Michael Allen, CEO of the security and transportation company 5th Meridian Group

Michael is a Missouri native and United States Veteran. Holding the rank of Chief Warrant Officer II in the US Army, he served as a rated Pilot in theUH-60 Blackhawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters. After studying criminal justice at Southeast Missouri State University, Michael began his career in public service as a police officer in Southeast Missouri and with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

For the last 25 years, he has devoted himself to the professional fire service, achieving the rank of Fire Captain for the City of Cape Girardeau. For over a decade, Mr. Allen has taught industrial safety, security, and emergency response courses for a regional Fortune 50 company.Heholds certification as a Missouri Fire Investigator, Instructor, Emergency Medical Technician, and Hazardous Material Technician. In his free time, Michael is an avid outdoorsman, aviation enthusiast, and is an FAA-licensed Commercial Pilot.

Daniel Ambrosino is one of the founding members of V3 Holdings MO, LLC (“V3”). V3 was awarded five dispensary facilities and one manufacturing facility. They are opening these facilities under the name Terrabis. Dan holds a B.S. in Finance from Marquette University, began his career at the Chicago Board of Trade, and eventually became Chairman of the Corn Options. Prior to entering the medical cannabis industry, he acted as the Managing Partner of a commodity options brokerage business that spanned 25 years.

Having a career continually overseen by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, and the National Futures Association, Dan has grown comfortable operating in highly regulated industries. He understands the importance of compliant operations and will be a trusted member of the Dispensary Committee. He looks forward to contributing to the establishment of this new Missouri industry.
 

Kim Andrews - Partner Ozarx Botanicals

Kim’s roots are in accounting but by being an independent contractor for the last twelve years, her
career evolved into different fields in a variety of industries. She has served clients as their accountant, controller, payroll administrator, office manager and property manager. She has worked with clients in the fields of healthcare, industrial manufacturing, hospitality, churches, home construction, insurance, not-for profits, cannabis cultivations (in Washington state), commercial properties, low income senior citizen housing, and as the accountant for the largest fair and event center in the region.

Other previous experience includes being the controller for two law firms, office manager for a home builder and even running a drive-in movie theater. She currently is involved in multiple businesses in the emerging Missouri cannabis industry, including as General Manager of a dispensary in Springfield.

Matt Bayes, MD Founding Partner, Bluetail Medical Group       

Dr. Bayes is new to the cannabis industry, but has been involved in medical cannabis for several years as part of his patient care. Dr. Bayes realized early on that many Missouri physicians do not feel they have the necessary education with regard to medical cannabis. 

His collaborated with Trish Hurford, MD in organizing a ‘Medical Cannabis Summit’ which educated a large group of health care providers on all aspects of the cannabis industry. Dr. Bayes is a fellowship trained sports medicine physician, who attended medical school at Saint Louis University and residency at US Naval Hospital, San Diego. He has a diverse medical practice tailored to active individuals of all ages and experience levels, from youth sports to professional athletes, and weekend warriors to seniors with joint pain.

Michael Birkel President, Birkel Electric Cultivation Solutions

Since 1992 Mike Birkel has propelled Birkel Electric to new ground by way of active learning, trade advancement and focus on innovation. His successful strategy has developed Birkel Electric into one of the Midwest’s largest independent electrical contractors and a leader in the region’s cannabis construction industry.

Building on over 50 years of electrical contracting and engineering excellence, Mike launched Birkel Electric Cultivation Solutions, offering technology-forward services and industry-first offerings to Missouri’s cannabis businesses. By combining extensive electrical systems knowledge with the intricacies of cannabis cultivation, he is able to help clients implement winning cultivation plans.Mike was born and raised in St. Louis and attended Chaminade Preparatory school before earning his degree in electrical engineering from The University of Missouri. He enjoys being involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, coaching local youth sports teams and lives locally with his wife and three children.

Tom Bommarito, Focus Partners and Greenlight Dispensaries

Tom Bommarito has two years of legal cannabis experience developed while commuting between St. Louis, Missouri and Detroit, Michigan for T.D.H, Michigan’s premier fully licensed medical marijuana dispensary. Serving over 1,200 patients daily and generating monthly revenue in excess of $1,500,000. Tom’s responsibilities included assisting in patient care operations, working to streamline third-party testing requirements, overseeing and managing state compliance procedures, and integrating seed-to-sale tracking with internal ERP software systems. While working with T.D.H Dispensary, Tom became proficient in medical marijuana sales, cannabis-related research, and supply chain management.

Natalie Brown, Director of Operations MoCann Testing | EKG Labs 

Ms. Brown began her career at EKG Labs, an analytical laboratory that supports medical device and pharmaceutical companies seeking to fast track their product development, upon graduating from Missouri Baptist University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She executed procedures according to cGXP regulations, worked with various DEA controlled substances, and maintained, operated, and qualified analytical instruments.

