U.S. Hemp Roundtable Strengthens Leadership
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable has recently taken significant steps to fortify its leadership by appointing seven new board officers, a move that reflects the growing complexity and diversity of the hemp industry. As Congress deliberates critical legislation aimed at establishing clear federal regulations for hemp, the experience and insight of these new officers could be pivotal.
The newly elected officers bring a wealth of experience from various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, retail, legal, and finance. The positions are held by individuals who are not just leaders in their fields but who also share a commitment to the advancement of the hemp industry.
New Board Officers
- - Dennis Mistrioty, President: As the CEO and owner of BATCH, a prominent CBD brand based in Wisconsin, Dennis is renowned for his focus on quality and transparency in hemp products.
- - Thomas Winstanley, Executive Vice President: Based in Atlanta, Thomas leads the launch strategies and infrastructure development at Edibles.com, where he's key in driving growth and market penetration.
- - Jim Higdon, Vice President for Marketing and Outreach: Known for co-founding Cornbread Hemp, Jim specializes in USDA-certified organic full-spectrum CBD products and is highly regarded for his communication strategies in the hemp industry.
- - David Moore, Vice President for External Relations: With a focus on government and regulatory affairs at Climbing Kites, David is also a board member of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and contributes his insights from Iowa.
- - Inga Selders, Vice President for Membership: Inga’s role as Policy Director at American Shaman places her at the frontline of lobbying and government relations, bringing her lengthy experience on the Executive Board since 2024.
- - Cameron Ruffin, Secretary: Cameron, based in Washington, D.C., currently serves as an associate at FBT Gibbons, positioning him well to navigate legal complexities in the hemp sector.
- - John Copeland, Treasurer: John represents Blue Co., LLC from Lexington, Kentucky, where he specializes in financial oversight in the hemp industry.
The restructured board aims to guide the U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s policy and advocacy endeavors. With a membership that includes over 100 organizations and companies, the collective expertise of these officers signifies a profound commitment to advocating for responsible federal regulation.
Jonathan Miller, the General Counsel of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, states, "These new officers reflect the diversity and maturity of today's hemp marketplace. Their collective expertise will help guide our efforts to secure responsible federal regulations that protect consumers, support farmers, and provide long-needed certainty for businesses operating in good faith."
The appointments come at a crucial time as lawmakers are pushing bipartisan proposals to delay any disruptive alterations to existing hemp regulations. By adding leaders who span the entire hemp supply chain and various professional services, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable seeks to amplify its advocacy for science-based national standards that would replace the inconsistent patchwork of state laws.
Miller further asserted, "Clear rules of the road are essential for the long-term success of American hemp. These board officers will play a key role in advancing policies that keep the market safe, transparent, and economically viable."
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable is a coalition committed to ensuring safe hemp and CBD products, operated by a dedicated team of professionals seeking to enhance the credibility and regulatory framework of the hemp industry.
In summary, with this updated leadership, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable is poised to significantly impact the future of the hemp market and ensure the responsible growth of this promising sector.