Beverage, according to the release.
