LCB DEI lead outlines impact team work, training and outreach plans

Jim Weatherly, who said he prefers Jim or Jimmy and uses he/him pronouns, gave an extended update on the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s diversity, equity and inclusion work at the April 8 Executive Management Team meeting.

Weatherly described his background in state government and the origins of the agency’s DEI work, tracing it from a 2015 diversity council to a more formal Office of Equity established by executive order. He said the agency has shifted from a pair/anti-racism team to what it now calls an "impact team" that spans divisions and seeks to meet staff where they are.

Weatherly outlined concrete programs and practices: DEIB panels, a weekly "word of the week" learning effort tied to a statewide DEI glossary, new onboarding content (NEO) that includes DEI, and an internal SharePoint site for resources and wellness materials. He also said the impact team held its first quarterly meeting of 2026 and currently includes roughly 18 contributors from across divisions.

On training and performance, Weatherly noted new equity competencies being rolled out through HR and encouraged peer-to-peer learning and recognition practices that meet staff preferences. He said the team is planning a fourth belonging-centric panel and will continue recruitment for both formal and informal contributors to sustain the work.

Weatherly closed by offering his contact information and inviting further conversation and collaboration; the presentation ended with thanks and a brief round of praise from board members.