*CANCELLED * ACG San Diego | Cannabis: It’s Here, So What’s Next?

As a Special Operations Team Commander with Marine Raiders, Bryan led multiple teams deployed to Africa, Asia, and Afghanistan (Helmand Province) -- developing rapport with host nation forces, enhancing capability within host nation units, and briefing U.S. Ambassadors. He also deployed twice for Operation Iraqi Freedom, and received prestigious accomodations such as a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. As CEO of Helmand Valley Growers and Chairman of Battle Brothers Foundation (501c3), Brian is leading those companies on a mission to end the opioid and suicide epidemic plaguing our nation's heroes by exploring the benefits of medical cannabis. He is a graduate of Villanova University.

James has received national recognition for his success as a restaurateur and nightclub owner, and helped lead Suja Juice’s launch and groundbreaking success as one of the co-founders. Through his venture building firm, Enlightened Brand Ventures, he has co-founded Kopari Beauty and Liveli, both of which live in the health and wellness space.. Currently, his focus is on the Cannabanoid (CBD) market, implementing a unique technology for CBD and incorporating it into Kopari and Liveli products.

Gary has a passion for developing high quality cannabis products so their most therapeutic effects can be realized. His 25-years in pharmaceuticals and medical devices helps him bring scientific rigor to the cannabis industry. Gary is very active at both the State and Federal level as an advocate for policy reform/higher quality standards. He enjoyed lengthy stints at Eli Lilly and Pfizer (in clinical development and corporate development), and worked with several start-ups developing corporate and compliance strategies. Gary has a B.S./B.A. from UC San Diego in Biochemistry/Psychology, an M.S. in Clinical Physiology from Indiana University, and an MBA from the University of Michigan.

Kristen oversees all manufacturing, with an emphasis on compliance and integrating automation. She has over a decade of experience in supply chain, operations, and manufacturing in industries such as medical devices, consumer packaged goods, and apparel. Kristen joined Island Brands in 2017 to bring best production practices to the cannabis industry. She spent most of her career at Johnson & Johnson, responsible for external manufacturing management, demand planning for a $500M portfolio, and supply chain integration for a cosmetic brand acquisition. Kristen earned her B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Penn State University and MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.

Kimberly has dedicated her entire legal career to the cannabis industry -- negotiating with government officials to craft reasonable regulations for safe access, handling complex zoning matters, advising on local & state regulations, and helping hundreds of cannabis entrepreneurs develop business plans. She is recognized as a thought-leader in cannabis law, teaching courses, leading seminars, and appearing on NPR and CNN. Kimberly was a founding Board Member of the San Diego Cannabis Industry Association, served as a founding and acting Chapter Chair for San Diego Women Grow, and is currently serving her second term as Board Member of the California Cannabis Industry Association.

Marshall has 35 years of experience in public accounting, with an expertise in business tax consulting and planning. His practice consists of manufacturing, real estate, renewable energy, high-tech/life science companies, and foreign corporations. Marshall also leads the San Diego office’s cannabis practice and hospitality consulting practice. In 2019 he was a panel member at the Connect “Preparing Your Company for Sale” event and the Carlsbad Cannabiz Education Symposium. Marshall’s 2019 article “Tax Incentives for Cannabis Companies” was featured in the March addition of New Frontier Data. Marshall received a B.S. in Business Administration from San Diego State University.