ABC Director Christy Bjornson named director of Arkansas Tobacco Control

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Secretary Jim Hudson announced Wednesday (Feb. 14) that Christy Bjornson will serve as the new director of the Arkansas Tobacco Control Division (ATC).

Bjornson was named director of Arkansas’ Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC) in October 2023. She will maintain her role as ABC director while also leading ATC.

Both ABC and ATC are within the Department of Finance and Administration’s regulatory division.

Bjornson replaces Greg Sled as ATC Director. Sled, who had been with ATC for more than 25 years, passed away in December.

ATC, which oversees 5,262 tobacco permits throughout Arkansas, ensures all retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers of tobacco, vapor and alternative nicotine products fully adhere to all Arkansas tobacco laws.

ABC, which oversees 6,468 alcohol permits throughout the state, has responsibility for the regulation and supervision of alcohol, including manufacturing and distribution.

In addition, ABC also oversees operation of the state’s permitted medical marijuana facilities.

“The director of both ATC and ABC must work closely with enforcement agents and the business community to maintain compliance within these regulated industries,” Hudson said. “Christy demonstrates this ability on a daily basis as she manages a wide range of high-profile issues. With one director leading both divisions, DFA streamlines multiple processes across these two offices while also saving taxpayer dollars, which is a priority for Governor Sanders.”

Prior to joining ABC in October, Bjornson was an Attorney Supervisor in DFA’s Office of Field Audit. She also served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Sixth Judicial District.

“It is an honor to take on the role of ATC Director,” Bjornson said. “ATC’s dedicated staff works to ensure citizens of Arkansas are protected from harmful and illegal tobacco sales, as well as providing guidance to businesses in an effort to keep them compliant with Arkansas law. I look forward to continuing those efforts as an integral part of Arkansas’s regulatory division.”

Bjornson earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Central Arkansas and a juris doctorate degree from the William H. Bowen School of Law.