Marijuana Business Magazine - April 2018

NEW HlRES & PROMOTlONS A look at some recent hiring moves in the marijuana industry By Omar Sacirbey & Movers Shakers New Chairwoman at Women Grow As CEO of the National Holistic Healing Center dispensary in Washington DC, head of a busy cannabis consulting firm and co-founder of a female cannabis entrepreneurs group, Chanda Macias already has a full plate. But when the opportunity arose earlier this year for Macias to become chairwoman of Women Grow, she didn’t think twice. “I believe in Women Grow and its mission,” said Macias, who also sits on the board of the Minority Cannabis Busi- ness Association and an advisory board at Louisiana’s Southern University. Women Grow, a for-profit venture, was founded in 2014 to empower women in the marijuana industry by provid- ing networking opportunities, mentoring and business support. While Women Grow has faced troubles – dozens of its local chapters have closed – Macias vowed to bring the organization back to its former strength. How? By restructuring Women Grow, finding new per- sonnel, including board members, launching a nonprofit patient advocacy arm, and wooing new female cannabis entrepreneurs. That’s something Macias said she espe- cially excelled at as head of Women Grow chapters in Washington DC, Maryland and Ohio. Women Grow’s revival appears to be underway: By the end of this month, Macias said, 15 of the previously shut- tered chapters should be reopened. “This is a unique opportunity,” Macias said. “We do not often see women – or better yet, women of color – in leadership rolls on boards.” Macias is taking over from Women Grow co-founder Jane West , who will remain on the board. The group also announced that Gia Morón , the director of communications, will take a new position within the organization as executive vice president. Former Dixie Exec Heads to New Role A few weeks after leaving his chief mar- keting post at Denver-based Dixie Brands to take a business development and investor relations position at Denver marketing firm CannaBrands, Joe Hodas is on the move Chanda Macias Joe Hodas 108 • Marijuana Business Magazine • April 2018