In 2019, Natalie proposed expanding into new areas, and she worked together with EKG’s founding members to add a medical marijuana division to company, Missouri Cannabis Testing. MoCann Testing’s mission is to help individuals across the state ensure they have access to safe medical marijuana through accurate sample testing and quality results. She has been actively involved in executing strategies as directed from the management team, developing and promoting company policies, planning and monitoring the day-to-day operations of the company while also serving as the primary liaison for the company.

Sean Carriger | President - Agri-Genesis / Sunrise

Sean’s previous career was in Oil & Gas Exploration, where he managed drilling rig sites across the United States. Sean has been an investor, owner, and operator in the cannabis space since 2013. Operating licensed manufacturing, cultivation, and retail / distribution businesses in Colorado, Oregon, and Missouri, he understands the operational and safety challenges each business type faces. He also understands the potential knowledge gaps that exist with our regulators and less experienced operators, and is committed to ensuring best practices get communicated within the industry and DHSS. Sean will oversee Agri-Genesis' 3 Cultivations, 1 Manufacturing and 5 Sunrise Dispensary locations across Missouri.

I first got involved with Show-Me Cannabis around 2010 and them New Approach Missouri in 2015, in 2016 I was elected as Deputy Director to the board of Greater St. Louis NORMAL, the St. Louis chapter of the National Organization of Reform of Marijuana Laws in 2017 I became the volunteer coordinator for the campaign covering the St. Louis city and St. Louis County area. During that time I started focusing on cannabis education, just like you are doing now I sought out classes and program I could take, one of the many courses I took was the Cannabis Consultant certification from the Washington State Department of Health, the state of Washington requires a State certified Cannabis Consultant on-site during business hours for all Medical Marijuana dispensaries. In 2018 Missouri passed Medical Marijuana, Amendment 2 beating out two other Medical Marijuana initiatives that were on the ballot, a first in the country to have multiple marijuana initiatives on a single ballot. After we passed I started putting together a team of legal, medical, and industry professionals to apply for Medical Marijuana facilities. In January of 2020, we were successful in receiving multiple licenses in what is considered one of, if not the most competitive cannabis licensing processes. In 2020 I started teaching at Saint Louis University in the Cannabis Science and Operations program. I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned over the years.

Cutting his teeth on technology starting at age 5, Dave gained an instant attraction to the inner-workings of his computer. Before the age of 8, he wrote his first computer software program and, by the time he was a teenager, he ran one of St. Louis’ biggest networked bulletin board systems. One of his favorite movies is WarGames, which he believes captures the life of a hacker accurately. Dave’s interest in information security grew from that point on.

Dave has experience in several different technology positions that has given him a broad view of the field. He worked as Architect for A.G Edwards’ electronic messaging system, as a technical liaison to credit card organizations, as a HIPAA compliance technical advisor for medical and dental practices, and as Chief Technology Officer for a $700 million dollar bank holding company.

He then went on to found Parameter Security in 2007, which has grown into a information security company offering a large array of assessment, advisory, and DFIR services regarding InfoSec technology and policy. Dave enjoys speaking about these topics—he has traveled to over 22 countries for conferences and training events!

Dave has appeared on several news programs including on ABC, Fox Business, CNBC, MSNBC, and CNN, as well as on local radio stations. His work has appeared in multiple online and print publications including Popular Science, Associated Press, Information Security Magazine, FOX Business News, and CBS. Outside of work, Dave enjoys reading sci-fi and history pre-476 AD.

Boston Dickerson, CEO

Show-Me Organics, Vivid Cannabis, Blue Sage Cannabis Deli

Boston Dickerson joined the MoCannTrade Advisory Board in June 2022 as a member of the manufacturing and testing committee. A Missouri native, Boston has been involved with the cannabis industry in his home state since inception. Show-Me Organics opened two of the first 25 dispensaries and Vivid was one of the first brands on shelves in Missouri.

Prior to entering the cannabis industry, Boston worked with various startups in food & beverage, medical device and logistics industries. Boston holds an M.B.A. and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Missouri.

Ethan recently graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a B.S. in Plant Science – Emphasis in Breeding, Biology and Biotechnology in May of 2020. While finishing college, Ethan began his career in cannabis in 2018 with an internship working for a licensed fully vertical cannabis company, Everest Apothecary, in Albuquerque, NM. 

Three years later, Ethan lives in Macon, Missouri where he is a Co-Founder and Owner of COCO Labs and COCO Dispensaries that are located in Northeast Missouri. He is the current Quality Manager and Co-Lab Director of COCO Labs where he oversees compliance, quality control, and creates and formulates all products produced by COCO Labs in accordance to GMP regulations.

