[PRESS RELEASE] – TAMPA, Fla., July 2, 2025 – FLUENT Corp., announced that its board of directors has appointed Peter Shumlin as a director, effective July 1, 2025. Shumlin joins the board as a nominee of The Hawthorne Collective Inc., expanding FLUENT’s board from seven to eight members.
Bill Smith, executive chair of the board, said, “Governor Shumlin brings a unique combination of public policy experience, entrepreneurial acumen, and a deep commitment to health equity. As FLUENT enters its next phase of disciplined growth and market expansion, his insight into state-level regulatory frameworks and national health care trends will help position the company for long-term value creation.”
Shumlin served as the 81st governor of Vermont from 2011 to 2017. His public service career spans nearly three decades, including time as a Vermont House representative and as a longtime state senator for the Windham District. A vocal advocate for health care reform and compassionate care access, Shumlin also chaired the Democratic Governors Association and has remained an active entrepreneur in both educational travel and real estate sectors.
“I’m pleased to join the FLUENT Board at a time when the cannabis sector is undergoing both challenge and transformation,” Shumlin said. “The FLUENT team has demonstrated resilience, operational excellence, and a clear vision for responsible growth. I look forward to helping shape strategies that strengthen the company’s position in key markets and deliver value to shareholders.”
Robert Beasley, CEO and director of FLUENT, said, “Governor Shumlin brings both a strategic and value-driven perspective that complements our mission. His leadership in health care, education and public service will serve us well as we deepen our commitment to patients and expand into more progressive cannabis markets across the U.S.”
The appointment underscores FLUENT’s focus on strengthening its leadership bench as the company scales operations, expands its product portfolio and pursues new growth opportunities in the evolving cannabis landscape.
