Commissioner William J. Pantele

William Pantele

Governor Timothy M. Kaine appointed William J. Pantele commissioner of the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) in August 2009.

Pantele, a native of Richmond, is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and the University of Virginia School of Law. A member of the Virginia State Bar, he most recently served on the Richmond City Council representing the 2nd District, and in 2007, was elected council president by his colleagues. A champion of regional cooperation and strategic planning, Pantele held leadership roles on the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission and the Metropolitan Planning Organization. As an attorney, he built a law practice representing small businesses. Pantele has served in many civic and community leadership positions, including president of Venture Richmond, and a member of the boards of the Virginia Performing Arts Foundation, the Byrd Theatre Foundation and Scenic Virginia.