Human trafficking is happening undetected across the United States. Hear how Bentley Nettles’ state agency in Texas mobilized efforts to combat this widespread and horrendous criminal practice. In this short talk, Bentley describes the extent of the human trafficking problem and the innovative approach the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has undertaken to collaborate with unlikely partners to make progress in countering this threat. (Recorded on February 18, 2020, at the Annual CHDS Alumni APEX Workshop, Monterey, CA.)
About the Speaker
Bentley Nettles was appointed Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) Executive Director in 2017 following successful careers as an attorney and as a brigadier general for the Texas Army National Guard. Since his appointment as Executive Director, Nettles has guided TABC through the state Sunset process and has identified new ways to increase agency effectiveness while improving customer service and efficiency. Working with TABC employees and stakeholders from the alcoholic beverage industry, Nettles spearheaded new initiatives to fight human trafficking and improve industry outreach. Nettles graduated from Texas A&M University in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in business management and earned his law degree from the South Texas College of Law in 1987. He earned a Master’s Degree in Homeland Defense and Security from the Naval Postgraduate School and served a military fellowship at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of International Law and Diplomacy. Nettles has deployed to multiple combat theaters around the world, including Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq. He has received numerous military decorations including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Purple Heart. Nettles served as General Counsel for the Army Element Joint Force Headquarters in Austin and operated a successful law firm in Bryan assisting small businesses and veterans. He is a founding member and past chairman of Brazos Valley Cares, a non-profit group dedicated to serving military veterans and their families, as well as other boards and organizations in the Brazos Valley.
