Additional bios are being added.
CHARLENE BRINER
Interim Director, MN Office of Cannabis Management
JASON BURAK
Office of Business Finance, MN Department of Employment and Economic Development
JAMIE CROYLE
Owner/Operator, House of Oilworx
IG: @houseofoilworx @forest_Frau
LinkedIn
Jamie Croyle is a passionate advocate for natural healing, specializing in cannabis, mushrooms, and various plant and entheogenic medicines. With a deep commitment to guiding individuals on their journey towards holistic wellness, Jamie’s expertise and dedication empower others to explore the transformative potential of these natural medicines. Her mission is to demystify the healing power of nature’s gifts and foster a greater understanding of how cannabis, mushrooms, plant and entheogenic medicines can enhance wellbeing.
CLEMON DABNEY, III, PHD
Doctor Dabs
IG: @docdabs
LinkedIn
Clemon J. Dabney III, PhD is the founder of Doctor Dabs, a pioneering company in the hemp-derived THC edible industry. The company's product lineup, including their signature THC-infused edibles, CBD salve, and the award-winning THC Maple Candies, reflects a commitment to diversity, quality, and sustainability. With a B.A. in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of St. Thomas, a M.S. in Applied Plant Sciences with a specialization in Plant Breeding and Molecular Genetics, and a Ph.D. in Cannabis Molecular Genetics and Genomics from the University of Minnesota, Clem brings tremendous expertise to the cannabis field. Through his vision and expertise, Clemon Dabney has established Doctor Dabs as a leading name in the industry, delivering exceptional products that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.
LEILI FATEHI
Partner & Principal, Blunt Strategies
IG: @bluntstrategies @leilifatehi
LinkedIn
One of the chief architects of Minnesota’s cannabis legalization policy, Leili Fatehi’s multidisciplinary background has established her as a leading innovative and effective strategist at the nexus of politics, policy and industry development. Her adept understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks, combined with her relationship-building and negotiating skills, were at the helm of the MN is Ready campaign that culminated in the 2023 legislative approval of adult-use cannabis in Minnesota. She continues to be an instrumental force in guiding Minnesota’s emerging cannabis industry at Blunt Strategies, Minnesota's first and only cannabis-specific strategic consulting firm. Her resourcefulness and ability to forge powerful alliances have made her one of the best connected figures in the Minnesota cannabis landscape, bridging the gap between industry and government.
MIKE GAWLIK
Co-founder & CEO, Natreum
IG: @Natreum_Hq
LinkedIn
Mike grew up in the Chicago area before joining the Navy in response to the events of September 11th, serving from 2001 to 2006. Post-service, he pursued a degree in Political Science and Constitutional Law, segueing into a successful career in sales and business development with over 15 years of experience. An entrepreneur at heart, Mike has owned various businesses, including gyms and furniture stores, before founding Natreum. Since 2018, he's been an avid investor in cannabinoid research, contributing to the development of one of the most advanced retail experiences in the industry alongside his partner Melissa Guidi.
BRUCE GRANGER
President, Granger Consulting
LinkedIn
Bruce Granger has a notable background in the cannabis industry, starting with his role as the President of Kind Love, a Medical Marijuana company located in Glendale, CO. There, he was key in establishing the company shortly after its launch in 2010. Kind Love quickly became recognized for its dispensary, grow facility, and extraction and infusion operations under his guidance. Bruce’s contribution to the development of the company’s service model played a significant part in its success, and he remained with Kind Love until 2014. His experience includes constructing five grow facilities and contributing to the design of another 15.
After leaving Kind Love, Bruce co-founded FlexMod, aiming to design and construct grow facilities with advanced technology. He eventually moved on from FlexMod to pursue consulting work within the cannabis industry, drawing from his extensive experience.
Bruce has also been actively involved in shaping the regulatory framework of the cannabis industry in Colorado. He consulted on State Bill 1284 with Colorado Senator Chris Roomer, which was a major regulatory measure for medical marijuana. Additionally, he served on the first MMJ rules board, assisting in the creation of Colorado’s MMJ regulations. His involvement extended to participating in early non-profit industry organizations and becoming a member of key industry groups.
Currently, Bruce operates Granger Consulting LLC and provides consultancy services for companies like AEssense Grows and Starrco. His work continues to influence the cannabis industry, both in Colorado and beyond.
