NCSLA Hall of Fame – Jeffrey A. Kelly

Executive Director, Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission

Jeffrey A. Kelly’s entire professional career has been dedicated to providing exceptional public service. At the age of 19, Mr. Kelly joined the Anne Arundel County Fire Department as a firefighter and two years later became a nationally certified paramedic. Within four years he transferred to the Anne Arundel County Police (AACO) Department as a police officer, where he served honorably for another 17 years and retired as a lieutenant and executive officer in 2002.

That very same year, Jeff was sought out by the Comptroller’s Office of Maryland to serve as a supervisor in its Field Enforcement Division (FED). It was in the FED that Jeff began to specifically handle issues related to alcoholic beverage regulation, oversight, and enforcement. Seven years later, Jeff was named Assistant Director and shortly after Director of the Field Enforcement Division, where he served in that capacity until 2021, when he was appointed by Maryland’s Governor to the position of Executive Director of the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC). In 2023, the ATC was renamed the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission, where Jeff continues to serve as its Executive Director.

One of Jeff’s most important industry-specific accomplishments was his support for the fledgling craft beer movement. He is recognized as an expert in alcohol tax and regulatory matters and well-respected throughout the business community as “pro-business” while ensuring that tax and regulatory requirements are fairly administered.

Jeff joined the NCSLA as an ex-officio member on behalf of the Comptroller in 2008 to learn more about the industry, associated stakeholders, and national trends taking root in other States. He readily volunteered to participate as a presenter in panel discussions at both regional and national events. Jeff soon became interested in leadership positions within the Northern Region, serving as Vice Chair and then Chair. He also served as the host organization to the 2011 Northern/Southern Regional conference in Annapolis and again to the 2015 Northern/Southern Regional conference in Baltimore. After serving over a decade as a member of the NCSLA, Jeff ascended to President of the organization in 2018.

While not at work, Jeff enjoys the love and support of his family. Jeff and his wife, Jean, love to spend time with their growing family of three sons and four grandchildren. If his family isn’t outback cracking crabs, you might find them spending time in the serene Ocean Pines, Maryland, listening to the water hit the bulkhead. During his sons’ upbringing, Jeff was a constant source of love and instilled strong senses of integrity, responsibility, and accountability. Despite the many positions Jeff has held throughout his career, he constantly reminds his children – even today – that “being a Dad is my favorite job.”