National Cannabis Summit in Chicago

Chima Enyia serves as Cresco Labs' Executive Vice President of Social Equity and Educational Development (SEED). In this role, Mr. Enyia champions initiatives to address the absence of people, businesses, and communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs in the regulated cannabis industry. He is responsible for shaping and driving Cresco's organizational vision and strategy focused on business development, restorative justice, education, workforce development, and reform of our nation's drug laws. In addition, he collaborates with organizational leadership to spearhead company-wide diversity, equity and inclusion and environmental, social, and governance strategies. Prior to joining Cresco Labs, Mr. Enyia held several roles in government and established a strong reputation for executive leadership that transcended highly partisan political environments. Most recently, Mr. Enyia served as the Executive Director of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC), overseeing policy and regulatory compliance strategy including licensing, enforcement, industry education and legislative affairs. He also served as the Associate Director of the Illinois Department of Revenue, where he established an award-winning data analytics practice centered on increasing revenues and improving compliance with the state tax laws. In his early career, Mr. Enyia served as Chief Operating Officer of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, ensuring vital infrastructural support and services to all Illinois executive agencies. Community engagement is a core value of Mr. Enyia's personal and professional life. He is a board member of the Chicago Philharmonic and is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and the Nigerian American Professional Association. He devotes considerable amounts of time to his philanthropic endeavors, particularly his efforts to quell inner-city violence amongst at-risk youth through service on the board of Project Hood, and One Aim Illinois. He has served on numerous state boards and commissions, including the State of Illinois Business Enterprise Program Council for Minorities, Women, Veterans, and Persons with Disabilities, the Illinois Substance Use Disorder Advisory Council, and the Illinois Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Council. Mr. Enyia has received several awards including, Savoy Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America (2022), Crain's Chicago Business Notable Black Leaders and Executives (2021), NASCIO State IT Award: Data Management, Analytics, and Visualization (2019), Ariel Investments 40 under 40 Game Changers Award (2018), United African Organization Civic Engagement Award (2013). Mr. Enyia graduated from Lewis University with bachelor's degrees in Philosophy and Political Science. He received a Senior Executives in State and Local Government certificate from Harvard Kennedy School. He resides in Chicago with his wife and two dogs.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Ziegler is the first female CEO of 1871, now the Number 1 ranked tech incubator in the world. Previous to 1871, Betsy was the Chief Innovation Officer at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, responsible for portfolio innovation as well as integrating technology into the Kellogg educational experience. From 2011 through September 2015, she served as associate dean of degree programs and dean of students. Prior to Kellogg, she served as a principal in McKinsey & Company’s Chicago office where she led the firm’s Life Insurance Operations and Technology practice and co-led its Financial Institutions Operations and Technology practice. Ziegler holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and received a B.A. in economics from The Ohio State University, where she graduated with distinction.

Ambrose Jackson is Chairman and CEO of The 1937 Group, a leading minority-owned cannabis operator based in Chicago, IL. As a voice for the social equity movement nationally, Ambrose has actively worked to create opportunities for increased participation and inclusion in the cannabis industry. Prior to this, Ambrose Jackson spent 15 years managing hospitals and physician practices across California, Illinois, and Ohio. As a Lean Practitioner, Ambrose has extensive experience leading organizations in areas of organizational leadership, continuous improvement, regulatory compliance and consumer experience.

Lisbeth Vargas Jaimes is the Executive Director for the Illinois Independent Craft Growers Association (IICGA), the leading trade association dedicated to championing the inclusion of independent craft growers in the Illinois cannabis industry. Founded in 2020, IICGA is on a mission to grow industry awareness and understanding of the role of independent craft growers, educate and provide support services to its members, and be a unified voice on legislative and policy issues that affect independent cannabis craft growers in Illinois. Lisbeth is a cannabis advocate and operator based in Chicago, beginning her cannabis career in 2016 as the first Latina marketing leader for a dispensary in the state’s medical cannabis pilot program. Graduate of Northwestern Medill School of Journalism, her work acumen stretches across growth, product, operations, sales enablement, fundraising and recruitment.

