Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Stephen Hogate

San Jose,CA

Summary

Dynamic Staff Services Manager with extensive experience at the State of California's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Proven track record in staff training and development, enhancing organizational efficiency, and fostering team collaboration. Expert in licensing compliance and problem-solving, successfully implementing policies that improved operational effectiveness across multiple district offices.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Staff Services Manager II

State of California -Dept of Alcoholic Beverage Control
07.2022 - Current
  • Planned, developed, and managed regional licensing programs across multiple district offices, ensuring compliance with the ABC Act, laws, and regulations.
  • Supervised, trained, and mentored staff; assigned caseloads; evaluated performance; and implemented progressive discipline when necessary.
  • Established clear expectations and maintained consistent communication to improve efficiency, productivity, and morale within district offices.
  • Reviewed and approved staff leave, timesheets, and travel claims; managed schedules and workload distribution.
  • Conducted meetings to disseminate information, resolve issues, and address trends; fostered collaboration and conflict resolution.
  • Provided interpretation of licensing laws and procedures to staff, licensees, applicants, consultants, law enforcement, and the public.
  • Represented the Department at hearings, meetings, and community events; testified in administrative hearings on licensing matters.
  • Partnered with the Licensing Division to standardize statewide practices, identify inefficiencies, and develop policies, procedures, bulletins, and training programs.
  • Assisted with hiring processes, served as a Subject Matter Expert, and supported special projects and departmental initiatives.


Staff Services Manager I

State of California - Dept of Alcoholic Beverage Control
06.2009 - 07.2022
  • Supervised, trained, and guided Licensing Representatives and clerical staff in processing licensing applications (originals, transfers, modifications, renewals, expansions, etc.) to ensure compliance with the ABC Act, rules, and departmental policies.
  • Assigned, reviewed, and audited licensing caseloads, provided expertise on complex or sensitive investigations, and recommended approval or denial of applications.
  • Conducted meetings, set clear expectations, and maintained open communication to foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and promote a positive, productive work environment.
  • Reviewed applications and licensing packages for accuracy, completeness, and compliance; ensured imposed conditions addressed identified concerns.
  • Responded to complaints, inquiries, and requests from stakeholders, applicants, law enforcement, community groups, and other government agencies.
  • Managed staff performance through evaluations, coaching, career development, and corrective action, including progressive discipline when necessary.
  • Oversaw office operations, including intake, scheduling, audits, leave requests, timesheets, and travel claims, to ensure efficiency and compliance.
  • Represented the Department in meetings, hiring panels, and special projects, serving as a Subject Matter Expert and providing recommendations on systems and processes.

Licensing Representative II

State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
01.2006 - 06.2009
  • Investigated and analyzed complex licensing applications, including original issuances, transfers, protested cases, tied-house conflicts, hidden ownership, condition modifications, and premises expansions/reductions.
  • Collected and reviewed personal, financial, and corporate documentation to determine applicant and location suitability for licensure in compliance with ABC laws and regulations.
  • Coordinated with local government agencies and law enforcement to verify zoning compliance, address potential enforcement issues, and evaluate community impacts.
  • Conducted on-site inspections and posting verifications, measured proximity to sensitive locations (schools, churches, residences), and investigated protest issues.
  • Prepared detailed investigative reports and made recommendations for approval or denial of applications in accordance with departmental policies and legal requirements.
  • Advised applicants, stakeholders, and community groups on ABC laws, rules, regulations, and license privileges through written correspondence, meetings, and presentations.
  • Testified at administrative hearings on licensing recommendations and condition modifications, following professional courtroom standards.
  • Delivered training sessions on ABC licensing policies and procedures to local government personnel, civic groups, and other stakeholders.

Investigator

State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
08.2004 - 01.2006
  • Performed a full range of sworn peace officer duties, including proactive law enforcement, complaint investigations, and undercover/field operations on ABC-licensed premises.
  • Investigated criminal and administrative violations; made arrests, issued citations, and seized/processed physical evidence.
  • Developed and executed operational plans; conducted interviews with victims, witnesses, and suspects; and examined records and investigative reports.
  • Prepared clear, detailed reports and filed criminal and administrative documents with the court.
  • Conducted premises inspections to ensure compliance with the ABC Act and advised licensees on applicable laws and regulations.
  • Collaborated with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies on field operations, special assignments, and joint investigations.
  • Delivered specialized training and served as a resource to law enforcement partners and community stakeholders.
  • Testified in criminal and administrative hearings; met all POST training requirements to maintain peace officer certification.

Education

Administration of Justice

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

Skills

  • Staff training and development
  • Organizational development
  • Recruitment and retention
  • Workforce planning
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Organizational skills
  • Team collaboration
  • Multitasking Abilities

Timeline

Staff Services Manager II

State of California -Dept of Alcoholic Beverage Control
07.2022 - Current

Staff Services Manager I

State of California - Dept of Alcoholic Beverage Control
06.2009 - 07.2022

Licensing Representative II

State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
01.2006 - 06.2009

Investigator

State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
08.2004 - 01.2006

Administration of Justice

San Jose State University