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[ PROFILE ]
safety, continuous improvement of operational effi cien-
cies and a strong focus on customer service.
"We constantly strive to provide the best service we can
to our business partners," Moats says. "We treat everyone
as customers, and we do everything we can to make their
experience working with us as good as possible. We're
always trying to improve - that's something that will
never change."
A History of Service
The WVABCA doesn't have customers in the traditional
sense. In 1990, the Charleston-based agency privatized
all of its retail stores and now acts as a licenser, whole-
saler, and enforcer. Moats has maintained his customer
service-focused philosophy for many years, and his long
history with the WVABCA gives him a unique perspec-
tive on the organization.
Moats began his tenure with the agency in 1989 and
served in a variety of capacities, including roles in ware-
house operations and
bailment, along with holding the
position of acting commissioner in 2003 and 2004.
In 2005, Moats left the WVABCA to work in the offi ce
of then-governor Joe Manchin. He also spent time as the
assistant to the director of the West Virginia Lottery.
In 2011, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin asked Moats to
return to the WVABCA in the role of commissioner.
Moats inherited an agency facing numerous challenges.
He met those diffi culties head-on and was hailed as a
leader who focuses on building relationships to foster a
climate of continued growth.
"I didn't have a lot of resources coming in, but I've
been fortunate to work with a great team of people who
are dedicated to the work that we do and are committed
to taking things to the next level," he says.
In addition to collaborating with his internal staff,
"
We're always
trying to improve —
that's something that
will never change."
— Commissioner Ronald Moats
