CEO of Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to retire

January 19, 2013 11:00 am

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Joe Conti, the chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, today announced his retirement, effective Feb. 2, to pursue other opportunities in higher education and the private sector.

His announcement comes as Gov. Tom Corbett is expected to roll out a plan to sell off the wholesale and retail operations of the liquor control board, according to several groups with a stake in the liquor market.

Corbett spokesman Kevin Harley told the Philadelphia Inquirer this week that some sort of proposal would be presented, possibly before the governor presents his annual budget on Feb. 5. Mr. Corbett has long supported privatizing the state's business of selling alcohol.

Mr. Conti, 58, who was appointed CEO by the liquor control board in December 2006, issued a statement about how it's been a privilege to work for the liquor control board, but would not answer questions beyond that, said spokeswoman Stacy Kriedeman.

During his tenure, according to a news release, he reorganized to improve operations, launched a major rebranding initiative to create brand awareness and modernize PA Wine & Spirits Stores, upgraded business technology systems to improve efficiencies and instituted professional opportunities for staff to assist wine and spirit consumers.

Mr. Conti will remain with the agency temporarily to assist with transition.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Virginia Linn: Vlinn@post-gazette.com; 412-263-1662
First Published January 19, 2013 10:59 am

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