Recognizing LeAnna Prange and Thomas Kirby for their commitment to excellence and innovation
Chicago, IL – The Center for Alcohol Policy is pleased to announce it has awarded two veteran alcohol regulators with its 2025 Leadership in Alcohol Regulation Award.
- LeAnna Prange, Deputy Director of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission (NLCC)
- Thomas Kirby, Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC)
“The Center is proud to recognize LeAnna and Tom for their commitment to innovation and excellence in alcohol regulation,” said Kelly Roberson, Executive Director of the Center for Alcohol Policy. “Throughout their distinguished careers, both LeAnna and Tom have worked to update and elevate the regulatory process within their states, delivering outcomes that better serve both the public and industry stakeholders. In addition to their bold approaches to meeting today’s challenges, both LeAnna and Tom have been gracious and visible leaders to their peers across the country.”
Throughout her career, LeAnna Prange has demonstrated an unwavering passion for elevating the field of alcohol regulation. Her generosity in knowledge-sharing has fostered a spirit of collaboration across the regulatory landscape.
LeAnna led the NLCC in its groundbreaking Centralized Alcohol Management Program (CAMP) project, translating complex regulatory goals into actionable, measurable outcomes. This project transformed and modernized the way the NLCC processes liquor license applications, handles complaints, conducts inspections, performs audits and collects regulatory reports and excise tax payments.
With over 30 years of distinguished public service and a career grounded in operational excellence and community impact, Thomas Kirby has made transformative contributions to Virginia ABC and the broader control state system.
He has led critical initiatives such as the implementation of the Virginia ABC Licensing (VAL) System, the Authority’s modern licensing and regulatory platform, driving system-wide adoption and improved stakeholder satisfaction. He has also championed direct-to-consumer innovations and chairs the Retail Optimization Workgroup, enhancing customer experience and employee engagement statewide.
“At a time when regulators are faced with difficult decisions on how to maximize their resources, LeAnna and Tom provide a valuable example of innovative thinking — and the importance of strong leadership to executing on these goals,” added Roberson. “I’m grateful for their years of service and look forward to seeing their many future accomplishments.”