Chris L. Fotopoulos is the Executive Vice President of Legal and Real Estate for Verano Holdings Corp. a vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis operator in the U.S. Prior to joining Verano, Chris worked at a boutique commercial real estate firm in Chicago where he represented both large and small commercial real estate investors, including Verano’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, George Archos. In late 2013, Chris represented Verano’s original Illinois entity, Ataraxia, in the capital raise and application process, which was awarded one of 16 cultivation licenses in 2014. Today, the Ataraxia facility is the company’s cornerstone cultivation center that supplies Verano’s 10 Illinois dispensaries and additional wholesale accounts across the state. In 2018, Chris joined Verano full time, and has subsequently held several titles, including Chief Legal Officer. Among Chris’s many responsibilities, he primarily focuses on growing and insuring the Verano footprint. Since 2018, Verano has rapidly expanded its footprint from its Illinois roots, and now has active operations in 13 states, including over 120 dispensaries, and 14 cultivation and production facilities, comprising more than 1 million square feet of cultivation capacity. While most cannabis companies execute sale-leaseback transactions, Verano has strategically funded its growth through a focus on property ownership, an effort that Chris and his colleagues lead on behalf of the company. In 2020, Chris was responsible for a debt raise of $130 million, which fueled Verano’s aggressive M&A activity. In the most challenging and rewarding position of his career thus far, Chris looks forward to continue supporting Verano’s growing retail footprint in states and locales that were once only limited to traditional retailers.

John Sadlik is the founder and principal of J2H Partners, a project management and owner’s representation firm based in Tysons, VA. John has over 30 years of experience within the commercial real estate industry and has worked with numerous multi-state cannabis clients over the past several years. He’s managed the design, development, and construction of over 50 state-of-the-art grow and process facilities and dispensaries in 8 states and counting. J2H specializes in guiding owners through the full design/build process, from conception through execution.

For over two decades, David has worn two hats; he has been one of Chicago’s premier general contractors, and also a practicing real estate and zoning attorney. In 2017 he combined those unique skill sets along with his passion for the cannabis industry to co-found, Grow America Builders, to be one of the only national Design+Build firms working exclusively in cannabis. David’s 20+ years experience in retail, industrial and commercial construction provided a seamless transition into the different methods of cannabis facility construction. But his legal experience in real estate and zoning law is what gives his clients an advantage when navigating through the numerous zoning, building and compliance codes that regulate cannabis construction. David’s vision was to create a company that would be a true one stop for any cannabis client; consulting, zoning entitlements, land development, architecture, engineering, interior design, and turnkey construction. That vision came to life via Grow America Builders, and since its inception, David and his team have worked on virtually every type of cannabis facility literally from coast to coast across fourteen states in almost every scope and capacity. David earned his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Iowa and Juris Doctor at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.

Mr. Stanulis is a Project Executive at Path Construction and a licensed Architect with over 25 years of experience in the building industry. Throughout his career, Jeremy has had the opportunity to walk clients through the design and construction process from conception to fruition. He has a diverse background in design–build as well as multi-family, hospitality, private, and public facilities. At Path, Jeremy’s department fully utilizes BIM technology to help clients visualize design decisions and for interdisciplinary coordination. This approach has been extremely valuable in the evolving cannabis industry where his team has been working with an MSO client to bring cultivation, manufacturing facilities, and dispensaries to life in multiple states. The ability to be nimble in the volatile materials market combined with the varying states compliance guidelines and timelines has resulted in shortened construction schedules with improved efficiencies.

Laurie Parfitt is an accomplished executive, leader & coach who inspires companies with her vision for what's possible and her ability to execute and drive results. She has over two decades of driving innovation & execution across multiple functional areas within companies from start-up to Fortune 500. Laurie has honed her skills at organizations such as Kraft Foods, Beam Suntory, Topco Associates, Mizkan & Mission Dispensaries. Through her company, LKP Impact Consulting, Laurie works with cannabis and consumer products companies on marketing leadership, brand strategy/design, consumer insights and commercial go-to-market strategy. Parfitt’s background includes experience in large-scale, integrated cross-channel marketing and experience campaigns, including a background in traditional marketing, category development and sales strategy in an omni-channel environment. Parfitt served as the Vice President of Customer Engagement and Marketing for Mission Dispensaries, which owned ten retail locations in six states. In that role, she oversaw consumer experience and marketing/brand strategies for the booming cannabis dispensary operator, as well as developed the concept of joint business planning, which includes strategic sourcing, assortment optimization and activation. In addition, Laurie is a recognized speaker at Cannabis Conference, Cannabis Beverage Expo, Illinois Women in Cannabis and The Hatchery.

Nikki Fried, served as Florida’s 12th Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services the last statewide elected democrat in Florida, is a lifelong Floridian, attorney and passionate activist. Born and raised in Miami, Nikki graduated from the University of Florida, where she received her bachelor’s, master’s and juris doctor degrees. While at the University of Florida, she served as student body president – the first woman to hold the position in nearly two decades. As an attorney, she was head of the Felony Division at the Alachua County Public Defender’s Office and worked in private practice in South Florida, defending homeowners against foreclosure during the 2007-2008 housing crisis. Prior to being elected, Fried worked at law firms as a government consultant, advocating on behalf of clients before the Florida Legislature. In 2017, she formed her own firm to advocate in Tallahassee for at-risk children, the Broward County School Board, and for the expansion of patient access to medical marijuana. As Commissioner, Nikki delivered a significant amount for the people of Florida. She appointed the departments first ever cannabis director and first ever LGBTQ advocate; legalized hemp for farmers and small businesses, fought for clean water, and helped keep guns off the streets with her management of the country’s largest concealed weapons program. In September of 2022, Nikki started “Won’t Back Down” to help support pro-choice women running up and down the ballot as well as advocating for a choice ballot amendment in Florida. Since leaving office, Nikki continues to hold elected officials accountable as we gear up for the 2024 elections. Throughout her career she has served with numerous organizations including the Young Lawyers Board of Governors, Chair of the Broward Days Board of Directors, Legal Needs of Children Bar Committee, LeRoy Collins Institute, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, University of Florida Governmental Relations Advisory Committee, University of Florida Board of Trustees, Florida’s Children First, and others. Fried is a member of Florida Blue Key, the oldest and most prestigious leadership honorary in the state of Florida.

Solomon Hatch joined the Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office (CROO) as the Deputy Officer for Administration in February 2021. As Illinois’ lead cannabis regulatory office, the CROO coordinates among 13 state agencies to direct the regulation and taxation of Illinois' cannabis industry, while promoting effective policies to ensure diversity and equity. As Deputy for Administration, Solomon works closely with the CROO’s agency partners to align policies and procedures, ensure program continuity, and oversee a combined program budget of $47 million in the last fiscal year. Externally, Solomon has forged partnerships with workforce development organizations across Illinois to create pathways to the legal industry in communities hardest hit by the war on drugs. Before joining the CROO, Solomon acquired more than ten years of experience working at all levels of government, including the City of Chicago and Cook County. He earned his bachelors degree at Central Michigan University and his masters of public administration at Grand Valley State University.

Ashley Peterson, Chief Executive Officer of Highlife Group LLC, has nearly a decade of experience successfully licensing, building, branding, and operating cannabis businesses. Previously, Ashley built and launched the now multi-state operator, Justice Cannabis Co. Known for consensus-building approach to leadership, Ashley boasts a less-than 1% employee turnover rate. Focusing on the people and products, Ashley is passionate about ensuring top-quality cannabis products at an affordable consumer price-point. As an industry advocate, Ashley has served on multiple executive boards. Most recently, Ashley was the Vice Chair for the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois (CBAI), the statewide trade association of Illinois’ cannabis industry, advocating for better patient well-being, consumer safety, greater equity and inclusion, job creation, community investment and the responsible use of cannabis. Prior to joining Justice Grown, Ashley spent nearly a decade in education. As a transformational leader, driven by a commitment to social justice and equity, she previously served as principal in underserved communities within Chicago Public Schools.

Alexa Wilson has over 20 years of experience working in a variety of industries with a focus on design and build, project management and supply chain management. Alexa heads up the Design+Build practice for Omega Equipment & Supply, a cannabis industry-based subsidiary of The Wasserstrom Company, one of the country’s leading supply chain providers for the restaurant and hospitality industries. Alexa holds dual majors in Spanish and Communications from University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and graduated at the top of her class. Outside of work she is very involved in community activism and has served on the Board of Directors for Lost Boys of Sudan Center where she was chairperson for the PF Chang’s Rock n Roll Marathon. She currently lives in Phoenix, AZ with her husband and 2 children and two amazing tuxedo cats. For more information, please visitwww.OmegaStore.com

Patrick joined ARCO/Murray in 2010 and has provided operational leadership since 2015, when he helped start ARCO's Dallas office. He has been integral in building teams within new niches, providing successful management and leadership for over 200 projects across ARCO's major verticals, including tenant improvements, heavy processing, entertainment, industrial, self-storage, and controlled environments. In addition to his executive oversight, Patrick provides coaching and mentorship to high-performing project managers, focused on helping them grow into the next generation of ARCO leaders.

Peter is a Managing Director at Chicago Atlantic and serves as Co-President of Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc., our affiliated mortgage REIT. Peter is a credit investor and portfolio manager with experience investing across the capital structure. Prior to joining Chicago Atlantic, Peter was a Principal at BC Partners Credit where he sourced and underwrote across the firm’s opportunistic and senior lending strategies in a wide array of industries. Peter managed the portfolio of BC Partners Lending Corporation, a private business development company with assets of over $100 million deployed in middle-market private loans. Peter also founded the firm’s cannabis vertical and has underwritten over $130 million in related transactions. Previously, Peter was an Associate at Atlas Holdings LLC, a private-equity firm focused on supporting distressed manufacturing and distribution companies globally. Peter speaks Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. MBA, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania BA, Yale University, graduated cum laude Fulbright Scholar, Sun Yat-sen University China, US Department of State

At KEY Investment Partners, Pete is responsible for origination, due diligence, and execution of investment opportunities in addition to developing strategic partnerships and fundraising initiatives for the firm. Pete is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of BDSA and sits on the Board of Directors of FarmaceuticalRX, two of KEY’s portfolio companies. Prior to founding KEY, Pete spent four years as a member of Partners Group’s (SIX: PGHN) Private Real Estate Group where he was responsible for originating opportunities, conducting due diligence, and executing portfolio transactions valued between $300mn and $1.5bn in gross asset value. While at Partners Group, Pete closed 12 portfolio acquisitions, deploying ~$700mn in equity ($2.5bn gross asset value). Prior to Partners Group, Pete spent three years at Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR) where he focused on the acquisition and asset management of Class A multifamily properties. Pete holds a BBA in Finance and Real Estate from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Originally a Chicago native, he moved to Denver in 2016 to help build out Partners Group’s U.S. real estate team. After seeing the growth in the cannabis industry first-hand, Pete pivoted his career to focus on connecting investors with early-stage cannabis companies.

Margy is the founder and CEO of Akrete, a national consulting firm that articulates and amplifies thought leadership for companies in the real estate, cannabis, finance and professional services industries. With 27 years’ experience in real estate and 5 years in cannabis, she and her 25-member team have advised some of both industries’ most admired companies from JLL and Hines to MGO CPAs and Cannabis Facility Construction. Margy is committed to expanding economic opportunity for all; to do so she serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of SBA lender SomerCor, serves on the executive committee of the IMEC Board of Directors, and is a member of many industry associations such as the Urban Land Institute, Commercial Real Estate Executive Women, National Cannabis Industry Association, the Chicago Cannabis Council and the National Association of Women Business Owners.