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Rob Patridge has served as chairman of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission as it crafted and implemented rules for the recreational marijuana industry.

(Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian)

The chairman of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission is expected to announce he is stepping down.

Rob Patridge has led the commission as it created and implemented regulations for Oregon's recreational marijuana industry. The timing on the announcement is unclear, according to a source familiar with the situation but not authorized to comment. Patridge has accepted the new job -- which is not in the cannabis industry -- and is still undergoing pre-employment vetting.

Patridge has a long career in law enforcement, as well as government and the private sector. He has deep roots in southern Oregon and serves as the Klamath County District Attorney.

A former three-term state representative, Patridge worked as general counsel and district director for U.S. Rep. Greg Walden. Former Gov. John Kitzhaber appointed Patridge as chairman of the liquor commission in 2013.

Patridge, reached early Wednesday, declined to comment.

-- Noelle Crombie

503-276-7184; @noellecrombie