April is a registered nurse with a Master's in Public Health Nursing and has extensive experience in acute care.  As a member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Cannabis Nurses Association, the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, the Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association, and the American Holistic Nurses Association, she is also Healer Certified and completed the first Medical Cannabis certificate program for healthcare professionals. While education alone might illustrate April's expertise in cannabis as medicine, her focus on cannabis began when her son suffered a traumatic brain injury and she saw the positive impact of cannabis in her son's life.  Over the past six years, April has been a tireless advocate for providing education, support, and advocacy to patients and the cannabis industry. Today, she serves in multiple capacities including the continuation of 1:1 patient consultations, developing and facilitating dispensary staff training, and her role teaching cannabis pharmacology at Saint Louis University.  Despite wearing so many hats in the industry, April's passion for educating others is what keeps her constantly moving forward and continuing to spread science-based evidence to the industry and patients at large.

Eric Hauser, RPh., President Organic Remedies

Eric Hauser currently serves as President of Organic Remedies. Eric co-founded the company with Jaime and Mark Toigo in 2016.  Under Eric’s leadership, Organic Remedies has become one of the industry's premier medical marijuana dispensaries by adopting a unique clinical approach to outcome-based treatment with medical marijuana. As a thought-leader in the medical marijuana arena, Eric is frequently asked to present current medical marijuana data to national audiences looking to better understand the medicinal value of cannabis. 

Organic Remedies was among the first dispensaries to open in the state of Pennsylvania in February 2018.  Hauser accurately anticipated the knowledge gap surrounding medical marijuana in Pennsylvania with respect to both traditional healthcare workers and patients.  To address this, he coordinated an extensive community outreach effort that today is credited for educating thousands of Pennsylvania-based healthcare workers, healthcare students, law enforcement officers, patients, caregivers and the general public.  

Bringing this successful business model to Missouri in 2021, Eric spearheaded the opening of three dispensaries, located in Cape Girardeau, Sedalia and St. Louis. He then led the Organic Remedies cultivation team in starting up the medical marijuana cultivation and manufacturing facility in Chaffee, which subsequently launched two new brands offering Missouri patients affordable, quality products for approved medical conditions. Community outreach and educational events continue to serve as the cornerstone of the Missouri organization.

Hauser is recognized as a subject matter expert for physicians, human resource professionals, law enforcement officers, universities, health care systems, patients and caregivers.  As an example, Hauser and his team have hosted hundreds of educational events at various venues, including but not limited to universities, health care systems, physician groups and continuing educational seminars for pharmacists, attorneys, and human resource professionals.   

Under Hauser’s leadership, the Organic Remedies team has become a leader in medical marijuana education, products, services and advice, helping more than 30,000 patients and caregivers improve their health and quality of life.

Prior to serving as President of Organic Remedies, Eric served in many leadership roles within the pharmacy industry. He worked for Rite Aid Corporation for over 27 years holding roles of increasing responsibility, including student intern, pharmacist, pharmacy manager, district manager, manager of special projects, and manager of pharmacy operations.  Hauser’s last two roles within Rite Aid were leadership positions where he had responsibilities companywide involving over 3,000 stores nationwide.  

Hauser has spent his entire career in the pharmacy industry. In 1994, he graduated at the top of his class from Duquesne University School of Pharmacy and within a few months become a licensed pharmacist in Pennsylvania.  Due to his early leadership roles within pharmacy, Hauser is also licensed as a pharmacist in West Virginia and Maryland.  

Hauser has received many awards and distinctions throughout this career. Most recently he was appointed to the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association Medical Marijuana Task Force where he helped develop resources for pharmacists across the state relating to therapy with medical marijuana.  

Mark Henden, founder of Flora Farms 

Mark Hendren,a lawyer and an accountant, owned and operated new car dealerships in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas for 25 years. Mark lead s a group of Missouri doctors and businessmen and women with three cultivation licenses in Humansville and three dispensaries in Humansville, Springfield, and Neosho. Mark and his wife, Jami, live in Joplin. They have six kids, two grandkids, and four dogs.
 

Dr. Judd is a physician currently practicing in St. Louis.  Originally hailing from Texas, Dr. Judd attended Duke University where he obtained a BSE in Electrical Engineering, after which he attended the University of Texas Southwestern School of Medicine in Dallas, Texas.  Discovering his love for direct patient care, he completed residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ochsner Medical Center, followed by fellowship training in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at Duke University.  Dr. Judd served as an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine before launching into private practice focusing on complex pelvic issues including chronic pelvic pain, urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse.

