(June 10, 2026—Washington, DC) Today, Ward One resident James Turner was sworn in to the District’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis (ABC) Board for a term ending May 7, 2027. The DC Council previously confirmed his appointment on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Mr. Turner fills a vacant seat formerly held by Jeni Hansen. He joins the ABC Board under the leadership of Chairperson Donovan Anderson (Ward 7) to administer, enforce, and adjudicate D.C.’s alcohol and medical cannabis laws.
Mr. Turner brings an extensive background in public service and corporate leadership to the ABC Board. He served seven terms as an elected Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for ANC 1A09, seven terms as an elected Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for ANC 1 and co-chaired the Ward One Redistricting Committee. Additionally, Mayor Muriel Bowser twice appointed him to three-year terms on the District of Columbia Health Information Exchange Advisory Board.
Beyond his civic contributions, Mr. Turner has held senior roles at Verizon, where he drove business growth focused on federal and state Health Information Technology initiatives. He holds an undergraduate degree from Morehead State University, advanced degrees from the University of Maryland and Loyola University, and completed two professional programs in international business and development at Georgetown University.
“We are excited to welcome James Turner to the ABC Board,” said ABCA Director Fred Moosally. “James has spent decades serving DC residents, and that local insight—combined with his professional expertise—will be invaluable as the ABC Board works to advance our regulatory mission and serve all eight wards.”
The ABC Board is comprised of up to seven DC residents who are nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the DC Council. With Mr. Turner's confirmation, one vacancy remains on the Board.
PUBLIC MEETINGS:
ABC Board meetings are open to the public and held regularly on most Wednesdays. The ABC Board’s weekly calendar, meeting agendas, and live-stream links are available on the official ABCA website at abca.dc.gov.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
- ABCA Operations: Contact Public Information Officer Mary McNamara at [email protected].
- Candidate Nominations: Contact the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments at mota.dc.gov.