Ava Callender Concepcion to Lead Boston Licensing Board
The 38-year-old commissioner will succeed long-term chairperson Kathleen Joyce starting this November.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People
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Beginning November 4, 2026, Ava Callender Concepcion will assume the role of chairperson for the Boston Licensing Board. She will succeed Kathleen Joyce, who is stepping down after eight years in the position.
Why it matters
The board plays a critical role in managing city commerce by processing new licenses and ensuring businesses remain in compliance with governing provisions. The leadership transition coincides with the rollout of 225 new liquor permits authorized by recent state legislation.
The Licensing Board successfully distributed more than 200 new liquor licenses during the eight-year tenure of the outgoing chair. The city is now moving to implement 225 new liquor permits recently established by state law.
The players
Kathleen Joyce
She has served as the chairperson of the Boston Licensing Board for the past eight years.
Ava Callender Concepcion
The 38-year-old board commissioner previously served as the acting chair of the Cannabis Control Commission.
Mayor Wu
As the Mayor of Boston, she oversees key municipal appointments and city-wide policy initiatives.
The details
Ava Callender Concepcion, a current board commissioner and former acting chair of the Cannabis Control Commission, brings extensive regulatory experience to the full-time role. Mayor Wu and Kathleen Joyce plan to officially announce the leadership change at an event in Mattapan Square.
Timeline
Kathleen Joyce began her tenure as board chair in 2018.
The state legislature passed a law creating 225 new liquor permits in 2024.
Mayor Wu and Kathleen Joyce will announce the transition on October 27, 2026.
Kathleen Joyce will step down from her post in November 2026.
Ava Callender Concepcion will take office on November 4, 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership change follows the implementation of the 2024 state law creating 225 new liquor permits. The transition positions the board to manage a significant expansion in city liquor licensing that exceeds the volume processed over the previous eight years.
Business owners in Boston should expect continued administrative oversight as the board rolls out the newly authorized liquor permits. The shift in leadership may impact how establishments interact with the board regarding compliance and licensing assistance.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new chair marks a significant administrative shift as the city works to distribute hundreds of new liquor permits. Residents and business owners should monitor board proceedings for updates on how this expanded permit capacity will be managed locally.
Further reading
For more on leadership changes and civic appointments, visit Boston People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dorchester Reporter.
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