BRUYS HENDERSON
VP Business Development, urban-gro
LinkedIn
Bruys Henderson serves as Vice President of Business Development of urban-gro, Inc., an integrated professional services and Design-Build firm offering value-added architectural, engineering, and construction management solutions to the Controlled Environment Agriculture (“CEA”), industrial, healthcare, and other commercial sectors. In his role, Bruys combines over 25 years of architectural and construction knowledge with firsthand CEA facility experience to guide clients toward efficient and profitable facilities. With experience in dozens of facilities totaling more than four million square feet, Bruys is passionate about working with growers, owners, and operators to successfully navigate the intricacies of CEA and bring their facility visions to life. Bruys holds a BS in Architecture from the University of Illinois.
JEREMY JOHNSON
Partnership Manager, AlpineIQ
IG: @alipeiq
LinkedIn
Jeremy Johnson is a digital marketing professional that has fully transitioned into the cannabis space after a wide range of projects, from leading mobile and web development teams to managing tech installations for music festivals and large-scale events. Cannabis has always been a part of his journey, as a 2nd generation advocate and medical cardholder at an early age. From 2020 to 2022, Jeremy helped lead the e-commerce and digital strategies for two of Michigan's highest-volume dispensaries. Jeremy is now helping to educate cannabis retailers on how to use e-commerce and digital marketing tools to increase brand awareness, grow web traffic, and increase sales in the fastest-growing channel for the cannabis industry.
BRYANT JONES
CEO, CHARRCO
LinkedIn
Bryant Jones is a plant scientist with a specialization in plant production systems, breeding, and genetics, with a focus on the cannabis species. After completing his education at the University of Minnesota, he entered the cannabis licensing space in 2019, securing a license in the Massachusetts adult use cannabis market. Following this achievement, Bryant founded the Cannabis Horticulture, Agriculture Researching, and Consulting Company (CHARCCO), aiming to assist the cannabis industry's growth by working with companies to secure cultivation licenses nationwide.
In addition to his work with CHARCCO, Bryant is actively involved in the regulatory and educational aspects of the cannabis industry. He serves on the Cannabis Advisory Council, representing cannabis cultivators and sharing his insights to help shape industry standards. Moreover, Bryant is working with the Office of Higher Education and regents at Minneapolis Technical College to develop Minnesota’s first accredited cannabis-based college curriculum. This program aims to provide practical training, preparing graduates for careers in the cannabis industry as either workers or entrepreneurs. Through his various roles, Bryant Jones contributes to the advancement of the cannabis industry and education.
QUINTON KRUEGER
Founder, Budscout
LinkedIn
James is the Account Executive for Cova's cannabis retail software sales in Minnesota. With over 20 years of experience selling software across multiple verticals, James has aligned his passion for supporting business growth with an aim to help retailers provide access to cannabis product; with a vast network of integrated software partnerships to build out retail software ecosystem and support for world-class retail customer experience. James has also cultivated strong relationships with governing bodies to ensure authoritative knowledge of inventory management and compliance. James' experience includes partnering with the majority of licensed cannabis retailers across various market to facilitate streamlined processes and business operations under regulated cannabis retail.
RENATO KRSNIK
COO, Northern Diversified Solutions
LinkedIn
JAMES MANNING
Account Executive, Cova Software
LinkedIn
James is the Account Executive for Cova's cannabis retail software sales in Minnesota. With over 20 years of experience selling software across multiple verticals, James has aligned his passion for supporting business growth with an aim to help retailers provide access to cannabis product; with a vast network of integrated software partnerships to build out retail software ecosystem and support for world-class retail customer experience. James has also cultivated strong relationships with governing bodies to ensure authoritative knowledge of inventory management and compliance. James' experience includes partnering with the majority of licensed cannabis retailers across various market to facilitate streamlined processes and business operations under regulated cannabis retail.
AILANA MCINTOSH
Partner, Hellmuth & Johnson
LinkedIn
Ailana McIntosh is a partner at Hellmuth & Johnson. She has extensive legal and business experience representing clients in various transactional related matters, including commercial and residential real estate, for-profit and non-profit entity formation and governance, business mergers and acquisitions, leases, purchase agreements, and commercial contracts. Ailana’s clients include small, medium, and large businesses, financial institutions, service industries, professional advisors, real estate developers, landlords, tenants, property owners, commercial brokers, non-profits, and individuals. Her experience as a former litigator, coupled with her entrepreneurial background, and her excellent negotiation and drafting skills prove to be valuable assets to Ailana’s client’s legal challenges and objectives. As a business owner who comes from a family of entrepreneurs, Ailana understands the realities of business management, the need to keep costs low, and the considerations involved with every business and legal decision. Her favorite part of practicing law is diving in to learn the ins-and-outs of her clients’ businesses, providing counsel to resolve issues and disputes, and being a partner in their journey to success.
