Welcome Lawerence "Larry" Grant, PhD as Enforcement and Education Division Director

On behalf of the Board, Deputy Director Toni Hood, and myself, if is our pleasure to announce that Lawerence “Larry” Grant, PhD has been selected to serve as Director of the Enforcement and Education Division. His first day on the job will be March 3, 2025.

Larry has 28 years of experience in military and civilian law enforcement, at increasing levels of responsibility. Most recently, he served as Deputy Assistant Director of the Fraud Prevention and Labor Standards Division for the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. In that capacity, he oversaw the development and implementation of statewide operational policies administered by six statewide programs.

Prior to his state service, Larry built his career in the armed services including holding several leadership positions. His distinguished military career includes serving in a law enforcement coordination cell after Hurricane Katrina, leading a military/civilian police unit in South Carolina, working with community leaders and soldiers while commanding a recruiting unit in central CA.

Larry’s career of demonstrated leadership and responsibility will be valuable to the LCB overall, and to the division specifically, as we address the challenges ahead. Together with his background, he impressed the interview teams with his humble confidence. His initial plan is to first get to know the agency and the workings of the division. In a follow-up email he wrote, “I advocate for lifelong learning and plan to spend my first 60 to 90 days finding out about what is important to our partners, our staff, and our leadership teams across LCB.”

Please join me in welcoming Larry to the LCB when he starts on March 3.

Will Lukela, Director 

The Enforcement and Education Division Director leads approximately 190 officers and staff. In addition, the Enforcement and Education Division Director plays a key role in agency decision making and often represents the LCB with the governor’s office, state legislature and stakeholders. The division is responsible for enforcing state liquor, tobacco, vapor product and cannabis laws and regulations to promote public safety. Officers also provide education to licensees, communities, and local law enforcement agencies.

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