Oregon public health leader hired at pivotal moment in national fight to reduce harms caused by alcohol

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January 31, 2025 | Portland, Ore. – The U. S. Alcohol Policy Alliance (USAPA) announced today that Mike Marshall will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of America’s leading voice for sound, science-based public policy in order to reduce the harm caused to American communities and families by alcohol consumption. Approximately 490 Americans die each day due to excessive alcohol consumption, a 30 percent increase over the last 20 years. Excessive drinking cost the United States $343 billion in 2024.

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“The U.S. needs to change its relationship with alcohol and we are confident that Mike Marshall has the strategic leadership skills to help make that happen” said USAPA Board Chair Tiffany Hall. “Mike has run a state-based advocacy organization, has worked in the U.S. Senate, played a foundational role in changing public attitudes about the freedom to marry, and has been in recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD) for 17 years. He knows how to organize, he knows how to advocate, and he knows how to communicate.”

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Marshall’s hire follows two recent announcements regarding efforts to advance science-based  alcohol policy. First, on January 3, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy publicly recommended that all alcohol products include warnings about the causal link between alcohol use and seven different forms of cancer. Second, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are currently considering changing the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans to reflect the clear scientific evidence that any level of alcohol consumption causes harm.

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“I’m excited to take on this important national public health role,” said Marshall. “Alcohol is a toxic, addictive carcinogen. Hence, it's critically important that American consumers understand the negative health consequences caused by even one glass of chardonnay or a bottle of pale ale so they can make the best decisions for themselves. For too many years, Big Alcohol has been allowed to mislead and confuse both the public and policy makers about the health consequences and economic cost of consuming alcohol. U.S. taxpayers have – for far too long – been saddled with the immense financial destruction caused by the alcohol industry because politicians refuse to tax Big Alcohol in accordance with the economic damage it creates. No one is advocating for prohibition – that is unnecessary. Rather we insist that public policy be designed to educate consumers about health risks and state and national policies should reflect prevention best practices like minimum unit pricing, alcohol advertising standards, and outlet density management.”

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