Dr. Judd developed a special interest in helping the most difficult patients with complex pelvic pain issues and would frequently find patient-reported benefits of cannabis use, which prompted a deeper dive into the current state of scientific evidence for medicinal cannabis use.  Since the legalization of medical cannabis in Missouri, Dr. Judd has founded GreenCert MD and has become a market leader in medical cannabis certification, taking pride in assisting deserving patients to gain access to cannabis.  Dr. Judd also regularly provides professional outreach to medical professionals and prospective patients alike to educate and inform them about the benefits of this emerging therapy.

As Chief Science Officer of MoCann Testing, Dr. Kesselring is actively overseeing the development and implementation of Missouri rule compliant, cannabis test methods.  These methods are critical for the successful clearance of safe and effective cannabis based medicinal treatments here in Missouri.

Dr. Kesselring also has uniquely positioned science-based business insight and interest in the Missouri Medicinal Cannabis Testing Industry.  While testing is the foundation and backbone of Medicinal Cannabis product safety and efficacy, Dr. Kesselring also deeply understands the need to find efficient intersection of patient and industry requirements and will work towards policy and protocols that resourcefully meet the needs of both suppliers and patients.

Educational Background

• B.S. Chemistry and Mathematics | Missouri Baptist University, Saint Louis, MO-2000
• A.M. Organic Chemistry | Washington University, Saint Louis, MO-2002
• PH.D. Organic Chemistry | Washington University, Saint Louis, MO-2006

Research/Scientific Experience

• Research Intern | Pfizer, Saint Louis, MO- Summers 1997-2000
• Graduate Research Assistant | Washington University, Saint Louis, MO- 2000-2005
• Senior Analytical Chemist | Chemir Analytical Services, Maryland Heights, MO- 2005-2006
• Laboratory Manager | Cyanta Analytical Laboratories (formerly Azopharma Contract Pharmaceutical Services and Chemir Analytical Services), Maryland Heights, MO- 2006-2010
• Radiation Safety Officer/Director of Analytical Operations | Cyanta Analytical Services, Maryland Heights, MO-2010
• Vice President and General Manager | EAG Life Sciences (formerly Cyanta Analytical Services), Maryland Heights, MO- 2010-2012
• Managing Director | EAG Life Sciences, Maryland Heights, MO- 2012-2013
• Chief Science Officer | E.K.G. Life Science Solutions/MoCann Testing, Saint Louis, MO-2013-Present

Drew is a partner at the law firm of McCarthy, Leonard & Kaemmerer, L.C. where he specializes in business litigation. He is a graduate of the Mizzou College of Business and School of Law. Drew is an exceptional business litigator who throughout his career has counseled business owners and executives through the technical aspects of litigation and regulatory compliance related to a wide array of business issues and disputes. Drew serves as outside counsel to many companies within highly-regulated industries including manufacturers, builders, developers, retailers, insurance companies, transportation companies, and environmental companies.

Drew is one of the founders of LSL Management, a fully integrated cannabis company in Missouri which operates the 3 Kind Goods dispensaries, 2 Daybreak Cannabis cultivation facilities, and a manufacturing facility which is set to begin operations. He oversees the day-to-day operations of all 6 facilities as well as all compliance/legal matters relative to those operations. 

Lindsay Lockhart, HIPPOS Director of Brand & Retail 

As Director of Brand Retail, Lindsay is tasked with building and growing one of Missouri's top-vertically integrated medical marijuana organizations. She is a results-driven brand strategist and digital marketing expert with extensive experience working with national and global corporations to create digital, marketing, innovation, and communication initiatives.

Lindsay is a respected advisor to CEOs and corporate Boards. Sought after spokesperson and speaker on topics ranging from brand strategy, digital transformation, financial technology, community banking, regulatory compliance, and leadership.

Among her recent accolades, events and publications, Lindsay was: shortlisted for the 2020 Digital Leader of the Year Award by Women in IT Summit & Awards Series and Tech Leadership by FinTech Futures 2020 Banking Tech Awards; nominated for the 2020 Top 100 Women in Technology and the FinTech Powerlist 2020 by Innovate Finance Women; featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Authority Magazine, NYC FinTech Women and Conscious Entrepreneurship on work life balance as a female co-founder and managing a remote workforce; and a frequent speaker and panelist with Finovate NYC, FinTech South, MassChallenge FinTech Series, Illinois Banker Association, Independent Community Banker Association and Missouri Banker Association. Lindsay graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in Journalism, with a minor in Business Marketing. 

Tiffany Maggard, Vice President Heffernan Insurance 

Tifany joined Heffernan Insurance Brokers in 2008. She makes iit a priority to understand the operations of her clients and prospects in order to provide strategic solutions to protect their assets and organization without sacrificing service or integrity. Maggard is actively involved in several niche practices that include cannabis, caregivers and non-profits. Additionally, she works with strategic partners and team members to bring expertise and solutions to industry groups.

