Inslee Taps Former Chief of Staff To Head Liquor & Cannabis Board

OLYMPIA, WA — Gov. Jay Inslee's former chief of staff will chair the state's Liquor and Cannabis Board after serving in the governor's office for seven years. The board is tasked with regulating Washington's alcohol, marijuana and tobacco sales, including business licensing, rule enforcement and tax collection.

David Postman joined Inslee's administration as its first director of communications in 2013. He took on the chief of staff role in 2015 and left the job last November, shortly after the governor was elected to a third term. Before joining Inslee's team, Postman worked as a journalist for more than two decades, including 14 years reporting for the Seattle Times.

"David has extensive experience bringing people together to work through complex and difficult issues," Inslee said in a statement Tuesday. "He is able to listen to divergent viewpoints and synthesize feedback to move toward resolution. He is committed to transparency and openness, and knows state government well. I know David will make an excellent addition to the LCB Board and I am so glad that he will continue to serve the people of Washington."

Three members serve on the Liquor & Cannabis Board, each appointed to serve six-year terms. Its operating staff includes approximately 350 people. Since the pandemic began, the board moved to implement emergency regulations for bars and restaurants, including allowing them to sell to-go cocktails and sealed liquor bottles.