On June 13, 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed new leadership to the MLCC.
The MLCC is comprised of three Administrative Commissioners, one of whom is the Chair. The Administrative Commissioners are responsible for administering the rules related to licensing, purchasing, enforcement, merchandising, and distribution of liquor in the State of Michigan. Additionally, there are two Commissioners who serve as hearing officers, who hear matters involving violations of the Michigan Liquor Code.
Governor Whitmer appointed Kristin Beltzer as Chair and Hoon-Yung Hopgood as an Administrative Commissioner. Previously, the Governor reappointed Commissioner Dennis Olshove to an additional term.
Chair Kristin Beltzer
Kristin Beltzer is not a rookie! She was first appointed as an Administrative Commissioner in April of 2022. She assumed the position enthusiastically. Her hard work was apparent to all those who came before the Commission, from licensees to applicants, and to those who represent them.
As Chair, Beltzer leads the agency with confidence and an open mind. Her goal is to make the MLCC efficient and friendly to the MLCC’s customers. At the same time, she has made it clear that she means business, in two ways. First, Beltzer is pro-business. She understands the importance of the liquor-licensed industry in the State of Michigan, and to all those who are employed in the industry. Secondly, but just as importantly, she takes the Commission’s responsibility to enforce the rules and regulations very seriously. Since it is the Commission’s role to regulate the industry, her goal is to do so in a way that protects the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
Beltzer’s leadership experience is extensive. With over 25 years in executive leadership and senior management, she founded KB Collaborative in 2019, a business consulting and public affairs firm. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Appointments in the Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder, as well as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. She also worked for former Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus and spent 17 years on the staff of the Michigan Legislature. Kristin also chaired the Haslett Board of Education, in addition to serving on the Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors (MET), the Governor’s Talent Investment Board, and the Arts Council of Greater Lansing.
She currently serves as the President of the Board of Education for PrepNet Virtual Academy, a Grand Valley State University sanctioned charter school in West Michigan, and as a Board Trustee for PARC, a center serving adults and children with developmental disabilities in St. Petersburg, Florida. Kristin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Relations from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University.
Kristin Beltzer is not a rookie! She was first appointed as an Administrative Commissioner in April of 2022. She assumed the position enthusiastically. Her hard work was apparent to all those who came before the Commission, from licensees to applicants, and to those who represent them.
As Chair, Beltzer leads the agency with confidence and an open mind. Her goal is to make the MLCC efficient and friendly to the MLCC’s customers. At the same time, she has made it clear that she means business, in two ways. First, Beltzer is pro-business. She understands the importance of the liquor-licensed industry in the State of Michigan, and to all those who are employed in the industry. Secondly, but just as importantly, she takes the Commission’s responsibility to enforce the rules and regulations very seriously. Since it is the Commission’s role to regulate the industry, her goal is to do so in a way that protects the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
Beltzer’s leadership experience is extensive. With over 25 years in executive leadership and senior management, she founded KB Collaborative in 2019, a business consulting and public affairs firm. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Appointments in the Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder, as well as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. She also worked for former Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus and spent 17 years on the staff of the Michigan Legislature. Kristin also chaired the Haslett Board of Education, in addition to serving on the Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors (MET), the Governor’s Talent Investment Board, and the Arts Council of Greater Lansing.
She currently serves as the President of the Board of Education for PrepNet Virtual Academy, a Grand Valley State University sanctioned charter school in West Michigan, and as a Board Trustee for PARC, a center serving adults and children with developmental disabilities in St. Petersburg, Florida. Kristin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Relations from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University.
Commissioner Dennis Olshove
Dennis Olshove is the Dean of the Commission! He was appointed in June 2012 and has been reappointed twice. Clearly, the Governor recognizes Dennis’ ability. He is hardworking, fair, and pensive. Dennis has been an asset to the Commission and the industry.
Prior to being a Commissioner, Dennis served as a Michigan State Senator, representing much of Macomb County. Before that, he served as a Macomb County Commissioner, State Representative and as an administrative assistant in the office of State Representative Curtis Hertel. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Communications degree.
Dennis Olshove is the Dean of the Commission! He was appointed in June 2012 and has been reappointed twice. Clearly, the Governor recognizes Dennis’ ability. He is hardworking, fair, and pensive. Dennis has been an asset to the Commission and the industry.
Prior to being a Commissioner, Dennis served as a Michigan State Senator, representing much of Macomb County. Before that, he served as a Macomb County Commissioner, State Representative and as an administrative assistant in the office of State Representative Curtis Hertel. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Communications degree.
Commissioner Hoon-Yung Hopgood
The new kid on the block, Hoon-Yung Hopgood most recently served in the Michigan State Senate and was a member of the Senate Education Committee, Energy and Technology Committee and Appropriations Committee. Prior to his service in the Senate, he served three terms in the Michigan State House of Representatives. Hoon-Young graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Hoon-Yung has proven to be a thoughtful leader for the Commission.
The new kid on the block, Hoon-Yung Hopgood most recently served in the Michigan State Senate and was a member of the Senate Education Committee, Energy and Technology Committee and Appropriations Committee. Prior to his service in the Senate, he served three terms in the Michigan State House of Representatives. Hoon-Young graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Hoon-Yung has proven to be a thoughtful leader for the Commission.
Hearing Commissioners
Commissioners Ed Toma and Lee Gonzalez were appointed in September of 2020. They have ushered the MLCC through the Zoom era of holding hearings. They have both done so with acumen, patience, and skill. Toma came to the position as a former Enforcement Agent for the MLCC, while Gonzalez was the Deputy Director of Legislative & External Affairs at the Michigan Department of Civil Rights after serving in the Michigan House of Representatives and in positions for Genesee County.
Commissioners Ed Toma and Lee Gonzalez were appointed in September of 2020. They have ushered the MLCC through the Zoom era of holding hearings. They have both done so with acumen, patience, and skill. Toma came to the position as a former Enforcement Agent for the MLCC, while Gonzalez was the Deputy Director of Legislative & External Affairs at the Michigan Department of Civil Rights after serving in the Michigan House of Representatives and in positions for Genesee County.
Bid Farewell
On behalf of the liquor-licensed industry, a debt of gratitude is owed to outgoing Chair Pat Gagliardi. Pat was a tireless leader and believed wholeheartedly that the industry was the backbone of “Pure Michigan.” He had the unprecedented duty to guide the Agency, its employees and all those who had business with the Commission through the pandemic. The role of chairing the MLCC is an awesome responsibility. Our industry was hit harder than likely any other. Pat dug in and led with heart and professionalism. His service is greatly appreciated.
Welcome Chair Beltzer and Commissioner Hopgood. Farewell and best of luck to former Chairman Gagliardi!
On behalf of the liquor-licensed industry, a debt of gratitude is owed to outgoing Chair Pat Gagliardi. Pat was a tireless leader and believed wholeheartedly that the industry was the backbone of “Pure Michigan.” He had the unprecedented duty to guide the Agency, its employees and all those who had business with the Commission through the pandemic. The role of chairing the MLCC is an awesome responsibility. Our industry was hit harder than likely any other. Pat dug in and led with heart and professionalism. His service is greatly appreciated.
Welcome Chair Beltzer and Commissioner Hopgood. Farewell and best of luck to former Chairman Gagliardi!
