About Bentley Nettles

Brigadier General (BVT) Bentley Nettles is a decorated war veteran, licensed attorney, published author, and most recently an executive director of a state agency. With nearly 40 years of public service, experience and an extensive portfolio, Nettles has established himself a respected leader and seasoned expert.

In 2017, Nettles was appointed to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission as Executive Director. During his time there he led the agency from a scandal plagued operation to new successes, even earning a historic investment from the Texas Legislature. The Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association honored Nettles for his work with the prestigious Frank Madia award.

When he was a student at Texas A&M, Nettles was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army and rose the ranks of the Army and then National Guard to Brigadier General for the Texas Army National Guard. Nettles has deployed to multiple combat theaters around the world, including Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. His distinguished service earned him numerous military decorations, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Purple Heart Medal.

After earning his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law, Nettles received his Master of Science in Security Studies from the Naval Post Graduate School. Not even a year later, Nettles became the first Texas National Guard JAG Officer in history to be selected as a National Security Legal Fellow at TUFTS University’s Fletcher School of International Law and Diplomacy.

Prior to his retirement from the military, Nettles served as General Counsel for the Army Element Joint Force Headquarters.

Following his separation from active duty with the Army in 2015, Nettles opened and operated a law firm in Bryan, TX, where he represented veterans in administrative proceedings before the Veterans Administration.

A dedicated public servant, Nettles continues to give back to his community. He is a founding member and past chairman of Brazos Valley Cares, a non-profit group dedicated to serving military veterans and their families. Nettles serves on the Bryan Texas Utilities board of directors and served as Chairman. Most recently he was named to chair a committee to explore options and make a recommendation for the creation of a new veteran treatment and mental health court in Brazos County.

Bentley and his wife Tracy, currently reside in College Station. They are active members of Bethel Lutheran Church and are blessed with 2 children.