Team

Rose Marie McKenzie brings over 25 years of extensive experience in education, leveraging her expertise to drive operational excellence and educational initiatives within the cannabis industry. Transitioning from her role in educational leadership, Rose Marie now focuses on advancing cannabis education and accessibility.

Before joining the cannabis startup, Rose Marie served as Assistant Director for a non-profit in Hartford, CT, where she honed her skills in strategic planning and program management. Her tenure as a researcher for the Center for School Climate Research equipped her with a deep understanding of community engagement, which she now applies to cannabis advocacy and outreach efforts.

In her previous leadership role at a non-profit in Norwalk, CT, Rose Marie demonstrated her ability to navigate regulatory frameworks, a skill invaluable in the highly regulated cannabis sector. Additionally, her experience as a Federal Reviewer for Head Start provided her with insight into compliance and quality assurance practices, essential for ensuring the integrity of cannabis operations.

Rose Marie holds degrees in Early Childhood Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and San Francisco State University, as well as an Educational Leadership degree from Southern Connecticut State University. Her dedication to serving marginalized communities aligns seamlessly with the mission of the cannabis startup, as she remains committed to providing equitable access to cannabis education and resources.

Van C. Adams, a seasoned serial entrepreneur, excels not only in business but also as a cannabis cultivation expert. Leveraging his successful background, Van served as the Head Cannabis Cultivator at Morning Bear Cannabis and as the Cultivation Manager at Smoking Joes Terps, both located in Alaska. In his current role as Cultivator/Owner, Van brings a rich blend of experience and skills to the cannabis industry.

Van's practical expertise in cannabis cultivation is honed through years of leadership in key roles. His tenure as Head Cannabis Cultivator and Cultivation Manager solidifies his deep understanding of the intricacies involved in growing high-quality cannabis. This hands-on experience positions him as a valuable asset in his current ownership and cultivation role.

Beyond his cultivation prowess, Van has expanded his knowledge base by studying biodynamic farming and neuropharmacology. This unique combination of skills enabling him to adopt a holistic approach to cannabis cultivation that integrates scientific and psychological aspects.

Additionally, Van displays a keen interest in cutting-edge technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning. His focus on applying these advancements to the cannabis cultivation process underscores his commitment to innovation and efficiency in the ever-evolving cannabis industry.

Jeanne Maltby brings over two decades of experience to our CFO role, specializing in capital project development and management. With a proven track record, she excels in overseeing projects and programs globally, handling budgets from $200,000 to $100 million. Maltby's expertise lies in multidisciplinary project management, project financing, and international business development, making her an asset to our team's strategic growth initiatives. Her background includes comprehensive knowledge in construction management, environmental compliance, and regulatory review. Additionally, Maltby is skilled in institutional strengthening, organizational development, and effective stakeholder engagement, ensuring transparent communication and alignment with key stakeholders. Her academic credentials include a degree from the United States Air Force Academy, University of Alaska Southeast, and University of Florida, solidifying her expertise in financial management and strategic planning.