Prior to Heffernan, Maggard lead the St.Louis chapter of Business Clubs America, she worked closely with area business leaders to enhance their development activities and increase their market share. Before BCA, Maggard worked in sports marketing and with NBC during the 2004 Olympics. She began her career in sports sales with the St.Louis Blues and Chicago White Sox. She coordinated the 2003 MLB All-Star Game held at U.S.Cellular Field. Tiffany grew up in St.Louis and attended the University of Missouri–Columbia. 

Jennifer McGuire RN, CNOR, Co-Founder CAMP Cannabis.

Whether it be advocating for vulnerable populations including children and the elderly or patients on the floor and in the operating room, Jennifer’s focus has always been to help people and working to help improve their lives. Personal experiences motivated her to advocate for patient access to safe, effective alternative medicine. She parlayed her experience in politics and healthcare to start Certified Alternative Medicine Providers (CAMP) in 2018.

Throughout the process, Jennifer has utilized her voice as a registered nurse to advocate and educate for the utilization of medicinal cannabis as an alternative treatment for many health conditions. She is a member of the Cannabis Nurses Network and American Cannabis Nurses Association and understands the importance of clear, concise, and up to date information to be shared with healthcare providers and patients and is resolute in her mission of “patients first”.

BA - Political Science, Westminster College, Fulton, MO

ADN - Nursing, Columbia College

BSN - Nursing, Western Governors University

MSN - Nursing, Western Governors University

CEO – VIBE Cannabis

• Former Vice President Finance – Equifax

• Former Director of M&A – Equifax

• Former Public Auditor – Deloitte

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) 2014 – present

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 2009 – present

• Masters of Accountancy (MAcc) - Wisconsin

Jonathan Milo joined the MoCannTrade Advisory Board and the Cultivation Committee in June 2022, bringing 14 years’ experience in finance, accounting, M&A, data & analytics, strategy, operations, and marketing from both public corporations and small startup companies.  Jonathan is currently the CEO of VIBE Cannabis, where he led the financing, construction, and operational commencement of a 100,000 SF indoor cultivation and manufacturing facility located in downtown St. Louis, MO, bringing jobs and opportunities to the heart of an economically disadvantaged zone.  Believing in the medical benefits of cannabis, Jonathan entered the cannabis industry in 2019 after joining Greene Fox, which he was a key leader in managing cannabis operations in multiple states.  Jonathan has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin.  He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Cynthia L. Northcutt, RN, BSN, JD

Cindy is a Registered Nurse and Attorney at Law. She has worked in the medical and legal fields for over 30 years as an educator and advocate and practices exclusively in the areas of cannabis law and education, as the owner of Northcutt Law, LLC and co-founder of Kintsugi Solutions, LLC with Darcey Trescone, RN, BSN. She participated in Missouri’s Amendment 2 campaign, now Article XIV of the Missouri Constitution, which legalized medical cannabis in MO, and she continues to fight for patient access and cannabis education.Cindy is licensed to practice both law and nursing in the state of MO and is admitted to practice in MO state and federal courts.

She is active in several trade and professional organizations,holds certification by the American Cannabis Nurses Association as a Cannabis Nurse, and she is a member of the International Association of Cannabinoid Medicine, Doctors for Cannabis Regulation, The Missouri Bar, Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys, and the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.

Cindy is on the board of directors of the Mizzou Alumni Association and Safe at Home, is a volunteer advisory board member for K9‘s for Camo (a nonprofit providing service dogs for veterans),and is a volunteer advisor for SingleMomzRock (a national support organization for single mothers) and for Ayden’s Alliance(a nonprofit supporting cannabis access and education for children with serious health issues and veterans). In 2019, Cindy joined the team of Soulful Cannabis, a national non-profit organization whose goals are focused on helping the emerging cannabis industry become the “best version of itself,”and believes that “A healing plant deserves a healing industry™.

Jamila Owens-Todd, Naturopathic Doctor has dedicated her life to supporting those in their healing. Her career  started out as a Chemist, working in private industry; government and within the pharmaceutical industry, at a  top pharmaceutical company in the Research and Development Department. She then, graduated from the four year, Naturopathic Doctor degree program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. A Naturopathic  Doctor is a teacher first, and Jamila has pledged to educate and provide insight in regaining your innate healing  power. Jamila has maintained a strong commitment to science in her practice, as well as to the greater  community.  

