Speakers and Moderators
Taylor Biehl
Capitol Alliance Group
Taylor Bihel
After having received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Florida, Taylor Biehl served as the Special Projects Coordinator to Public Concepts, LLC, conducting detailed analysis of precincts and voter trends, assisting in the development of political messages, and assisting on the successful campaign of Ronda Storms for State Senator. Taylor has served as the Special Assistant to State Senator Mike Haridopolos. Taylor also served as the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association where he led a successful lobbying campaign implementing the association’s agenda. Taylor served as an associate at Uhlfelder & Associates, P.A., where he represented the interests of the largest Fortune 500 companies, including UPS, Tenet Healthcare, Kaplan (a subsidiary of the Washington Post), and Pearson Education. Taylor was tapped by the President of the Florida Senate, Mike Haridopolos, to assist with policy and constituent issues. Subsequently, Taylor joined the Senate Community Affairs Committee, where he served as an analyst. With over a decade of direct legislative experience with major appropriations issues and a concentrated focus on local governance, property taxation, and agency regulation issues, he has proven himself to be a tireless advocate for client’s interest. In addition to legislative issues management, he has developed excellent relations with state agency management leadership and interfaces regularly with the agency Secretaries to ensure that clients have access to top decision makers. He is responsible for mobilizing legislation and communicating with legislators and agency representatives on the needs of the clients. Taylor serves as a governmental affairs consultant with Capitol Alliance Group, Inc. in Tallahasee, FL. In 2014, Mr. Biehl and Dr. Jeffrey Sharkey created the Medical Marijuana Business Association of Florida (MMBAFL). www.mmbafl.com
Roger Brown
ACS Laboratory
Roger Brown
Roger Brown co-founded ACS Laboratory as a clinical testing laboratory in 2008. A pioneer in the cannabis testing space, Brown recognized a gap in the industry and expanded ACS Laboratory’s services to test hemp and cannabis in 2016, becoming the first cannabis testing laboratory in Florida. Today, ACS Laboratory is an award-winning testing facility serving the cannabis, hemp, mushroom and kratom industries with consistent, precise results. ACS Laboratory operates a 20,000 sq. ft. facility, making it the largest laboratory in the Eastern USA.
Leading the nation in entheogen testing, Brown has been recognized as a 2023 Notable Leader in Cannabis by Green Market Report and was named as an honoree of the 2023-2024 Palm Beach 100 by Palm Beach Illustrated magazine.
Under Brown’s leadership, ACS received 82 cumulative Emerald Test™ Badges from 2019 to 2022, the most of any laboratory in the entire U.S. These test badges compare cannabis laboratories’ ability to deliver reliable results, using standards established in the environm ental, food, pharmaceutical, water and petrochemical industries.
ACS Laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited, DEA licensed, CLIA licensed and hemp-testing compliant in all 50 states (including Puerto Rico), and 17 countries. The facility is also a Florida Department of Health “Certified Marijuana Testing Laboratory.” Its focus is to continue to support and enhance the ability for cannabis companies and brands to deliver clean, safe products, and do so in a manner that promotes positive standards throughout the industry.
Brown is a member of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International – a nonprofit organization that develops and publishes approximately 12,000 technical standards, covering the procedures for testing and classification of materials of every sort. Brown sits on the ASTM D37.05 Committee where he works on security and compliance global standards for cannabis and hemp procedures.
Visit www.acslab.com for a complete list of testing services and capabilities.
Glenn Burhans
Stearns Weaver Miller
Glenn Burhans
Glenn Burhans is a Shareholder in the Tallahassee office of Stearns Weaver Miller focusing on commercial litigation, cannabis law, and election and political law. Glenn serves as counsel to Smart & Safe Florida, sponsor of Amendment 3 (Adult Personal Use of Marijuana), for whom he drafted the proposed amendment and has guided legal strategy since the committee’s inception.
Courtney Coppola
Cannabis Practice Group
Courtney Coppola
Courtney Coppola, Chair, Cannabis Practice Group and Partner, Ballard Law Firm
Courtney has spent her career implementing new government programs, managing emergent priorities, and providing guidance and policy direction to executives at the highest levels of government.
Prior to joining Ballard Partners, Courtney served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Ron DeSantis. Under the Governor’s leadership, Courtney oversaw the following agencies, offices, and initiatives: the Department of Health; the Agency for Health Care Administration; the Department of Children and Families; the Division of Emergency Management; the Department of Military Affairs; the Department of Elder Affairs; the Agency for Persons with Disabilities; the Department of Veterans Affairs; the Guardian ad Litem program; and the Office of Adoption and Child Protection.
Courtney previously served as the Chief of Staff at the Department of Health. In her role she directed day-to-day operations and planning for the department and county health departments statewide, and directly supervised the Offices of Communications, Legislative Planning, and Executive Appointments. Courtney also led the department’s actions as part of Florida’s Unified Command Executive Team in response to COVID-19.
Prior to her appointment as Chief of Staff, Courtney served as the Director of Florida’s medical marijuana program. Courtney joined the Office of Medical Marijuana Use in its infancy and quickly rose through the ranks taking the helm as director in 2018. During her tenure, the Office licensed Florida’s first regulated marijuana companies, registered more than half a million patients and enrolled thousands of certifying physicians quickly transforming Florida into one of the largest marijuana markets in the country.
Courtney began her career in state government at the Executive Office of the Governor under Governor Rick Scott in the Office of Fiscal Accountability and Regulatory Reform where she served as the policy analyst and was responsible for reviewing executive agency regulations to determine whether they adversely impacted job creation, imposed burdensome regulations or costs on businesses, or unreasonably restricted the ability of individual citizens to find employment.
Originally from Destin, Courtney earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, and Master of Science in Applied American Politics and Policy from Florida State University. She also serves on the Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Alumni Board and remains involved in recruitment and mentoring for the program.
Mayor John E. Dailey
City of Tallahassee
Mayor John Dailey
Mayor John E. Dailey – Seat 4
Mayor Dailey has dedicated his professional life to building strong, vibrant communities. He has had public service in his sights his entire life. As the son of Dr. John Scott Dailey, the former Executive Director of the Florida Institute of Government and a former two-term Leon County School Board member, John could not have had a better role model to learn the value of just how effective quality leadership in government can be for our community.
He began his professional career working for the Florida League of Cities, representing over 400 municipal governments before the Florida Legislature and Administration. He also represented municipal governments across the nation before the U.S. Congress and Administration while working for the National League of Cities in Washington, D.C.
John received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida State University, where he served as President of the Student Government Association. He received his first master’s degree in Public Administration from FSU, and went on to receive a second master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the London School of Economics while serving as an Aide to Roger Casale (Labour – Wimbledon) in the British Parliament.
John returned to Tallahassee in 2005 and founded JDA Strategies, a research and development consulting firm focused on local governance. In 2006, he was elected to the Leon County Commission by the citizens of District Three and was re-elected twice without opposition. He served as Chairman of the Leon County Commission twice (2010-2011, 2016-2017). John is a graduate of Leadership Tallahassee and Leadership Florida.
John was elected Mayor of the City of Tallahassee in 2018. John and his wife Virginia have two sons, Tommy and Henry.
Senator Tracie Davis
State of Florida
Senator Tracie Davis
Tracie Davis is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. She attended local public schools and graduated magna cum laude from Edward Waters University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with focus in special education. Later, she earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from University of North Florida and is currently pursuing a second Master’s in Public Administration at Florida State University.
Senator Davis was elected to the Florida House of Representatives from 2016 – 2022 representing district 13 and elected to the Senate in 2022 representing district 5. Senator Davis career began as a special education teacher with Duval County Public Schools. In 2001, she joined the Supervisor of Elections Office and served in several leadership roles. In 2011, Senator was appointed to serve as the first African American Deputy Supervisor of Elections. Later, she joined the City of Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business Office. Senator Davis uses her experience from her blended professional background in education, elections, and business management by being a fierce advocate and strong voice for her community and continues to speak up for her constituents and others in the State of Florida.
Senator Davis currently serves on the following Senate committees:
Transportation, Vice Chair; Appropriations; Appropriations Committee on Education; Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Health Policy; Select Committee on Resiliency and Joint Legislative Auditing Committee.
Senator Davis is set to become the Senate Minority Leader in 2026. Additionally, she has been honored with a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Edward Waters University.
Senator Davis developed partnerships to educate and connect families to resources throughout communities with Northeast Florida Healthy Start (The Magnolia Project), JaxPort, JTA, Florida Blue, Duval County Public Schools, The Center One Foundation, Operation New Hope (ONH), to create community events such as job fairs, food giveaways, HBCU college fair, and annual community baby shower, is actively engaged in mentoring with Year Up, AMI Kids, and Youth Leadership Jacksonville. Her affiliations include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Leadership Jacksonville, Pace Center for Girls – Jacksonville Board Member, Jacksonville Arts and Music School (JAMS) – Board Member, Democratic Women Information Network (DWIN), Jacksonville Women Network (JWN), Jacksonville Urban League, and Junior League of Jacksonville.
Senator Davis is the recipient of many awards including Teacher of the Year at Timucuan Elementary, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists – Community Leadership Award, Florida Health Care Association – Champion for the Elderly Award, Florida Education Association – Legislative Champion for Education, Big Brothers Big Sisters State Association – Champion for Public Education 2022, and Edward Waters University – Community Service Award.
Senator Davis is devoted to family, faith and her community. She is married to Robert E. Davis and is the mother of three adult children.
Dustin Eide
CanPay
Dustin Eide
After spending many years in the payments industry, Dustin Eide saw the opportunity to build the first legitimate debit payment platform for the cannabis industry when Colorado and Washington legalized their Adult Use marijuana industries in 2014. He went on to found CanPay in 2016 and the company now serves more than 1,150 participating dispensaries, including 10 of the 13 largest publicly traded MSOs, and 300,000 consumers across 34 state markets.
Dustin began his career in marketing for a Fortune 300 company, but quickly realized that corporate life was not for him and set out to make his mark on another industry. Always up for a challenge, Dustin entered the hyper-competitive payments industry where he served thousands of retail and ecommerce businesses, banks, and technology partners with creative payments solutions.
The lessons he learned provided an invaluable foundation for Dustin when he launched CanPay.
Chris Ferguson
VP, Gvt Affairs & Policy, Verano
Chris Ferguson
Chris Ferguson serves as Vice President of Government Affairs and Policy for Verano Holdings (Cboe CA: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF), a leading, vertically integrated, U.S. multi-state cannabis company. As one of the largest cannabis companies in the nation, Verano has active operations across 13 states that include 14 cultivation and production facilities and more than 130 dispensaries that operate under the company’s flagship Zen LeafTM and MÜVTM banners.
Mr. Ferguson started his professional career in 2002 in the private sector, where he gained experience working in the insurance industry related to fraud investigations. Subsequently, in 2010, Mr. Ferguson began his career with the Florida Department of Health, where he held several roles within the state’s Medical Quality Assurance department and ultimately, served as Chief of General Operations. In 2019, Mr. Ferguson began serving as the Director of Health and Medical Services, where he specifically directed all aspects of the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. Following his extensive service in the public sector, Mr. Ferguson decided to rejoin the private sector in December of 2022, where he now leverages his valuable experience and expertise in regulation and policy development in his current role at Verano.
A native of Florida, Mr. Ferguson is based in his home state, and works collaboratively with colleagues across the country to support Verano’s Government Affairs activities nationwide.
Dr. Barry Gordon
Compassionate Cannabis Clinic of Venice
Dr. Barry Gordon
The Compassionate Cannabis Clinic of Venice offers patients in Venice and Western Florida specialized treatment from a respected physician utilizing cannabis as a treatment method for chronic and debilitating illnesses. With a vested interest in the care of their patients, Compassionate Cannabis Clinic strives to lead this practice of care in Florida, educate both patients and the public to the numerous benefits of cannabis, and advocate for access to this substance used medicinally for thousands of year.
Dr. Barry M Gordon graduated from the Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1981. He elected to pursue residency training in Emergency Medicine, becoming one of the earliest doctors to become Board Certified in Emergency Medicine in the United States. He became a founding member of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. With over 32 years working in the emergency room, Dr. Gordon saw the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco products and narcotic medications. Dr. Gordon felt strongly that with the passage of Florida’s Constitutional Amendment 2, the time was right to pursue a more compassionate and “do no harm’ philosophy of patient care with the addition of medical cannabis. Thus with great enthusiasm, after taking the appropriate steps including lots of paperwork and education, he founded the Compassionate Cannabis Clinic of Venice, opening in January 2017. The mission of CCC is based upon our three tenants of patient care, education and advocacy.
The Compassionate Cannabis Clinic of Venice bills themselves as a new genre of practice, where they see patients for a variety of illnesses and create a treatment plan utilizing medical marijuana. The doctor and staff feel a duty to their patients, advocating and educating them on the many uses of medical marijuana as a therapy and working one-on-one with each to end their suffering. They prioritize their patient’s care and education, and are working hard with state legislature to ensure all qualifying Florida patients can quickly and safely access medical marijuana for their conditions. The first visit includes a physical evaluation and review of the patient’s medical history, and the “5 D Teaching Visit”. Evaluations are required at least every 210 days. Patients are encouraged to call anytime, there is a “no follow up charge” policy in effect.
Jodi James
Florida Cannabis Action Network
Jodi James
Jodi James has been synonymous the Florida Cannabis Action Network since it was founded in 1998. She has served as a volunteer for the organization, expanded her role as Executive Director from 2011-2019, and now serves as president of the Board. The groups list of success reads like the milestones in cannabis reform as the group has truly been part of making our history.
She is well-known for her impassioned testimony before the legislature, her strategic use of grass roots tactics, and her leadership on allied issues like employment protection, civil liberties, election reforms, First and Second Amendment rights, and most recently the right to residential solar.
While working to raise the level of support for Cannabis reforms, Jodi and her husband Dave McKinney raised two boys on the Florida Space Coast. They enjoy boating and kayaking, RV adventures with the family’s four Labradors, and the fruit of their labor, legal medical access to Cannabis.
Dara Kam
Dara Kam
Dara Kam has spent more than two decades reporting on Florida government,politics and courts a variety of media outlets, including the New York Times Group, the Associated Press, the Palm Beach Post and the News Service of Florida, where she is currently the senior writer. Dara also is host of the Deeper Dive with Dara podcast, where she has conversations with some of the state’s top influencers, elected officials and experts on a wide range of topics. Dara’s body of work includes coverage of presidential, gubernatorial,
U.S. Senate, congressional, state Cabinet and legislative races. Dara’s also written extensively about what she calls “Potlandia” and detailed Florida’s journey into medical marijuana and adult use, from the courtroom to the growhouse and beyond.
Zack Kobrin
Zack Kobrin
Drawing on his experience as a former general counsel for two companies, Zack Kobrin is a transactional and regulatory lawyer who understands that business clients want practical advice on how to complete deals and navigate complex statutory and regulatory regimes affecting their growth and daily operations. Zack is the former vice president and general counsel for Trulieve Cannabis Corp., where he led and managed the company’s in-house and outside legal team in a $2.1 billion acquisition that turned the company into one of the largest cannabis operators in the United States. He also previously worked as general counsel and chief compliance officer for Cansortium Holdings LLC, a multistate cannabis company.
While Zack is a trusted legal advisor to a variety of industries, his knowledge and experience is particularly deep in the cannabis industry. Businesses ranging from multi-national cannabis companies to start-ups and ancillary support companies look to Zack for advice on business formation and development, corporate organization and structuring, and complex contract negotiations. A sampling of his transactional experience includes overseeing the formation of more than 20 cannabis-related companies across multiple states and countries and assisting a U.S. cannabis operator with the preparation of their initial public offering on the Canadian Securities Exchange. On the regulatory and compliance side of his practice, Zack advises on issues such as crafting and seeking approvals for licensing applications and transfers and preparing and filing federal and state regulatory registrations. He also helps clients develop corporate infrastructure and governance models, regulatory and banking compliance protocols, as well as navigate insurance issues.
Zack is also a member of the board of directors for the International Cannabis Bar Association, and he speaks frequently at business, legal and industry events for cannabis, marijuana, hemp and psychedelics companies.
In addition to his cannabis work, Zack advises companies on antitrust issues, particularly the premerger notification and the merger review process required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act. He also assists with HSR reportability and transaction structure issues.
David Mangone
State Representative
David Mangone
David serves as the Vice President of The Liaison Group, focusing on Government Affairs and Policy. Using a pragmatic bipartisan and evidence-based approach, David has influenced cannabis policy at the federal and state levels for nearly a decade through authoring legislation and advising lawmakers at all levels of government. He has deep expertise in cannabis policy as it relates to political affairs, the legislative process, administrative law, and executive action.
Prior to joining The Liaison Group, David served as the Director of Government Affairs & Counsel for Americans for Safe Access, the nation’s largest nonprofit representing medical cannabis patients. In this role, he authored several publications including the 2019 State of the States Report: An Analysis of Medical Cannabis Access in the United States and acted as a policy resource for lawmakers around the country. David has also worked as a Legislative Fellow for a senior Democratic member of Congress on the House Ways & Means Committee and as an attorney in private practice.
David received his Juris Doctorate from the Charleston School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wake Forest University. He lives in Washington, DC, with his wife and son.
Ralph Massullo
Congressman
Ralph Massullo
Ralph Massullo has been a physician and business owner for more than 30 years. He was elected into the Florida House of Representatives in 2016, representing Citrus County and a small portion of Marion County. His legislative priorities include: Education Reform, Healthcare Reform and Environmental Conservation. Dr. Massullo currently serves on the Appropriations Committee, Health and Human Services Committee, and is Chair of the Education and Employment Committee.
Dr. Massullo was born and raised in Morgantown West Virginia and hold a degree from West Virginia University in Industrial Engineering, which he utilized mostly in his work in Washington D.C. as a consultant to the federal government. Later, returning to WVU he earned his Doctor of Medicine, interned in Medicine and Psychiatry and completed a residency in Dermatology. He founded Suncoast Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center in 1989 where he still practices today. Dr. Massullo is the past president of the Florida Society of Dermatology Surgery and was once named Surgeon of the Year for the state. He was also past president of the American Society for Moh’s Surgery. He has over the years authored numerous journal articles on cutting-edge medical techniques and technology to help better serve patients and participated in overseas missions to the third world.
Dr. Massullo and his wife Patty have four children Jeremy, Alexa, Blake and Kelin, and one granddaughter and two grandsons. The Massullo’s are active members of Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church. Dr. Massullo has a multi-engine instrument pilot’s license and enjoys traveling to rural areas where he participates in cycling trips. He is also a car and motorcycle enthusiast, and unwinds by spending time riding his motorcycle with friends. He believes a life well lived is one where we are enabled by God to give back more than we were given.
Website: Ralphmassullo.com
Facebook: State Representative Ralph Massullo
Twitter: @RalphMassullo
Congressman Brian Mast
VP, Gvt Affairs & Policy, Verano
Congressman Brian Mast
Congressman Brian Mast is in his fourth term representing the 21st Congressional District of Florida.
Prior to his election to Congress, Brian followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the U.S. Army for more than 12 years, earning medals including The Bronze Star Medal, The Army Commendation Medal for Valor, The Purple Heart Medal, and The Defense Meritorious Service Medal. While deployed in Afghanistan, he worked as a bomb disposal expert under the elite Joint Special Operations Command. The last improvised explosive device that he found resulted in catastrophic injuries, which included the loss of both of his legs.
While lying in bed recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center, Brian’s father gave him advice that has stuck with him to this day–to ensure the greatest service he gave to our country and the best example he set for his children was still ahead of him. Brian took this advice to heart and dedicated himself to finding new ways to serve our country and his community.
Brian remained on active duty following the injuries and provided expertise to the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms during his recovery process. After his retirement from the Army, he continued working in counter-terrorism and national defense as an Explosive Specialist with the Department of Homeland Security. Brian subsequently received a degree from Harvard University and volunteered to serve alongside the Israel Defense Forces to show support for the freedom Israel represents throughout the Middle East and the world.
In Congress, Brian strives to serve as he did on the battlefield: without regard for personal gain or personal sacrifice. He is a member of two committees:
- The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where his priorities include fixing the pressing water quality issues stemming from Lake Okeechobee; and
- The Foreign Affairs Committee, where he uses his military expertise to help strengthen the safety and security of the United States
Brian lives in Fort Pierce, Fla. with his wife Brianna and four children: Magnum, Maverick, Madalyn and Major.
Jim McKee
Foley & Lardner LLP
Jim McKee
Jim McKee is the managing partner of the Tallahassee office of Foley & Lardner LLP. He focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation and represents clients in numerous aspects before governmental agencies.
He has represented Florida cannabis clients since the inception of Florida’s marijuana program in 2015, and guided one of Florida’s first licensed medical marijuana treatment centers through substantial litigation and the regulatory process to obtain their license. Since then, he has successfully guided a number of other entities through the licensure process.
Jim is well versed in the unique legal issues faced by cannabis enterprises, and how best to navigate Florida’s complex political and regulatory landscape. In addition to counseling clients through all aspects of the regulatory process, Jim has been involved in a substantial number of mergers and acquisitions involving Florida’s licensed medical marijuana treatment centers.
Jim is nationally ranked by Chambers and Partners and recognized as a Cannabis Law expert. He was recognized in the Florida Health Care Power 100 as one of the most important people influencing and delivery care across the state, is a frequent speaker on cannabis topics, and has been quoted numerous times in newspapers and publications. Jim received both his law degree and master of accounting from the University of Florida. Prior to joining Foley & Lardner he clerked on the Florida Supreme Court and worked in the Florida Attorney General’s Office and the Executive Office of the Governor.
Sheriff Walt McNeil
Sheriff, Leon County
Sheriff, Walt McNeil
Walter A. McNeil was elected Sheriff of Leon County in November 2016. In his distinguished 40-year career as a public servant, Sheriff McNeil has led the fight against crime in Tallahassee, has been tapped to lead two state agencies under former Governor Charlie Crist, and has advised the Obama White House, and other governments around the globe, on law enforcement strategies and tactics.
For 10 years at the helm of the Tallahassee Police Department, then Chief McNeil was recognized for his progressive voice and his effective response to citizen concerns. His community policing efforts to control gangs, drugs and juvenile crime earned him numerous honors, including the Tallahassee NAACP Humanitarian Award, Public Sector Businessperson of the Year and the United States DEA Award.
At the same time, he’s been a good neighbor – giving his time and talents to organizations that make a difference in our lives. He has chaired the Heart Walk for the county chapter of the American Heart Association, been honorary co-chair of Leon’s March of Dimes Walk America campaign and served on the boards of the local Boys and Girls Town, Chamber of Commerce and Refuge House. The Sheriff and his family are active members of New Mount Zion AME Church.
Far beyond Tallahassee, Sheriff McNeil’s experience has been highly sought after by state, national and international leaders. While at the helm of two departments, he produced a record of reform in state government that achieved measurable results. During his three years as Corrections Secretary, for example, he put in place Florida’s first prison reentry programs – reducing the inmate recidivism rate by nearly 5%. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Sheriff McNeil has been a key adviser to the Obama Administration on homeland security and police morale. In 2012 he was selected to serve on the advisory group that met with Vice President Biden to discuss gun violence.
His voice is respected around the world, as well. As a past president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Sheriff McNeil has traveled to foreign countries to discuss ways to combat terrorism, human trafficking, cyber crimes and other 21st century concerns that impact global security and stability.
GP Mendie
Executive Director FAMU MMERI
GP Mendie
GP Mendie – Executive Director FAMU MMERI
GP Mendie serves as Executive Director of the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI).
In this leadership role, GP collaborates with the incredibly talented MMERI Team and a broad spectrum of internal and external stakeholders and partners to successfully execute MMERI’s statewide legislative mandate. GP is responsible for overseeing MMERI’s mission to educate Florida’s rural, urban and suburban populations about the medical and unlawful use of marijuana. In executing MMERI’s mandate, GP brings extensive, richly diverse decades of experience in public health, education campaigns, strategic planning and administration, policy, and finance, among others, in government and the private sector.
Knowing the immense power and importance of education, GP is proud of the unique and expanding leadership role Florida A&M University holds in the cannabis space, especially the privilege of educating Floridians on this crucial public health matter with a profound socioeconomic impact on our communities. Among other things, GP believes in FAMU’s unique place and expertise in overseeing, implementing, and managing politically and culturally sensitive programs.
GP earned a bachelor’s degree in Theology (Nigeria) and a master’s degree in Social Work (FSU) and is pursuing a doctorate in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes at Florida A&M University. He enjoys reading Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Reports and is a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar.
Lauren Niehaus
Executive Director of Government Relations
Lauren Niehaus
Lauren Niehaus is the Executive Director of Government Relations for Trulieve Cannabis Corp. where she focuses her efforts collaborating with government officials at all levels to ensure the company’s operational goals are carried out throughout the country. Niehaus is responsible for lobbying local, state and federal government agencies, and providing internal strategic guidance related to the implementation of policies and procedures in alignment with the passage of new administrative rules, legislation, and ballot initiatives.
Lauren comes to Trulieve after having served as the Director of Government Relations for Harvest Health & Recreation, which was acquired by Trulieve in October 2021. Prior to joining the Harvest team, Niehaus spent a decade with the Conference of Western Attorneys General, most recently serving as the Deputy Director of the organization. In her role as Deputy Director, Niehaus served in a Chief of Staff capacity with duties including managing priority projects, leading strategic and policy initiatives, streamlining workflows and operational procedures and creating cross-functional partnerships.
Niehaus completed her undergraduate work in communications and Spanish language at Arizona State University, holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Colorado, Denver and completed her Juris Doctor degree from Concord Law School at Purdue University Global in 2017.
Sally Kent Peebles
Partner, Vicente LLP
Sally Kent Peebles
Sally Kent Peebles is a partner in Vicente LLP’s Florida office, where she focuses her practice on corporate law, commercial real estate, and regulatory matters. She helps clients navigate the patchwork of state laws controlling marijuana, and continues to successfully handle numerous cannabis business license acquisitions for clients in Florida, Colorado, and Oregon.
Sally is a leading voice on cannabis law and policy in Florida. She previously served on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee, which provided advice and recommendations to the department regarding policies and guidance on medical cannabis issues and patient needs and concerns. In 2021, Sally co-founded the nonprofit organization, WISE Florida, which aimed to build support for legalizing and regulating cannabis for adult use in Florida. She has been recognized by her peers in the Super Lawyers list since 2020 and in The Best Lawyers in America® list since 2022.
Kim Rivers
Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trulieve
Kim Rivers
Kim Rivers, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trulieve Kim Rivers has served as the Chair of the board of directors and as Chief Executive Officer of Trulieve since 2015. She also previously served as President from 2015 until 2021. Ms. Rivers received her Bachelor’s degree in Multinational Business and Political Science from Florida State University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida. Ms. Rivers is a member of the Georgia Bar Association and she spent several years in private practice as a lawyer where she specialized in mergers, acquisitions, and securities for multi-million dollar companies. For over a decade, Ms. Rivers has run numerous successful businesses from real estate to finance, including as Principal of Inkbridge LLC, an investment firm, since 2011.
Ms. Rivers serves as second vice chair of the National Cannabis Roundtable and the Benzinga Cannabis Advisory Board. Ms. Rivers has been recognized as an industry pioneer with accolades including Green Market Report’s Women’s Leadership Award 2022, Top 100 CEOs in Innovation Award 2022, and Most Influential Women in Cannabis Award.
Jonathan S. Robbins
Akerman – Chair, Cannabis Practice
Jonathan S. Robbins
Jonathan Robbins serves as chair of Akerman’s Cannabis Practice, counseling clients on the evolving, complex legal and business issues impacting companies with interests in the regulated substances industries. Ranked by Chambers USA as a top lawyer in Cannabis Law and recognized in 2018 by the National Law Journal as one of the country’s “Cannabis Law Trailblazers,” he has been published and quoted in national media outlets such as U.S. News & World Report, The American Lawyer, Politico, Washington Post, Bloomberg News, and Law360. He is a founding board member of the National Cannabis Bar Association and is also an active member of the National Cannabis Industry Association.
Jonathan brings deep experience representing public and private companies and individuals in complex regulatory and litigation matters in the regulated substances sectors. His experience encompasses investigations and administrative and enforcement proceedings brought by federal, state, and self-regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Florida Attorney General’s Office, Florida Department of Financial Services, and Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
In addition to his growing cannabis practice, Jonathan also represents public and private companies and individuals in complex regulatory and litigation matters in the financial services and regulated substances sectors. His experience encompasses investigations and administrative and enforcement proceedings brought by federal, state, and self-regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Florida Attorney General’s Office, Florida Department of Financial Services, and Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. He is a go-to resource for broker-dealers and registered persons in securitiesrelated cases filed in both federal and state courts, as well as in FINRA arbitration proceedings addressing both customer and sector disputes.
Paula Savchenko
Founding Partner, Cannacore Group
Paula Savchenko
Paula Savchenko, Esq., is the Founding Partner of Cannacore Group and PS Law Group. She is an attorney and consultant working primarily in the cannabis industry on a multi-state level. More specifically, most of her work involves competitive licensing and regulatory compliance in the cannabis industry. Her success in attaining competitive licenses for her clients comes from having a good understanding of what regulators are looking for, as well as a strong network of contacts in the cannabis industry. She has worked on competitive applications for marijuana businesses in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, New Jersey, Texas and West Virginia. Her overall success rate is approximately 85% in attaining marijuana business licenses.
She also speaks and writes regularly on the legal aspects of the cannabis industry. In addition to serving on the board of the Florida Bar – Administrative Law Section, she also serves on the board of Mr. Psychedelic Law and Cannabis Law Accounting and Business.
Eric Sevell, PhD
Director of Operations, Green Dragon Florida LLC,
Eric Sevell, PhD
Eric Sevell, PhD is Director of Operations for Green Dragon Florida LLC, a subsidiary of
Eaze, Inc. Green Dragon currently operates 38 retail stores in Florida with plans for
continued expansion. Combined with their operations in Colorado and parent company
Eaze, Green Dragon is currently one of the largest privately held cannabis operators in
the country.
A born and raised Florida native, Dr. Sevell attended Florida Atlantic University for his
undergraduate degree before attending Indiana University for his Master’s and
Doctorate. Dr. Sevell’s dedication to the industry and experience as a Florida medical
patient led him to make the transition from higher education to cannabis. Starting as a
“budtender” and climbing to his current position, Dr. Sevell now performs several duties
for Green Dragon’s vertically integrated operations in Florida including compliance,
business development, and new store acquisitions and buildouts.
Dr. Jeffrey Sharkey
Managing Partner of the Capitol Alliance Group
Dr. Jeffrey Sharkey
Dr. Jeffrey Sharkey is the Managing Partner of the Capitol Alliance Group, with over 25 years of lobbying experience in addition to 6 years of employment in senior positions in the Executive and Legislative branches of Florida Government. His lobbying expertise includes advanced technologies, education, intermodal transportation, economic development, insurance, entertainment, local government infrastructure funding, growth management, public finance, and ad valorem taxation.
Dr. Sharkey is widely known for his extensive knowledge of the legislative process, particularly finance and tax and the appropriations process. With over two decades of government relations, public affairs, and business consulting under his belt, he has built a network of trusted relationships throughout the highest levels of state government. His entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving, high ethical standards, and a strong commitment to professionalism, coupled with his creative approach to resolving issues and dedication to keeping his client’s interests at the forefront of the firm’s activities, have made him one of the most highly regarded lobbyists in Florida. He, and the professionals in his firm, believe that accomplishing client goals is the result of detailed research, strategic planning, clear communication, hard work, and unrelenting determination to succeed.
In addition, Dr. Sharkey has been actively involved in statewide issue campaigns for over twenty years, providing him rare insight into the politics and an ability to shape successful community development projects. He has been successful in creating, mobilizing, and evaluating public policy issues and trends to position his clients to prepare and take advantage of new challenges and opportunities occurring in the arenas of state and local governments. He is ultimately familiar with the dynamics created when local, state, and national politics intersect with the desire to shape public policy in the local, Legislative, or Executive branches of government.
Dr. Sharkey held various positions in state government before launching his public policy advocacy career. He has been Director of International Education for the State of Florida, Special Advisor to the Governor for International Affairs, and Director of the Florida Hemispheric Policy Studies Center. He began his professional career as a teacher and school administrator and has worked in England, Thailand, Latin America, and other parts of the world as a consultant for various international agencies.
In addition, Dr. Sharkey is an entrepreneur and owns several successful businesses. He is a native of Minnesota, holds a B.S. degree in English, an M.Ed. in Educational Research from the University of MN, an M.S. in Sociology and Economics, and a Ph.D. from Florida State University in Educational Policy Foundations and International Development.
Louise St. Laurent
Partner – Panza Maurer
Louise St. Laurent
Louise Wilhite-St. Laurent is a partner at Panza Maurer in Tallahassee where she provides legal support for healthcare clients, practices administrative litigation, and other complex regulatory matters for state and national corporations. Ms. St. Laurent attended Florida State University for her undergraduate studies, receiving her degree, with honors, in Public Administration and Political Science. Ms. St. Laurent also received her law degree, with honors, from Florida State University. Prior to joining her firm, Ms. St. Laurent was the General Counsel for the Florida Department of Health for three and a half years and worked for the agency for nine years where she oversaw all issues affecting public health including pandemic response, healthcare practitioner discipline and compliance, the Children’s Medical Services Medicaid Managed Care Plan, public records, and assisted with the development and support of Florida’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use. Ms. St. Laurent is the Chair of the Administrative Law Section of the Florida Bar, on the Board of Directors of the Tallahassee Bar Association, a member of the Florida Bar’s Health Law Section, Government Lawyer Section, Government Advocacy Committee, and a member of the Cannabis Law, Accounting and Business Association and the American Health Law Association.
Jammie Treadwell
Treadwell Farms
Jammie Treadwell
Jammie Treadwell is one of three daughters by Glen and Sharon Treadwell. She grew up working in the nursery and has played an integral part in developing the Treadwell Farms business. After relocating to Oregon for a few years to learn the ropes of hemp, she gained the necessary insight and knowledge of how to best grow the plant in Florida’s environment. She also learned how best to control the supply chain, handling everything from planting and extraction to product development.
Prior to – and after earning her B.A., Arts in Communication and English from Florida State University in Tallahassee – Treadwell worked for nearly 20 years as a senior healthcare executive for Accenture LLC, a Fortune Global 500 company that provides multinational services in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations, which 17 of those years were focused in healthcare.
Since returning to the family business in 2014, she’s handled business development and led the through the development of bringing a new crop to Florida – specifically Central Florida. Treadwell has created business plans for low-THC cannabis cultivation, processing and dispensing; developed a network of contacts for the use in the business; and combined knowledge of nursery operations and health-related business to develop organizational processes for Florida’s new cannabis program working with industry experts.
Treadwell traveled throughout parts of the western United States – and even Israel – to obtain much knowledge as possible about farming hemp. She completely immersed herself to determine how a family with a farming background from Florida could successfully transition into medical cannabis and then later, the CBD hemp space. Upon her return to Florida, Treadwell received a medical cannabis license in 2017 through Remeny Wellness, where she was COO, before selling the business one year later.
Today, Treadwell, along with her parents Glen and Sharon, runs and operates Treadwell Farms in Eustis and Umatilla, Fla. A Florida family hemp company, they create and curate natural, healthful and helpful small-batch, artisanal hemp products that are trusted and tested with the community in mind. They also provide guidance, support, education, opportunity, friendship and hope to local farmers growing Florida hemp.
Steven J. Vancore
President of VancoreJones Communications and Clearview Research
Steven J. Vancore
Steven J. Vancore is the President of VancoreJones Communications and Clearview Research. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business and his Master’s degree in Marketing Communications from Florida State University. Throughout his career, he has coordinated scores of political/electoral campaigns, served as the political director of a major statewide association, and has overseen numerous political, public relations, and government affairs projects in throughout the country.
Mr. Vancore also has nearly four decades of experience conducting research into voters and voter behavior; conducting polls and focus groups throughout the country. He serves as an adjunct professor in the Masters of Applied American Policy and Politics program at Florida State University.
Brian Vitale
Brian Vitale
Brian Vitale brings a unique perspective to any conversation about Cannabis. He was among the first people in Florida to complete the recommendation process and qualify as a medical patient. He is a registered caregiver allowing him to purchase, possess, and administer medical cannabis products to his charge. He has literally been front row center to the experience of the patient from the beginning.
Brian has been a part of the Health Mart Pharmacy team in Bonifay for more than a decade. He is trained in handling Scheduled drugs, following the various rules for each class of drugs, and meeting the needs of patients. Prior to working in the health care field Brian put his curiosity to work as an investigator for local law firms.
When Brian Vitale joined the leadership team of Florida CAN (2018-2021) he was already leading the discussion about cannabis at home in Bonifay. He has spoken about the needs of patients at the local legislative delegation meetings, testified at committee hearings, and spoken during rule making workshops.
Sam Wagoner
Legislative Advocate
Sam Wagoner
Sam Wagoner is a Legislative Advocate with the Florida League of Cities. Starting with the League in November of 2023, Sam was thrust directly into Legislative Conference and Session. With over a decade of experience in the political process in Tallahassee, Sam started his political career at 14 years old working on campaigns for local officials in Hernando County. Sam is a two-time graduate of Florida State University, earning degrees in Political Science and History, and a master’s degree in American Politics and Policy. Sam finished his professional education with a law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law.
Sam’s professional experience includes stints as a Legislative Aide for Representative Payne, lobbying for both public and private clients at Sunrise Consulting Group, and working as an analyst on the House Redistricting Committee and State Affairs Committee.
Sam and his wife Carly reside in Tallahassee and have one dog together, a toy poodle named Bonnie.
Ron Watson
Founder and President of Watson Strategies
Ron Watson
Mr. Ron Watson is Founder and President of Watson Strategies, a full-service healthcare lobbying firm based in Tallahassee. He is also MuV by Verano Director of Governmental Relations and NW Florida Outreach Coordinator. MuV is one of the Florida licensed medical marijuana treatment centers (MMTC) which Mr Watson helped form when he spearheaded the passage of the original “Charlotte’s Web / Low-THC Cannabis” bill as well as the passage of SB 8-A, which implements the Constitutional Amendment on medical marijuana.
Mr. Watson has over 35 years of experience in Florida political, regulatory, campaign and lobbying endeavors. He previously lobbied for physicians and dentists with the Florida Medical Association (FMA), the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA), and the Florida Dental Association (FDA). He was also formerly the Executive Director of the Florida Society of Cannabis Physicians.
During this time, he has developed excellent relationships with executive, legislative and regulatory leadership throughout Florida government. Mr. Watson has a comprehensive knowledge of laws, rules, budgets and regulations concerning medical, dental, pharmaceutical, tort reform and insurance issues. He also has extensive political involvement with patient advocacy and grassroots organizations, as well as organizing and managing political action committees.
Genester Wilson-King
Board-Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Genester Wilson-King
Genester Wilson-King, MD FACOG is a Board-Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist with over 20 years of clinical experience providing compassionate and research-driven care to patients. In 2010, she founded and became the Medical Director of Victory Rejuvenation Center (VRC), a private holistic and integrative wellness practice that provides life-changing management modalities and customized medicines to patients, including lifestyle behavior modification measures, bioidentical hormone therapy, weight loss and cannabis recommendations.
She is Vice President of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, a non-profit that works to empower and educate healthcare providers on the use of cannabis medicine. She is a member of the Special Advisory Board of the Association for Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine, ACHEM, an organization that is a mutual benefit, professional medical association for BIPOC healthcare professionals and students active or interested in cannabinoid medicine and health equity. And finally, she is on the Board of Directors for Doctors for Drug Policy Reform, a national physicians’ association dedicated to the legalization and regulation of cannabis and psychedelics for adults. She is also an internationally recognized speaker on women, hormones and cannabis.
Sean Pittman
Senior Attorney and Managing Partner of Pittman Law
Attorney Sean Pittman
ATTORNEY SEAN PITTMAN is the Senior Attorney and Managing Partner of Pittman Law
Group, P.L., which specializes in the areas of government, administrative, education, and
corporate law. Sean is also the Founder and General Consultant for a leading public relations
and marketing firm, ESPMedia Production, providing strategic communications and messaging
expertise. Sean represents a diverse client list of private citizens, local governments, small
businesses, and Fortune 500 companies.
Sean recently released his first-ever book, Disaffected, and is a co-host of the television talk
show The Usual Suspects, airing on one of the highest watched CBS affiliates in the country.
Sean also hosts his own radio show and podcast series, The Sean Pittman Show, which is
widely acclaimed for its meritorious guests and significant insights into politics, business, sports,
and more. Sean has also made appearances on MSNBC, CNN and Fox News, while also being
published in USA Today, Tallahassee Democrat, the Palm Beach Post, Miami Herald, and more.
Jannon Forsythe, CAMS, CCBP
First Federal Bank
Jannon Forsythe, CAMS, CCBP
Jannon Forsythe is a dedicated AML professional with over 12 years of banking experience, having devoted the last 6 years to making positive contributions and strengthening partnerships between the banking compliance and risk management spaces within the cannabis industry.
Jannon was the sole Specialty Banking AML employee when the program was created at First Federal Bank in 2018. She was provided great privilege to stand up the division, which quickly evolved into deposit products, lending products, and various payments initiatives in support of the ever-changing financial needs of the evolving sector. The team has since grown to 12 employees, with well over a billion dollars monitored annually. The customer base today is comprised of accountholders located across the US in various sectors of the cannabis industry. Jannon works regularly with card brands and networks, banking regulators, and federal and state governing bodies to ensure compliance, coupled with impactful changes where possible.
Throughout her career, Jannon has cultivated a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding higher risk clients and cannabis banking, positioning herself as a trusted contact to both clients and colleagues. Her commitment to fostering secure, creative, and compliant banking practices has made significant impacts on the growth and stability of financial services in the cannabis market.
Jannon obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 2018, with a dual-specialization in Homeland Security and Criminalistics. She obtained her Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) industry certification the same year. In 2020, she obtained her Certified Cannabis Banking Professional Certification. She is currently pursuing an Advanced CAMS certification to continue to refine her AML expertise and relevance.
Christian Bax
Florida’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use
Christian Bax
As the first Director of the Florida’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use, Christian Bax oversaw the creation of Florida’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry, implemented the state’s patient identification card program, and hired and trained the Department’s first medical marijuana inspection and compliance team.
After returning to the private sector, Christian served as Executive Vice-President of Compliance and Government Affairs for TRP, Co, the business and development engine behind successful cannabis brands such as Cookies and Dr. Greenthumb’s. Christian now serves as General Counsel and Head of US Operations for the global M&A advisory, Nextoria. He has published articles on cannabis regulation in the Tampa Bay Times, the Palm Beach Post, Florida Today, the Fort Meyers News-Press, the Tallahassee Democrat, and the Cannabis Industry Journal.
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