Meet the Michigan Liquor Control Commissioners

Chair Pat Gagliardi
Patrick M. Gagliardi was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer as an Administrative Commissioner to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission in August 2019 for a term expiring June 12, 2023.  At the time of his initial appointment, he was designated as Chair of the Commission by the Governor.  He is a former member of the House of Representatives where he also served as the Democratic Floor Leader, and chair of the Tourism Committee and the Oversight and Ethics Committee. Since his time in the House of Representatives, he has served as a Commissioner on the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, consultant and owner of Gagliardi Associates, LLC, and director of corporate and foundation relations for Lake Superior State University.  Gagliardi earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Lake Superior State University.

Commissioner Dennis Olshove
Dennis Olshove was appointed as an Administrative Commission to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission in June 2012 and was reappointed for a term that expires on June 12, 2022.  Olshove retired in 2010 after serving eight years as a Michigan State Senator, representing much of Macomb County. Previously, he served as Macomb County Commissioner, Michigan State Representative and as an administrative assistant in the office of State Rep. Curtis Hertel. In 2009, Olshove received the Michigan State Medical Society Legislative Leadership Award. He holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Michigan State University.

Commissioner Geralyn A. Lasher
Geralyn Lasher was appointed Administrative Commissioner for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission in August 2019 for a term that expires June 12, 2023.  Prior to joining the Commission, she served as the senior deputy director for External Relations and Communications at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, managing relationships with the statewide business community, not-for-profit organizations, governmental entities, universities, and other stakeholder groups crucial to the department.  Lasher previously served as director of communications for Gov. Rick Snyder, director of the Infrastructure Services Division for the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), director of the Communications, Training and Performance Support Division at MDCH, director of communications for MDCH, press secretary for the Senate Majority Leader, and deputy press secretary in the Office of the Governor.

Commissioner Edward Clemente
Edward Clemente was appointed as a Hearing Commissioner to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission on June 8, 2012 for a term that expires on June 12, 2016 and was reappointed for a term that expires on June 12, 2020. Clemente was the President of the Energy Innovation Business Council, which provides support for private, public and non-profit alternative energy programs. He served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2004-2010, representing parts of southern Wayne County. Prior to holding public office, Clemente worked as the President and as vice president of economic development, director of business development, chief operating officer and director of government affairs for the Southern Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. Clemente also served 16 years as a Wayne County Community College District Trustee. He also worked at the family owned restaurant, bar and bowling Alley for many years. He also had a 30 year career of playing rugby at all levels. He earned a bachelor's degree in public administration from Ferris State University, a bachelor's degree in social studies from Michigan State University and a master's degree in organizational leadership from Siena Heights University.

Commissioner Bradford Jacobsen
Bradford Jacobsen was appointed as a Hearing Commissioner to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission on February 13, 2017, for a term that expires on June 12, 2020. Prior to his appointment, Jacobsen served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives. Prior to his elective service in the House, he was the Vice President of Jacobsen's Flowers.  He was founder and president for ‘Grow Oakland!’ a non-profit organization to make and encourage positive investments in Northern Oakland County and the surrounding communities. He also has served as an Oakland County Commissioner and an Oxford Charter Township Trustee. Jacobsen holds a bachelor’s degree in social economic policy from the James Madison College of Michigan State University.