Jamila has blended her own herbal formulas for patients for over ten years and has formulated her very own  Hemp/CBD tinctures, using high-quality, Colorado-grown hemp. This led her to her last venture as the Research &  Development Manager with PHYTOS Cannabis, a subsidiary of BeLeaf Medical (a vertically integrated, Medical  Cannabis operation). In this position, she formulated medical cannabis medicines and performed quality analysis  of medical cannabis products. In addition to product formulations, Jamila provides high-quality practitioner and  patient education on cannabis safety, dosing and use and has recently joined St. Louis University’s Cannabis  Science and Operations Program in Cannabis Pharmacology, as an Adjunct Professor. She is also an Instructor  with the Harrington Institute, teaching Intro to Cannabis Extractions. Jamila has operated as General Manager for Luxury Leaf Medical Cannabis Dispensary, where she led the organization from a holistic, patient focus.  Currently, Jamila is serving as Chief Science Officer of MIDOSE, a Medical Cannabis brand that prides itself on  premium quality. In this role, she has combined her passion for plant medicine formulations, with cutting-edge  innovations in cannabis medications, so that consumers are provided with an exceptional experience. 

Jamila has presented on a global stage on topics such as Neuroplasticity and Neurological health, The  Endocannabinoid System and NeuroProtective Plants, The Treatment of Breast Cancer with Cannabis and overall  Medical Cannabis science. Jamila is committed to using science, in order to provide practical, reliable and  accessible therapies to patients. 

Joe Patterson, Founder and CEO Ceres Management Group 

In 2008,Patterson began a career as a Police Officer for the St.Louis County Police Department where he served in a myriad of positions including: Patrol Officer, Community Policing Officer and Intelligence Officer before becoming a Narcotics Detective in 2010. Upon appointment to Detective, Mr.Patterson was assigned to the St. Louis County Multi Jurisdictional Drug Task Force and later to the St.Louis Area FBI/DEA Violent Crime Task Force as a Special Federal Officer, Task Force Officer, and Special Deputy US Marshall.

In 2019, Mr.Patterson retired early from the St.Louis County Police Department to become Co Founder and CEO of Ceres Management Group LLC., a Missouri based consultancy and management firm that serves the Missouri Medical Marijuana Industry. In that capacity, Mr.Patterson led a team of professionals that performed competitive application writing and security program development and compliance management for the industry.

Michael L. Pearcy, Managing Partner at Heartland Labs.

Heartland is a family owned and operated manufacturing facility located in Buffalo, Mo. and is looking to expand into additional Cannabis Services.

Mike is a native Missourian, a Mizzou Graduate, a USAF and TNANG veteran. Mike is currently a small business owner and a Commercial Pilot with Fedex Express.

Since 1985 Mike has dealt with regulatory requirements in both the United States and foreign governments, dealing with country specific regulations ranging from general flight rules and restrictions to specific requirements dealing with international hazardous regulations to current pandemic parameters.

As the MMJ regulations adjust and adapt, it’s imperative that we maintain our focus on Patient and Veteran access to safe, consistent, and reliable care.

Kevin E Riggs, President | CEO – Cole Engineering and Beleaf Medical 

Kevin is the President, Chief Executive Officer and Majority Shareholder of Cole. Kevin is responsible for the overall management, development, growth, and direction of the firm. He is actively involved in the planning and design phases of numerous projects, as well as client communications.

With 28 years of experience, Kevin is an industry leader. His firm has garnered three national awards and is consistently recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal. His personal achievements have been awarded by the design industry and his peers at the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers. He also devotes a great deal of time and resources to civic and charitable efforts. Kevin received a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Missouri-Rolla. He is a Professional Engineer, licensed in 40 states.

Nick Rinella, is the current CEO of Hippos and formerly was the COO of Verdant Distribution, Southern California's first licensed cannabis distributor located in Los Angeles. He is an expert in both alcoholic beverage and cannabis product development, distribution and regulation. Rinella’s expertise stems being a 5th generation beverage distributor spending nearly a decade as the Vice President of Rinella Company, Inc, an independent beverage distributor with notable suppliers including Anheuser-Busch, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Nestle USA, Bronco Wine Company, Sazerac Company and continued to blossom during his time spent in the cannabis industry in California. 

Mr. Rinella actively serves on Missouri’s Amendment 2 Drafting Committee as well as the MoCannTrade Cultivation Subcommittee.

Mr. Rinella formerly sat on the board of, The Policy Committee for the California Distributors Association, Transitions of Western IL, The Associated Beer Distributors of IL and The Great River Economic Council. 

Tim Sutton CPP, PSP, CHPA – Senior Security Consultant and Cannabis Practice Leader at Guidepost Solutions

Tim Sutton has more than 30 years of security experience.  His expertise includes operational security management and program development, loss prevention, physical security and risk assessments, and technical security systems design and implementation.  He has worked with clients in diverse sectors including medicinal and adult-use cannabis, healthcare, retail, government, manufacturing, and multi-use properties. Tim has served as Director of Security for two MSOs headquartered in IL, responsible for any and all security concerns including the designing of electronic security systems and all physical security plans and programs within 12 Medical Cannabis Dispensaries and 5 Medical Cannabis Cultivation Centers in IL, MD, and PA. In addition to his proven track record of providing instrumental security controls and programming in his operational positions, his experience includes providing security consulting services to multiple medical and recreational cannabis clients across the United States including IL, FL, OH, MA, MI, MO, OK, AR, TX, AZ, CA, HI, MD, PA, NY, NV, and ND. 

