BENTLEY NETTLES BIO
Bentley Nettles was appointed TABC executive director in 2017 following successful careers as an attorney and brigadier general for the Texas Army National Guard. Since his appointment, Nettles has guided TABC through the state Sunset process and has identified new ways to increase agency effectiveness while improving customer service and efficiency. Working with TABC employees and stakeholders from the alcoholic beverage industry, Nettles spearheaded new initiatives to fight human trafficking and improve industry outreach. Following the agency’s recent successes, the 86th Texas Legislature provided a historic investment in TABC.
Nettles graduated from Texas A&M University in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in business management and earned his law degree from the South Texas College of Law in 1987. He also earned a Master of Homeland Defense and Security from the Naval Postgraduate School and served a military fellowship at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of International Law and Diplomacy.
While attending Texas A&M, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and made platoon leader — and later company commander — for multiple National Guard units. Nettles has deployed to multiple combat theaters around the world, including Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq. He has received numerous military decorations including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Purple Heart. Before his retirement from the military, Nettles served as General Counsel for the Army Element Joint Force Headquarters in Austin. Following his separation from the Army in 2015, Nettles operated a successful law firm in Bryan assisting small businesses and veterans. He is a founding member and chairman of Brazos Valley Cares, a nonprofit dedicated to serving military veterans and their families, as well as many other boards and organizations in the Brazos Valley. Having spent a career in public service, developing relationships with industry, regulators and legislators, Bentley understands the value of relationships to facilitate positive outcomes for his clients.
Chairman Kevin Lilly, LT Governor Dan Patrick and Director Nettles
Great meeting discussing Texas distilleries with Devils River Whiskey president and co-founder Mike Cameron. Hearing from industry helps TABC better serve Texans.
Thank you Texas Distilled Spirits Association for meeting with TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles yesterday. Hearing from businesses makes us a better agency. We’re committed to supporting a safe and thriving alcoholic beverage industry!
Thank you to Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan and District Attorney Brian
Middleton for your work protecting Texans. Executive Director Bentley Nettles and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission enforcement leadership met with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office and the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office to discuss collaborations, TABC’s TRACE unit and combating #HumanTrafficking.
Thank you to @LiveOakBrewing for taking the time to discuss ways the agency can best support a safe and successful industry.
Texas Craft Brewers Guild Beer-to-go law Ceremony – June 21,2019
Texas Restaurant Association Marketplace Convention6 – July 15,2021
#DISCUSconf2021 Presentation – Oct 07,2021
Dri pping Springs Vodka 3 – Dec 10,2021
Thank you Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Javier Salazar for taking the time to speak with us about TABC’s TRACE unit and efforts to combat human trafficking. We take pride in working with local law enforcement agencies across Texas.
Thank you to Dripping Springs Vodka for talking to TABC about distilleries’ growth and impact in Texas over the last 15 years. A safe and successful alcoholic beverage industry is a vital part of the Texas economy.
TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles met with Hays County Sheriff’s Office Gary Cutler recently to discuss the TRACE unit and how TABC works effectively with local law enforcement agencies.
Firestone & Robertson was the first craft #bourbon and #whiskey #distillery in #NorthTexas. They make the famous @TXWhiskey we enjoy today. Impressive operations. Thanks to @Pernod_Ricard and the distillery team for your efforts to promote safety. #TXWhiskey #TXBourbon @TexasABC – Jan 20, 2022
Today @TABC_ExecDir Bentley Nettles met with @DistilledSpirit Council of the U.S. CEO @ChrisRSwonger to discuss #HumanTrafficking and alcohol responsibility. @TexasABC appreciates their commitment to public safety. #AlcoholAwarenessMonth #AlcoholResponsibilityMonth
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission – Apr 13, 2021
Revolver Brewing meeting – Dec 06,2019
Revolver Brewing meeting3 – Dec 06,2019