CAROL MOSS, ESQ.
Partner, Hellmuth & Johnson
IG: @carolmossesq
LinkedIn
Carol Moss is the head of the cannabis practice group with Hellmuth & Johnson, a law firm located in Edina, Minnesota. Carol has a passion for advising and guiding her clients as they grow and navigate challenges, especially in the cannabis industry, allowing them to focus on creating and continuing successful businesses. She represents cannabusiness clients at different points in the product stream – from grower to retailer. Her focus on her entrepreneur clients led her to become a board member of the National Association of Women Business Owners – Minnesota. Working with a full-service law firm, Carol supports her clients with whatever situation may come their way.
KATHRYN MUTSCHLER
Hemp Program Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Katy has been with the Hemp Program at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture since 2019. Prior to that she worked on invasive species regulations at both a state and federal level. Katy has a degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth in Biology and Chemistry.
ANDY POMROY
Sr. Government Relations Specialist, Fredrikson & Byron
LinkedIn
Andy is an effective strategist and advocate who leads clients to success with the state legislature, local governments and other policy makers.
A campaign, legislative, communications and government relations strategist, Andy utilizes creative analysis and innovative methods to move decision makers’ opinions and actions. He is experienced working with advocacy campaigns as an increasingly important way to move legislation through grassroots, traditional media, and other methods.
Since joining Fredrikson’s Government Relations practice, Andy has a record of accomplishment in a broad range of public policy areas. He is one of Minnesota’s most productive advocates for capital projects, securing over $1.8 billion in construction funds for local governments, non-profits, affordable housing development and small businesses.
Prior to joining Fredrikson, Andy worked for a decade at the state legislature and in a leadership role on legislative caucus campaigns. He also runs Minnesota’s most successful political direct mail firm.
NATHAN RATNER
Government Relations, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
MARY ELLEN REIHSON
Corporate and Employment Attorney, Hellmuth & Johnson
LinkedIn
Mary Ellen serves as general counsel, providing corporate and employment law services, to technology and media conglomerates operating nationwide; numerous hospitality and live events businesses across the country; as well as start-ups, manufacturers, and eldercare facilities.
Mary Ellen drafts and negotiates complex agreements, protecting her client’s contractual interests, while focusing on and preserving the ongoing business relationship the parties will continue to have.
From a multi-jurisdictional position, Mary Ellen advises clients on data privacy policies and protocols. She provides guidance on the evolving laws and requirements regarding consumer data storage, breach response plans, and removal requests.
Mary Ellen also counsels clients on a wide range of labor and employment issues, including state and federal family leave, disabilities and related leaves and reasonable accommodations, wage and hour, civil rights, discrimination, harassment, and navigating collective bargaining issues. Additionally, Mary Ellen provides evolving guidance to businesses on Coronavirus policies and safety practices.
ERIC TAUBEL
General Counsel, Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management
LinkedIn
[bio]
SUMER THOMAS
VP of Regulatory Operations, Canna Advisors
IG: @cannaadvisors
LinkedIn
As a licensed attorney, Sumer Thomas offers a unique perspective on the legal landscape of the cannabis industry as well as a critical eye towards new laws. Sumer’s main focus is supporting the needs of our clients while delivering superior content and consulting services. Sumer manages complex processes across a full spectrum of client needs that range from license applications to operations readiness to exit strategy.
Sumer's interest in the evolution of cannabis is bolstered by her law degree from the University of Florida and a family history with the plant. Her legal background in tax, business, and administrative law brings a broad perspective for solving clients’ complex problems. Sumer has an in-depth understanding of mature and developing state cannabis markets, along with a global perspective gained while living abroad.
Sumer is a member of the National Cannabis Industry Association (and the State Regulations Committee), the International Cannabis Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. She volunteers her time with Expunge Colorado to seal criminal records.
BOB WALLOCH
Owner, CannaJoy
IG: @cannajoy_mn
LinkedIn
ED WELLS
Vice President of Sales, Cannatrol
IG: @Ed.from.cannatrol
LinkedIn