Tim is board certified in security management (CPP) and physical security (PSP) by ASIS International and as a healthcare security administrator (CHPA) by the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS). He serves as a director on the ASIS International Professional Standards Board as well as the Assistant RVP for ASIS Region 2C. Tim also co-chairs the ASTM Committee D37 on Cannabis’ Security and Transportation subcommittee.

Todd Scattini - Global CEO Harvest 360

Todd is an unconventional veteran who brings strong leadership, global vision, and strategic direction to our board of business experts and cannabis professionals. His energy is drawn from his passion for the plant and a deep-seeded desire to unpack all its possibilities to heal patients and our planet, legitimately contribute to a global economy, and bring social justice to our society. He is committed to creating an effective and responsible legal cannabis market on a global scale.

Todd is a West Point graduate and brings with him vast experience gained during a distinguished military career serving in a broad range of leadership positions in complex domestic and international settings, including five years of diplomatic service. Todd was an activist helping usher in the era of medical cannabis in Missouri and is committed to helping the cannabis industry thrive and serve as an example of how it can be done well in support of patients, physicians, researchers, and the emerging cannabis industry.

Kevin "KC" Schnell, CEO KC Cann Transport and Security 

TST Committee Chair 

Kevin has a decade of military experience including the titles: Infantry Staff Sergeant (SSG), reconnaissance Scout Observer, Airborne Ranger, Drill Sergeant, Presidential Escort, Pentagon Tour Director and Master Fitness Instructor. Kevin was certified as a Combat Lifesaver (CLS) and held a Top Secret -Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS-SCI) security clearance for the duration of his military career. Kevin has managed tactical and garrison teams ranging from 5-60 personnel in various environments.

Kevin has over 14 years of law enforcement experience in Missouri, working for the Kansas City, Belton and Independence Police Departments. He has been assigned to patrol units, a proactive unit, an ATV team, a bicycle unit and S.W.A.T. Kevin is certified as a Critical Incident Team (CIT) member and is well trained in defensive tactics and first aid. Kevin is trained in the Incident Command System and Emergency Management Response (ICS 100, 200, 700 & 800).

Kevin has worked in the protective services industry since 2011 and was the Honor Graduate of the 28-day Executive Security International protective services school in Grand Junction, CO in 2012. 

Kevin is the President/Owner of KC Cann Transport LLC. and Co-Owner of KC Protective Services LLC.

Peter likes Family, Cannabis, Missouri, Skateboarding, Art, Fishing, Golf, Hunting, Plant Breeding, Sewing, Travel, Cars, Empathy, Double Decker Busses, Creative People, Co-memorative Spoon Collections, Visits to the Park, Hot Fried Chicken, Outer Space, Pride Parades, Dogs, The Arch, Old Cartoons, Happy Old People, Thunderstorms, Fancy Watches, Technology, Sneakers, Polka Dots, Fine Gothic Industrial, Rocks & Gems, Ambiguity, Glasses, Arguments, Perspicacity, Mushrooms, Fast Music, Rivers, Giraffes, Hash, Old Comupter Monitors, People Who Like Biscuits & Gravy, Japan, The Forest Service, Tee Shirts, Big Clouds, Eggs, Dawn Dish Soap, Rainbows, Bolts, and Specificity.

Kevin Stallings, CEO – Kansas City Cannabis Company

At the helm of KC Cannabis is Kevin Stallings, who brings 28 years of experience founding and operating various different businesses, including 25 years in the construction industry. Mr. Stallings currently presides over six companies with a total revenue of $8-14 million per year. Those companies include two home building businesses, a golf course, a rental company, a land development company, and of course, Kansas City Cannabis Company.

As a well-known builder in the KC metro area, Mr. Stallings has garnered several prestigious building awards, including Grand Prize and First Place in the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 Parade of Homes. He is the largest builder in the Midwest for building Energy Star 3.1 certified homes. He will leveraged his knowledge, expertise and business savvy in building Kansas City Cannabis Company into a world class cannabis business!

From volunteering at an AIDS non-profit in the 90s to helping clients at Sullivan Law, Bianca Sullivan of Fresh Green is a woman with a passion for medical cannabis that only matches her education and experience. 

“I am very excited about being able to be a part of the birth of this industry in our state and be involved with a new venture that brings all of my experience and passions together on a new and exciting path. Helping others, science, business, law, all of these experiences and passions will serve me well and set up Fresh Green for success in an industry where I can continue to truly help veterans and other people in need."

