February 15, 2023 3:00 a.m.

On Tuesday, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she is recommending that the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission appoint Craig Prins as interim director.

The commission will consider the recommendation during their meeting Wednesday.

Kotek said Prins brings the necessary experience in change management to correct the course of the commission and support the employees doing the work every day. Kotek said, “He shares my commitment to accountability and transparency and his appointment will create an opportunity to strengthen oversight, improve customer service, and begin to rebuild the public’s trust”.

A release from the Governor’s Office said Prins has over 25 years of experience in criminal justice and public safety. As the inspector general for the Oregon Department of Corrections since 2016, he has led the oversight of investigations, hearings, grievances and more, while also providing strategic planning and leadership for the agency.

Prins previously served as executive director of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission from 2004 to 2014. He was the director of research for the Public Safety Performance Project at Pew Charitable Trusts.

Past experience includes being deputy director of the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training and serving as a deputy district attorney for Multnomah County for four years.

The release said the search for a permanent executive director will begin in the coming weeks, and details will be announced as they become available.