On November 1, 2024, Ryan L. Jones and David Meadows were sworn into the District’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board (ABC Board) for terms ending on May 7, 2027, and May 7, 2028, respectively. The DC Council confirmed both Mayor Muriel Bowser nominees unanimously on October 29.

Chaired by Donovan Anderson (Ward 7), the ABC Board is responsible for administering, enforcing, and adjudicating DC’s alcohol and medical cannabis laws. The appointments increase the ABC Board to five members with Ward 5 residents Silas Grant, Jr. and Teri Janine Quinn also serving their inaugural term.

Mr. Jones, a native of the District’s Ward 4, now residing in Ward 5, is a corporate attorney and civil litigator. He founded a law firm in 2014, before serving as Associate Attorney General for Special Projects with the DC Office of the Attorney General. Additionally, he worked as Director of Legislation and Policy at the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment, and as a Law Clerk with the American Psychiatric Association. Mr. Jones earned his bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University, his juris doctorate from Southern Illinois University School of Law, and his Legal Master’s degree from George Washington University Law School.

Mr. Meadows is a long-time Ward 8 LGBTQIA+ community advocate with 30 years of extensive experience serving in leadership roles in District Government and civic organizations. Most recently, Mr. Meadows ran day-to-day operations in the Office of At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds as her Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor. Mr. Meadows previously served as the Executive Director of the DC Democratic Party. Mr. Meadows began a career in the hospitality industry as a H.E.R.E. Local 25 union member and served as Events Manager of the National Democratic Club. Mr. Meadows is an alumnus of the College of Southern Maryland.

“We are pleased to welcome our newest board members and look forward to them lending their vast expertise in advancing ABCA’s mission,” remarked ABCA Director Fred Moosally. “They are joining the Board at a critical time as ABCA continues to rapidly close illegal cannabis shops and support District Government in preparing to host the 60th Presidential Inaugural and World Pride in 2025."

Nominations to the ABC Board are made by Mayor Muriel Bowser and approved by the DC Council. Full board terms are four (4) years in length.

ABC Board meetings are open to the public and held regularly on Wednesdays. The ABC Board’s weekly calendar and agenda notices can be viewed at abca.dc.gov.

Questions regarding candidate nominations should be directed to the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments at MOTA.dc.gov.

Questions regarding ABCA should be directed to ABCA Public Information Officer Mary McNamara at [email protected].