Bianca also provides her passion, experience and indights to the Dispensary Industry Committee. 

Darcey Trescone, Co-Founder Kintsugi 

Darcey Trescone has worked in the healthcare industry for over 25 years, with a focus on regulatory compliance, technology, operations, and strategic growth for organizations across the US. She has held senior executive positions within national consulting firms and international software companies. Presently Darcey is a management advisory consultant to healthcare and cannabis organizations with a focus on regulatory compliance, growth strategies, and safe patient care practices.

Darcey writes for the Home Care Technology Report and has published articles in Greenway and Caring magazine. She has conducted educational sessions for Decision Health, NAHC, NHPCO, and various state trade associations on technology and patient care practices. Darcey is a member and volunteer with MoCannTrade and an active member of NORML. As an RN and student at the University of Maryland’s Master of Science and Cannabis Therapeutics graduate program Darcey hopes to educate and support both healthcare and cannabis organizations in understanding
strategic growth in a complex, continually changing regulatory environment.
 

Leonard Volner,  President of North Dispensaries

North is a two-location dispensary chain with ambitions to grow its footprint. Leonard is also an alumnus of Missouri University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. His early child hood was deeply impacted by the incarceration of a well-respected family member for non violent cannabis offenses. While attending college in Rolla, Missouri, he was actively engaged with the Show Me Cannabis Regulation campaign by collecting signatures and organizing events.

After graduation, he began his career as an engineer and gained experience on a wide variety of public and private projects. As soon as Leonard learned that medical marijuana legalization had qualified for a vote in Missouri, he began working to help license applicants in the state with facility zoning coordination, design, and construction. His hard work and networking has given him an opportunity to help form a highly qualified license-winning team.

Solo-Practitioner — Christopher S. White, Attorney at Law

• Criminal defense lawyer with nearly a decade of experience representing clients in a variety of matters, including serious felony weapons and felony drugs charges in state courts
• Successfully represented a Missouri based client who provided substantial monetary investments to an out-of-state cannabis company, enabling them to own a near majority of the business.
• Significant experience drafting/reviewing contracts in a range of areas, successfully defending clients’ interests in any contract dispute.
• Volunteer member of the Industry Education Compliance Committee; and member of the ad hoc Government Affairs Committee.
• Experience in all aspects of complex civil litigation, from case initiation to successful resolution, including extensive experience drafting briefs in complex appellate litigation
• Served as law clerk to Hon. William “Ray” Price, then-Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court
• Bachelor’s Degree in political science and Bachelor’s Degree in history — University of Missouri, Columbia; Juris Doctorate — University of Missouri, KC

Mr. White joined MoCannTrade in the summer of 2018, providing his unique knowledge and industry insight gained from his experience aiding a Missouri based client’s move into the Colorado cannabis market in January 2017. As of February 2019, that clients’ Colorado business now maintains a robust global footprint and continues to expand. In addition, the company seeks to return “home” to hold a strong presence in the new Missouri MMJ Industry. Mr. White plays a pivotal role in outreach efforts to cities, municipalities and law enforcement agencies throughout the state in order to help the association lay the groundwork for the most successful MMJ program rollout in this country’s history. 

John Wilbers, CEO Blue Arrow Cannabis 

As a successful personal injury attorney in a Missouri family firm spanning more than 60 years in service, John sees Missouri’s medical marijuana program as an opportunity to continue the corporate and civic path his father blazed for decades before him. He is committed to addressing the kinds of long-term pain he has seen clients suffer – without the use of opioid. Using his ties to St. Louis, Kansas City, the Ozarks, and Western Missouri, John has built an all-star team of Missouri business professionals, cannabis experts and strategic advisors to position Blue Arrow as a leader in the emerging cannabis marketplace.

Daniel “Dan” Welsh Attorney | Hein Schneider & Bond P.C.

Dan is one of the pioneers of the Missouri MMJ program, and one of the first attorneys to launch a cannabis practice group in Missouri. He has decades of experience in representing business owners operating in regulated markets and in representing real estate developers in navigating state and local government. Through his law practice, Dan helps cannabis companies with all facets of their initiatives, including corporate formation, capitalization, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, pre-application work, location site control, zoning, license applications and regulatory compliance. Dan also assists experienced cannabis operators, local governments, lending institutions, vendors, investors, landlords and developers with their participation in Missouri’s newly created market. Dan is also a registered lobbyist, and government relations has been a large part of his practice for decades. He is also a board member of the MoCann Trade PAC and member of the National Cannabis Bar Association. Dan deals with DHSS officials at all levels on a near daily basis, and has actively participated in spotting issues, solving problems, and steering the industry since the inception of the program.