Her Story
About Renee
Renee Cowick Metz serves as Assistant General Counsel at the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, where she is entering her 23rd year of distinguished service in July. Throughout her tenure, she has built a highly specialized career in state government alcohol regulation and administrative law, developing a deep and practical understanding of the statutory and regulatory frameworks that govern the agency’s operations. In her current role, she provides legal counsel and interpretive guidance to agency leadership and staff, ensuring that policies, procedures, and enforcement actions align with applicable laws and regulatory intent. Her work is advisory in nature, focusing on legal interpretation, compliance support, and the consistent application of complex regulations across the organization.
Her professional approach is grounded in a strong commitment to public service, integrity, and continuous learning. Renee is known for her ability to translate complex legal and regulatory concepts into clear, actionable guidance that supports effective decision-making within a highly regulated environment. She emphasizes collaboration across departments, working closely with internal stakeholders to address nuanced legal questions, resolve policy issues, and support the agency’s mission of fair and effective alcohol regulation in North Carolina. Her long-standing experience within the Commission has made her a trusted resource for navigating intricate administrative and regulatory challenges.
Renee’s career reflects a broad and well-rounded legal background, beginning with service as an Assistant District Attorney and experience in private practice, where she handled a range of criminal, civil, and administrative matters. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Graceland University in Iowa and a Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law. She maintains active professional affiliations with the North Carolina Bar Association, the National Alcoholic Beverage Control Association (NABCA), and the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA), demonstrating her continued commitment to professional excellence, regulatory leadership, and the advancement of sound public policy.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Renee
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic instilled in me by my parents and a continuous desire to learn and grow. These foundational values have shaped the way I approach both challenges and opportunities, allowing me to stay committed, adaptable, and consistently focused on improvement throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is not to take things personally. I’ve learned that work is about situations, responsibilities, and outcomes not personal judgment. This perspective has helped me stay grounded, maintain professionalism under pressure, and focus on solutions rather than emotions.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to ask questions, stay curious, and never assume you have all the answers. This industry is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt, learn, and stay engaged will keep you ahead. Embracing a mindset of continuous growth and remaining open to guidance will not only strengthen your expertise but also build confidence and long-term success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field is the political landscape surrounding alcohol law and regulation. Often, those creating legislation may not have a full understanding of the operational systems they are impacting, which can lead to unintended consequences for businesses and professionals in the industry. Because each state operates under its own regulatory framework, navigating compliance requires a deep understanding of these differences. At the same time, this creates an opportunity to collaborate more closely with subject matter experts to ensure that policy decisions are informed, practical, and effectively aligned with real-world industry operations.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide my work and personal life are honesty, accountability, and integrity. I believe in being transparent in my actions, taking responsibility for my commitments, and consistently doing what is right even when it is not the easiest path. These principles not only build trust in professional relationships but also help maintain strong, respectful connections in all areas of life.
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