Chris Stewart has been named administrator of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Friday.

The announcement comes as Mac Gipson, who has served as ABC’s administrator for 12 years, is set to retire at the year’s end.

Stewart most recently served as deputy commissioner at the Alabama Department of Revenue, a position in which he has served for 10 years. According to Ivey’s office, Stewart played a vital role during a time of leadership and administration change while at the department.

He has served in numerous roles throughout his tenure with the department, including holding the position of director of the department’s Tax Policy and Research Division.

“As we continue working hard for the people of Alabama, I am proud to assemble the best team, and that includes Curtis Stewart,” said Ivey in a release. “I am truly grateful to Mac for his years of service to Alabama, and I am confident that Curtis is the natural fit to take the lead at ABC. No doubt, there will be a lot to accomplish in my next term, and I certainly feel good that we have Curtis to help continue navigating what’s to come at ABC.

“His depth of knowledge and heart for public service will be of true benefit to the folks across our state.”

A native of Greenville, Stewart received his Bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University’s School of Commerce. Upon completing his studies, Stewart began his career with the Atlanta office of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell, and Co., Certified Public Accountants — now known as KPMG.

He has also worked as a sole practitioner in public accounting in the Atlanta area.

“I am honored for Governor Ivey to give me this opportunity to serve in her administration and to continue my service to the great state of Alabama,” said Stewart. “I am excited about getting to know the team members of the ABC and working together with them to provide products to the citizens of Alabama, along with providing funds used for governmental services throughout the state.”

Stewart’s hire, which will become effective Jan. 1,  is the first cabinet appointment ahead of Ivey’s second term. The announcement follows Drew Harrell being named the governor’s new director of legislative affairs.

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL