Conference & Venture Summit Speakers
Prior to joining the cannabis industry, Disney spent almost two decades building and leading global teams to produce award-winning advertising and marketing campaigns for some of the world’s most beloved brands, including Ziploc, Bacardi, YouTube, Special K, Cheez-It, and Johnson & Johnson. She continues to consult with purpose-driven start-up founders and early-stage brands in emerging, highly regulated, and fast-moving categories.
Disney also serves as the Vice Chair of the Marketing and Advertising Committee for the National Cannabis Industry Association and is an Executive Board Member for the Center for Disability and Elder Law.
Cameron's progressive foresight has ignited the development of ingenious strategies that forge innovative pathways for Kosmik Brands. His steadfast commitment to maintaining operational excellence has been instrumental in skillfully navigating Kosmik Brands through a multitude of challenges, thereby solidifying its vanguard status as a true trailblazer within the rapidly evolving cannabis sector.
In his capacity as COO, Cameron orchestrates a symphony of ingenuity, leveraging his expertise in technology, strategic planning, and entrepreneurial prowess. His exceptional leadership has garnered notable recognition, including his well-deserved designation as a Marijuana Ventures National 40 under 40 executive.
Cameron's journey is a testament to an unwavering dedication to both innovation and operational mastery. Under his visionary guidance, Kosmik Brands continues to undergo transformative growth, inspiring the industry as it sets new benchmarks for success in the dynamic global landscape of cannabis operations.
and cannabis risk management.
Prior to founding CCSS, Mr. Eggers’ served 12+ years as a Law Enforcement
Officer with both the San Francisco and Oakland Police Departments. His law
enforcement experience included working undercover in Oakland, involvement
in a broad range of burglary and robbery investigations (including cannabis
facilities), and a broad range of compliance and other training and certifications
(including cannabis). These experiences were central to “Why” he founded
CCSS - and the origin of CCSS’ Mission and Vision.
Over the past two years Mr. Eggers has become an increasingly relied upon
and trusted resource within the broader commercial cannabis community,
different municipalities in California and other state regulatory bodies, and
contact for various California and national media outlets on cannabis security
and risk management matters.
Her leadership philosophy? “Companies aren't families. You don’t have to like your family, that’s optional. In business, you've got to genuinely like your team or you will never know what your best looks like.” This perspective is the cornerstone of her resourcefulness, a quality that has catapulted Azuca into the top 5% of the 2023 Inc. 5000.
Prior to her game-changing tenure at Azuca, Corinne was a key player in Brooklyn’s specialty food scene, transforming local gems like Raaka Chocolate and Empire Mayonnaise Co. from regional favorites to national grocery brands. While most folx want to chat about her time in the art department at Penthouse Magazine, she had an early start in sales and marketing in the finance sector, and comprehensive roles as designer, strategist, and creative producer for experiential events and diverse multimedia companies. When she's not knee-deep in strategies for the ingestibles category, she's likely to be found offering pro-bono pizza tours through South Brooklyn, where every slice is a new 'growth opportunity."
Orthopedic device sales came easily for the former professional sport’s athletic trainer. As a
graduate of The Ohio State University Athletic Training program, David had an extensive
background in orthopedics prior to transitioning into orthopedic device sales. As a seasoned medical professional, David Haley built a reputation as a highly dependable and knowledgeable consultant in the orthopedic community. Prior to starting Ancient Roots, he had amassed 2 decades of orthopedic experience.
As CEO and Founder of Ancient Roots, David brings his high-level of professionalism and
compassion into every aspect of the business, from research and development to sales. David keeps patient welfare and employee success at the forefront of his business. Since Ancient Roots inception in 2018, he has positioned the company to be a highly compliant and respected company in the Ohio medical marijuana program.
Cannabis Industry Prowess: David Kotler's profound expertise spans various facets of the cannabis industry, showcasing his in-depth knowledge and strategic insight:
Throughout his distinguished legal career, Mr. Kotler has provided counsel as Of-Counsel to Cohen Kotler P.A. in Boca Raton, Florida. He has also contributed his legal acumen to the former Hoban Law Group, a renowned law firm specializing in a national cannabis practice.
Early on, he pioneered the representation of clients seeking to operate within the Florida Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014 and played a pivotal role in navigating the landscape after the legalization of full-spectrum medical cannabis. Many of those clients he assisted with development in other early regulated markets.
Mr. Kotler's international influence is evident through his involvement in various license applications, from multiple cities and states in the U.S. to Zimbabwe, Africa, further illustrating his global perspective and adaptability.
Leadership and Recognition:
In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions, David Kotler was appointed by Agriculture Commissioner Nicki Fried to Florida's inaugural Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee in 2019.
He has served on advisory boards for key industry players, including The Cannabis Marketing Lab and Blunts and Moore, the first social equity applicant to achieve operational status in Oakland, Ca.—the first of its kind in the U.S.
His trailblazing efforts earned him the title of Cannabis Trailblazer by the National Law Journal in 2022, highlighting his impact on the legal and cannabis communities.
Media and Publications:
Mr. Kotler's insights and perspectives have been sought after by prestigious news outlets including the Wall Street Journal, Daily Business Review, NPR in Miami, Florida, Marijuana Business Magazine, The New Times, and the Marijuana Business Daily, showcasing his authority in the field.
His contributions extend to the literary realm as well, having had a monthly column in the Cannabis Industry Journal and valuable contributions to publications like Cannabis News Florida.
Operational Success: In addition to his legal prowess, David Kotler boasts a track record of hands-on operational experience within the cannabis industry:
Prairie State Cannabis: Member of the Illinois Micro-Grow License team.
Blunts and Moore: Co-founder and Member, holder of Oakland, California's first social equity retail license, with an exit in 2020.
Solurge: Co-founder and Chief Compliance Officer of a Massachusetts licensee for Cultivation, Processing, and Retail, achieving an exit in 2020.
The Bract House: Member of the Sonora, California Medical Retail initiative, one of only two licenses awarded by the city, with an exit in 2020.
Residence and Engagement: Currently residing in New Jersey, David Kotler maintains a keen understanding of the New Jersey Cannabis application and startup process, further solidifying his influence within the industry.
David Kotler's multifaceted journey reflects his unwavering commitment to legal excellence and his impactful contributions to the dynamic cannabis sector.
In Fall 2022, Diana was elected President of the Cannabis Beverage Association (CBA) for 2023. The CBA is a national non-profit trade organization created to represent and support the rapidly growing cannabis beverage industry by uniting stakeholders and advancing the industry’s collective interests through advocacy and education. The Association’s goals for the year include growing membership through expansion across the US for all cannabinoid-infused beverages, establish standards for testing and regulatory templates for legal markets, educating regulators on the infused beverage category, and providing opportunities for networking and collaborating on issues that impact the infused beverage industry.
Dudley has been in the insurance industry for 11 years and joined AssuredPartners in March of 2020. Prior to AssuredPartners, he worked for other independent insurance agencies and a Managing General Underwriter, which has given him valuable experience in all facets of commercial insurance.
Prior to that experience, Greta practiced law at firms in California and Arizona after earning a J.D. from the Gonzaga University School of Law with an emphasis on public interest law and international law. She also is active in shaping the cannabis industry beyond the C-Suite, serving as president of the Utah Cannabis Association and a member of the Arizona Dispensary Association. In addition, Greta regularly engages with Arizona and Utah regulatory bodies, including the Arizona and Utah Departments of Health Services and the Utah Department of Agriculture. Outside of her professional capacities, Greta is also a proud mother of three.
Crawford is in a unique hybrid role as Chief Legal Officer for Pleasantrees, Michigan’s premier cultivator and seller of high-quality Midwest cannabis. There, he is responsible for the gamut of legal needs and spearheads social equity initiatives to ensure the company makes positive, genuine, and lasting impact within local communities as it grows.
A native Detroiter and “Super Spartan,” Crawford graduated Magna Cum Laude as a prelaw student at Michigan State University before earning his Juris Doctor at the MSU College of Law. On a national level, he most recently served as Co-Chair of the “Men of Color Project,” an initiative of the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division that aims to address the lack of diversity and advancement of men of color in the legal profession.
Outside of breaking ground as the first Black in-house counsel of a major cannabis manufacturer in the state of Michigan, Crawford is a law professor at Wayne State University Law School, working actor, model, and comedian, and esteemed member of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc.
Jessi's journey in the cannabis world has ignited her passion for sharing insights, stories, and discoveries about this remarkable plant. Her entrepreneurial spirit has driven her to the forefront of the industry, where she leads Loving The Plant as its CEO.
Through her newsletter and various endeavors, Jessi is committed to educating and engaging with the cannabis community, fostering a deeper understanding of the plant's incredible potential. Join her on this exciting journey into the world of cannabis, where she combines her roles as a family woman, entrepreneur, and cannabis advocate to provide unique and valuable insights. 🌿✨ #CannabisAdvocate #Entrepreneur #CEO #CannabisCommunity
Mr. Fox began his career working with Robert FX Sillerman in the consolidation of the United States radio industry in the early 1990’s. After an aggressive acquisition strategy, those stations were ultimately sold off to form the foundation for what today is iHeart Media.
Following the sale, Mr. Fox was part of the founding team of what is now Live Nation where he was Chief Development Officer from 1995 until 2000 overseeing the global consolidation of the live entertainment industry into the world’s largest owner and operator of live entertainment promoters and producers.
Following the sale of Live Nation, Mr. Fox was a founder and Chief Operating Officer of Core Media where he ultimately oversaw all operations of this publicly traded company, including the estate of Elvis Presley, the intellectual property rights of Muhammad Ali, American Idol (including television, records, live tours, artist management and sponsorships) and So You Think You Can Dance. Core Media was ultimately sold to Apollo Global Management in a “go private” transaction. Following the sale of Core Media, Mr. Fox became a Senior Managing Director of Eldridge Industries (a successor entity to the media assets previously controlled by Guggenheim Partners) where he focused on Eldridge’s overall strategy in the media and entertainment spaces, as well as the management of its media and entertainment investments, which included dick clark productions, Billboard Magazine and the Hollywood Reporter.
In addition, together with Activist Artist Management, Mr. Fox, is a co-manager of Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, including all of his professional endeavors.
Mr. Fox currently is currently a managing partner of a boutique cannabis fund and he operates a media and cannabis advisory business where he focuses on executive coaching, strategic planning, M&A and capital raising.
Mr. Fox is a graduate of Syracuse’s University’s SI Newhouse School of Public Communications where he was named part of the 50 Forward, acknowledging the accomplishments of 50 Newhouse Alumni in celebration of the schools 50th anniversary. Mr. Fox also a JD from Hofstra University’s Maurice A. Dean School of Law.
Prior to a career in cannabis, Kristi worked in the fine dining/hospitality industry and co-founded a wedding photography business. Taking her learnings from these industries, Kristi is the driving force behind Kiva’s customer service philosophy and has created and applied best practices across sales, distribution, and marketing. Her passion for creating a healthy regulatory environment for the industry led to her serving on the boards of several reputable cannabis trade organizations, including 9 years on the Board and a term as President for CCIA (CA Cannabis Industry Assoc.), and being a founding Board member of CCMA (CA Cannabis Manufacturer’s Assoc.).
Even as a mother of two young kids, Kristi remains committed to cannabis normalization and fostering a diverse, empowered community not only within Kiva, but outside as well. From supporting racial justice to countering LGBTQ+ discrimination, from mentoring and accelerating equity businesses to championing diverse and inclusive hiring practices, Kiva is building a legacy of action and involvement.
With her vast industry knowledge, depth of experience, and reputation for meticulous attention to detail, Laura pioneered a holistic approach to providing business and legal services, partnering with her clients to navigate the complexities and challenges, unique to highly regulated industries. Laura represents individuals as well as private and public companies, providing advice and guidance at every stage of development, from applications and start up, through operations, to continued growth, expansion, and exit. She has amassed unparalleled real-world experience, serving clients both on a national and international level, closing transactions valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
As a highly regarded entrepreneur, business attorney and cannabis law expert, Laura has been honored in “Top 100 Attorneys in Arizona” by AZ BIG Media, “Women Leaders of the Cannabis Industry” by Authority Magazine and “30 Most Powerful Women in Arizona Cannabis” by AZ Big Media. She has been quoted in prominent national media outlets, including Forbes, Bloomberg, Benzinga and O Magazine just to name a few. Laura has also been featured as a cannabis expert in Marijuana Business Daily, Marijuana Venture, Cannabis Industry Journal, mg Magazine, DOPE Magazine, Green Entrepreneur, Arizona Attorney Magazine, Denver Post, Arizona Republic, Arizona Business Magazine, Phoenix Business Journal and numerous otherindustry and traditional media sources. Mostrecently Laura was named a “Trendsetterto Know” by Arizona Foothills Magazine.
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.
In her other role as partner and principal at Apparatus, a General Benefit Corporation, Leili
directs the award-winning women-owned, women-run public affairs firm with a mission-level commitment to advancing a fairer economy and a more just society.
Leili earned her B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University and her J.D.
from University of Minnesota Law School.
Seeing the opportunity in a then-nascent industry, Liz co-founded BDSA in 2015 with Roy Bingham. They have since grown the company into the most cited data and analytics provider for the cannabis industry. Liz is a frequent presenter and well-regarded cannabinoid industry expert. Her work can be seen, heard and read through the numerous industry presentations, webinars, articles, white papers and trend pieces she has delivered over the years.
Liz is from Columbus, Ohio, and is an alumna of University of Colorado Boulder.
Prior to her current role, Luna was the VP of Business Development at Ispire, where she played a key role in the company's growth and success.
With over a decade of experience in the "Cannabiz," Luna was named as one of the "Top 100 women in Cannabis" by Green Entrepreneur for her vital role building some of California's most successful cannabis brands (like Jetty Extracts and Click Spray), helping establish them as category leaders.
A Bay Area native, she holds a Master's degree from USF and a BA in Social Justice from UCSC, combining education and field experience to provide a unique perspective on the intersection of business & purpose.
In recognition of her impact on drug policy and advocacy for social equity initiatives, Luna was named "Cannabis Culture Advocate of the Year" in 2021 by the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce and "Best Activist" by the 2023 CA Cannabis Awards, for her instrumental work in advancing local decriminalization & social equity measures.
As an internationally recognized industry expert, Luna is frequently featured as a panelist, speaker, and moderator at B2B events, on podcasts, and at consumer expos.
Luna is a moderator for the Emerald Cup Haravest Ball Speaker Series, Hall of Flowers Podcast guest, judge for the esteemed awards competitions "The Emerald Cup," & Mila the Hash Queen's "Dab-a-Doo."
Luna's passion for the plant and its people as a lifelong advocate for cannabis has led her to nurture the stability and success of widely-recognized legacy brands, spearheading their social responsibility actions, and nourishing their brand loyalty.
Luna's roots in community activism anchor her to a higher purpose, with a rich historical perspective, and an expansive professional network of sophisticated, trusted operators that folks can rely on. Through her work, Luna's made a significant impact on the space as a powerful female voice for justice, and continues to be an influential, driving force for positive change.
Prior to founding Purple Lotus, Matt developed his entrepreneurial savvy in the international steel and renewable energy sectors. The son of an Indian immigrant, Matt is himself a proud father and family man. He is an avid basketball player and enjoys volunteering with numerous youth initiatives, as well as serving the homeless community in San Jose.
Meg has worked with a wide range of products, brands, and partners in the retail sector including cannabis, garden centers, fashion, food and beverage service and more. She has had the pleasure of working with both small and large-scale cannabis companies including Columbia Care, Trulieve, Green Thumb Industries and more. Managing visual projects, planning and implementing strategic initiatives, training workshops and marketing plans, Meg sets high expectations for herself and treats each project that comes her way with great respect and dedication. Meg has been recognized as one of design:retail Magazine’s 40 under 40, an award bestowed upon up-and-coming leaders in the retail industry. Her love for consistency and storytelling, along with persistent demand for customer satisfaction drives her to create lasting brand experiences and activations, making her an invaluable member of the retail and visual merchandising community.
After leaving there, she and her partners formed a marketing and brand development agency, The Zipatoni Company, that worked with many Fortune 100 companies delivering strategic insights and business development programs. She and her partners built the agency to 350 employees, offices in 5 states and $42 MM in revenue annually. They were acquired by IPG, the Interpublic Group in 2003.
Since that time she has entered the cannabis industry receiving a dispensary license in the highly competitive Illinois medical market in 2014.
The following year, she received a cultivation, production and dispensing license in Missouri for CBD to treat Epilepsy. In 2019 she and her partners received 10 licenses in Missouri in the medical cannabis market. She continues to consult with companies around the country on cannabis business.
Mitch’s seasoned marketing expertise, coupled with her passion for the plant, products and the ultimate patients, makes her one of the leading faces of the cannabis industry.
Paul's unique ability to navigate the intricacies of multi-state operations and regulatory challenges has enabled the company's remarkable growth. Under his strategic guidance, Kosmik Brands has transitioned from a regional player to a dynamic force operating in diverse states, with an eye toward continued expansion.
Paul's journey in the realm of finance spans a rich and diverse landscape. He started his career as a financial analyst for Lightower Fiber Networks, a $5 billion telecommunications company in Massachusetts. He later joined forces with serial entrepreneurs and investors in Boston, contributing to the creation and operation of several ventures, including a startup investment fund.
Paul made his mark in the cannabis industry by being a founding member and leading the finance and accounting departments of a publicly traded company in Denver, Colorado. He was also a Board Member and Cannabis Expert Resident for the Financial Policy Council in New York City and contributed to the Banking and Financial Services Committee with the National Cannabis Industry Association.
