WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA), a nationwide trade association representing the interests of minority-owned businesses and their communities in the cannabis industry, has elected its new board of directors for 2018, according to a press release.
On Dec. 8, 2017, Jesce Horton tendered his resignation as executive director and chairman of the board of directors of MCBA. In a letter to the board, Horton wrote about his desire to shift focus to his growing business and family, which includes spending more time as a father to his newborn son: “It is with sadness and happiness that I am moving on from MCBA to focus on the next chapter of my life.”
Horton, who co-founded the organization in 2014, has overseen the growth of MCBA as a national advocacy force to be reckoned with. Under his leadership, MCBA partnered with Marley Natural to expunge more than 100 marijuana-related criminal records. In 2016, a successful inaugural Policy Summit led to the launch of a first-of-its-kind race equity-focused marijuana legalization model bill that has been recognized nationwide, and, in 2017, the organization held its first Congressional Lobby Day in Washington D.C.
“MCBA has flourished,” wrote Horton. “I know that the organization is in a great position to continue to make a difference in the industry and community. The new leadership team is stellar and ready to accomplish bigger things.”
Shanita Penny, previously Vice President of the board, is now serving as President. Penny is an internationally recognized management consultant with 16 years of experience solving complex issues and improving business performance for Fortune 500 companies, and now cannabis companies. Channeling her passion and efforts for cannabis advocacy through MCBA’s Policy Committee, Penny played a key role in organizing MCBA’s first Congressional Lobby Day. The event featured meetings with the offices of 17 members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, and was capped with a reception sponsored by the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA). The reception was attended by business owners, movement leaders, and federal and state lawmakers, including the guest of honor, Representative Lacy Clay (D-MO).
“I am honored to continue to both serve and lead MCBA as we mark the beginning of 2018. It is a critical year for cannabis policy and very exciting times for our members as the industry continues to grow quickly,” Penny said.
MCBA looks forward to continuing to provide business training and support to its organizational and individual members, through its monthly webinars, podcast segments, and other educational materials.
Finally, MCBA is proud to announce its 2017-2018 board of directors:
Seth Adler (Denver, CO)
Brandon Banks (Denver, CO)
Linda Mercado Greene (Washington, D.C.)
Albert Harrington (Los Angeles, CA)
Judge Shelli D. Hayes (Las Vegas, NV)
Kayvan Khalatbari (Denver, CO)
Khurshid Khoja, Esq. (Sacramento, CA)
Dr. Rachel Knox (Portland, OR)
Dr. Chanda Macias (Washington, D.C.)
Mary Jane Oatman (Kamiah, ID)
Jason Ortiz (Hartford, CT)
Shanita Penny, MBA (Baltimore, MD)
Lindsay Robinson (San Francisco, CA)
Jessica Velazquez (San Francisco, CA)
Brandon Wyatt, Esq. (Baltimore, MD)
Rachelle Yeung, Esq. (Washington, D.C.)
Over the next few months, MCBA will be conducting a search to hire a full-time Executive Director and additional administrative support as it increases its programming and reach in 2018. MCBA will share the job announcements soon and looks forward to help identifying candidates who can help MCBA continue along this successful trajectory.
