Former New York State Liquor Authority Commissioner Greeley Ford Joins GrayRobinson's National Alcohol Law Team

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GrayRobinson today announced former Commissioner of the New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA) Greeley Ford has joined the firm’s national Alcohol Law Team as an alcohol regulatory compliance consultant based in the Miami office. With more than three decades of broad-based public and private sector experience, Ford bolsters the powerhouse team of former federal and state government regulators, working alongside GrayRobinson’s nationally recognized regulatory attorneys.

“During his tenure as a Commissioner of New York’s State Liquor Authority, Greeley Ford won the admiration and respect of industry members and their attorneys, as well as his colleagues within the SLA,” said GrayRobinson Shareholder and Regulated Products Section Chair Richard Blau, who leads the firm’s national Alcohol Law Team. “We are proud to have Commissioner Ford join our other former federal and state alcohol regulators on GrayRobinson’s Alcohol Law Team.”

Ford maintains vast experience providing regulatory consulting support for clients developing and implementing compliance strategies for new and existing products and is highly in tune with all aspects of regulated product operations, distribution, and sales. At GrayRobinson, Ford will help provide compliance and support services for clients with interests in the alcohol beverage, cannabis, food, tobacco, and other heavily regulated sectors, in addition to helping clients manage complex compliance concerns and the interplay between business and government.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to exercise my consulting talent with this impressive GrayRobinson team,” said Ford. “GrayRobinson’s unique platform of former federal and state government regulators, combined with my broad-based work in both the private and public sectors, will provide even more opportunities for the firm and clients alike. I’m excited to get to work.”

Before joining GrayRobinson, the New York State Senate unanimously confirmed Ford as a two-term commissioner for the NYSLA, which was renewed again to span over six years of public service. In this regulatory role, Ford issued decisions on approximately 12,000 cases concerning licensing for both on- and off-premise locations. Other decisions and approvals he has issued include disciplinary penalties, declaratory rulings, and advisories on procedural adjustments issued by the NYSLA. Prior to his role as commissioner, Ford briefly worked as a communications director in the New York State Senate, in addition to serving several positions within AT&T between 1988 and 2022. Ford retired from his 35-year career with AT&T as an engineer, playing an instrumental role on the design and buildout of the FirstNet Public Safety Network.

In 2022, Ford was recognized by his peers as an AT&T Black Future Maker for his commitment to equality and positive impact on the company and the community. Ford spent over a decade as a regular contributing columnist for the Utica Observer-Dispatch and the Daily Sentinel, offering his perspective on political and social issues. Ford received his Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications and Dramatic Arts from Utica College of Syracuse University.

About the National Alcohol Law Team

GrayRobinson’s alcohol attorneys, consultants, and licensing specialists have extensive experience in all aspects of alcohol beverage law, including national and international liquor license laws and regulatory compliance. Our Alcohol Law Team stays continually connected to the current and ongoing changes impacting alcohol industry legislation, regulation, and marketing practices throughout the United States and the world. We represent the interests of clients from all tiers and segments of the alcohol beverage industry, providing expertise, guidance, and resources needed to succeed in one of America’s most heavily regulated industries. Learn more at Gray-Robinson.com/alcohol-beverage-practice.

About GrayRobinson

GrayRobinson is a multidimensional team of attorneys, advisors, and consultants recognized as one of the most influential firms in Florida. Its nearly 300 professionals partner with successful businesses and enterprising individuals to resolve disputes, anticipate industry shifts, and harness forward momentum. The firm serves clients nationally from 15 offices across Florida and Washington, D.C. Learn more at Gray-Robinson.com.