Originally from Romania, Paul moved to San Diego, California with his family at the age of 14. A high school standout, he was MVP of his football, wrestling, and track teams while excelling academically. This dedication culminated in his Magna Cum Laude graduation from Brandeis University, where he earned a triple major in Economics, Business, and Film Studies.
In Richards current role as Chief Retail Officer at Sozo Health Co & Heritage Farms he is responsible for driving an aggressive brand market expansion while overseeing retail, wholesale, retail operations, buying, planning, and marketing.
association, representing more than 400 licensed businesses and the companies that service them. The association acts as a united voice for medical and adult-use cannabis businesses and advocates a responsible and successful industry by promoting sensible laws and regulations and industry best practices among members.
Robin has spent 15 years advocating on cannabis reform issues. She is the
former executive director of the National Patient Rights Association where she
helped medical marijuana patients advocate for state laws that ensure safe
access to medicine. This includes the passage of the Medical Marijuana Facilities
Licensing Act and laws allowing for marijuana-infused products to be sold by
MMFLA licensees.
In 2018, Robin served as the finance director for the Coalition to Regulate
Marijuana Like Alcohol, the organization that led the Proposal 1 campaign to
legalize adult-use cannabis for Michigan adults 21 years and older.
Suchoff's extensive recognition spans premier media platforms, including appearances and interviews on MSNBC, FOX News, Tune In Business Talk Radio, PBS TV, Chasing News on FOX & WOR, KRQE-13, Cannabis Radio, Purple Haze Radio, Cannabis Tech & Today, MMJ radio, National Marijuana News, Marijuana Venture, CPA Trendlines, and Snoop Dog's Merry Jane website. Co-authoring "Write-off$ to the Rescue," Suchoff contributed a chapter exclusively dedicated to cannabis tax strategies, and her new book, "How to Run a Profitable Cannabis Business—A Savvy Guide to Increasing Your Profit Margins & Cash Flow," is now currently available to purchase. Nominated for the California Cannabis Awards in the CPA category, she also earned recognition as one of the top nine accountants in the State of NJ by njbiz.com, alongside acknowledgment within the list of the top 50 most influential accounting firms.
An acclaimed national speaker, Suchoff has presented extensively across various states in the country at prominent events such as MJBIZCON, CWCBE, USCC, RAD Expo, NJBIZ, Indo Expo, NECANN, Canna Tech, CannaOne, Athletes In Cannabis, THC-The Hampton Cannabis Expo, NJ Canna Business, Lucky Leaf, CannaCon, and others. Additionally, The Canna CPAs have organized comprehensive full-day Cannabis learning events, where Suchoff has been a featured speaker alongside other industry experts.
Suchoff's distinguished profile encompasses not only her roles as a Certified Public Accountant but also as a Certified CFO, Certified Tax Planner, Certified Exit Planner Strategist, and even a former part-time law student. Her unwavering passion and commitment to ongoing learning reflect her dedication to providing exceptional service to her valued clientele.
Scott’s career spans both agency-side and client-side environments. He has helped propel category-leading brands forward, such as Moët Hennessy, PepsiCo, Flower Mill, AT&T, Exxon Mobil, Bosch, Coca-Cola, Toshiba, FedEx, Purina, Wells Fargo, Yale University, and more. Prior to joining Integer, Scott co-founded NewFoundry (https://thenewfoundry.com/), a pioneering innovation studio working on cutting-edge technologies and experiences for startups and challenger brands.
His never-ending quest to understand the hearts and minds of global retail shoppers and consumers keeps him actively involved in helping young entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life as a speaker and advisor to several non-profit organizations across the United States. In 2019, he published his first book, Brand Stance, a step-by-step guidebook for building a purposeful and thriving brand. For more information, visit brandstance.com.
Stacey earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Delaware and received the Accredited in Business Valuation and Certified in Financial Forensics designations from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Certified Valuation Analyst credential from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA). Stacey is past chair of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants’ Cannabis Industry Group and Treasurer of the South Jersey Collaborative Divorce Professionals Group. She has served on numerous committees, including those of the AICPA, NACVA, NACVA – New Jersey, and New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, as well as being a published author on topics related to valuation, economic damages, family law, and the cannabis industry. She is a contributor to the New Jersey Cannabis Insider.
Originally from Chagrin Falls, Ohio, I earned my bachelor's degree at Bowling Green State University in 2015. Less than a week after receiving my diploma, I moved to Colorado to start working in the cannabis industry. I have always known that being a part of building this industry was what I wanted to do, and to be able to do what I love everyday is a dream come true.