Rick Garza

Director Rick Garza has been with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) since 1997. During Rick’s career with WSLCB he has also held the positions of Legislative and Tribal Liaison, Policy Director and Deputy Director. Prior to joining the LCB, Rick served 13 years as a staff member for the Washington State Legislature, including five years with the Washington State Senate and eight years with the state House. His legislative assignments included Policy Analyst in the state Senate, House of Representatives Staff Director, and adviser to House and Senate leadership.
Under Rick’s leadership, the WSLCB, simultaneously with Colorado, implemented the world’s first systems for legally producing, processing and retailing adult-use cannabis. Today, Washington’s system exceeds $1.3 billion in sales generating over $360 million annually in excise taxes.