Administration

Stephen Larson was appointed Administrator of the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division on May 1, 2010. Since his appointment, Mr. Larson has been dedicated to increasing transparency, accountability and improving the quality of service for Iowans.

Initiatives that he has implemented include increasing services while finding extensive cost savings measures, strengthening education and outreach efforts, renewing the alcohol compliance program, and revitalizing the agency’s relationships with partners such as other state agencies, prevention groups, industry associations, industry partners, and local law enforcement officials.

A native of Burlington, Mr. Larson’s career in public service dates to 1984, when he began working for the state treasurer’s office. He has extensive experience in regulatory compliance, treasury management, and governmental relations. Mr. Larson has served on numerous boards and commissions including the State Appeals Board, Vision Iowa, I-Jobs, and the Iowa Accountability and Transparency Board.

Notable achievements include the 2007 Presidential Distinguished Services Award for Outstanding Service, Golden Dome awards on Dedication to Process Improvement and Leader of the Year in 2003.

Mr. Larson graduated with honors from William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, with a B.A. in Business Administration. He is a member of the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) and the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA). He can be reached via email at Larson@IowaABD.com and by phone at 515.281.7402.

---

Deb Bassett is the Executive Assistant to the Administrator. Her focus is on personnel and working with the management team to ensure the Administrator’s priorities are carried out by the Division. Prior to joining the Division in 2010, Deb was the Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff in the Governor’s Office. She also worked in the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office for seventeen years and two years at the Iowa Department of Management.

Deb is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a B.A. in mass communications. Deb can be reached via email at Bassett@IowaABD.com or by phone at 515.281.7407.

Industry/Customer Relations

Doug Webb is the Deputy Director of Administration. He is in charge of labor management and planning. Doug serves as the liaison to the brokers, suppliers and class E licensees. He also works on many special projects. Additionally, he works very closely with product control, policy and administration staff.

Doug has extensive customer service, business development and operations management experience. Prior to joining the Division, he served as management with a number of retailers including Gordmans, Lowes and Wal-Mart. Doug can be reached via email at Webb@IowaABD.com or by phone at 515.281.7444.

Product Control

Nicole Hartman is in charge of products for the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division. Nicole works with the Division’s Operations Supervisor, in addition to licensed liquor brokers and suppliers, to ensure that an adequate and diverse selection and inventory of products is made available to Iowa consumers. She provides administrative support and oversight to a system that lists in excess of 1,400 items held for distribution to Iowa liquor licensees.

Nicole received a Bachelor of Science degree in apparel merchandising from Iowa State University with an emphasis in public relations and event management. Nicole can be reached via email at Hartman@IowaABD.com or by phone at 515.281.7416.

Government Relations

Stephanie Strauss is the Government Relations Officer for the Division. She provides information about Iowa alcohol laws to the public and private sectors, and works with management on policy formation related to alcohol compliance education and other matters regarding the interpretation of state and federal alcohol laws. 

Prior to joining the Division, Ms. Strauss served five years in the state treasurer’s office where she developed strategies to promote treasury programs and provided an interface between the office and public and private sector partners, special interest groups, and the general public. She holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University. She can be reached via email at Strauss@IowaABD.com and by phone at 515.281.7432.

Communications

Tonya Dusold is the Division's Communications Director. She works with the local and state media to relay information regarding Division operations to the public. She also writes and designs most Iowa ABD publications and maintains the Division's Web site and social media presence. Tonya has been with the Division since 2007.

Tonya received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Iowa State University with an emphasis in visual communications as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology. Tonya can be reached via e-mail at Dusold@IowaABD.com or by phone at 515.281.7420.

---

Erin Fitzgerald is a Communications Specialist for the Divison. She is responsible for many internal and external publications, administrative support and monthly pricing.

Erin is a graduate of Simpson College with a degree in Sports Administration and is currently working on her Masters of Public Administration at Drake University. Before joining the Division, she was a health-screening specialist for Principal Financial Group for four years. In her free time, Erin likes rock climbing and plays on a slow-pitch softball team. Erin can be reached via email at Fitzgerald@IowaABD.com or by telephone at 515.725.7927.

Education & Outreach

Shannon Pogones is the Education Outreach Coordinator. Shannon works with partners in providing valuable education on the dangers of over-consumption, driving under the influence, underage drinking and other societal issues regarding alcohol. She also is in charge of event planning, including coordinating speakers for public and private educational events. Shannon provides outreach to licensees and stakeholders to help them follow the law while running a successful operation on a level playing field.

Shannon started at the Division in 2008. Previously she worked as an Administrative Assistant at John Deere Credit for eight years. Shannon received her B.A. in Graphic Design/Photography from Grand View College & American Intercontinental University-London in 2003. Recently she has obtained a certification from Des Moines Area Community College in Creating Web Pages & HTML coding. Shannon can be reached via email at Pogones@IowaABD.com or by phone at 515.281.3426.