Serving Texas in several ways, Kevin Lilly is sworn in as the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Chairman by State Senator Kelly Hancock, Senate District 9, at the State Capitol, Austin, Texas, May 15, 2017. Lilly is also a lieutenant colonel in the Texas State Guard and commands the 8th Regiment. (Courtesy Photo/The Texas Senate)
Story by: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Malana Nall
AUSTIN, Texas - Texas State Guard Lt. Col. Kevin Lilly has been appointed as the presiding officer of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission by Texas Governor Gregg Abbott.
Lilly, who is also the Commanding Officer of the Houston-based 8th Regiment, will serve an appointment to the TABC from May 2017 until Nov. 15th, 2021.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission regulates all phases of the alcoholic beverage indus-try in Texas. The duties of the commission include regulating sales, taxation, importation, manu-facturing, transporting and advertising of alcoholic beverages. It also has the third largest police force in the state behind the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Lilly said he looks forward to the challenge and using the skills he’s learned in both federal and state military service.
“The TABC has two major functions: the enforcement of the state’s laws and regulation of the alcohol industry,” Lilly said. “The Governor wanted a chairman who understood building a cul-ture of excellence among men and women. Exacting and demanding the highest standard of ac-countability, transparency and duty in the TABC are similar to the responsibilities required of a military leader. Specifically, my service in the State Guard has exposed me to a number of law enforcement officers, from state troopers to deputy sheriffs and local police. It has also given me an understanding of state agencies.”
Lilly also said while his mission at the two organizations is different, how he executes will look very much the same.
“My goals are similar: to continue my public service to the citizens of Texas, to contribute to the perpetuation of two great organizations and to help lead and motivate its soldiers, agents, admin-istrators and staff,” Lilly said. “Most importantly, to do so with gratitude and humility.”
This is the second gubernatorial appointment for Lilly. Gov. Rick Perry named him to the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System. He has also served as a trustee of the National World War II Museum, the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Houston Symphony Orchestra, and he currently serves as a trustee of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston.