[PRESS RELEASE] WASHINGTON, D.C.— We are thrilled to unveil the U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s new officer slate for 2025, bringing together a team of accomplished leaders dedicated to advancing the interests of the hemp industry. The individuals represent a vast amount of expertise, vision and passion to shape the future of the hemp industry in the United States.
Each officer has a set of unique skills and expertise that contributes to the Roundtable’s holistic approach to addressing challenges and opportunities for the hemp industry. The U.S. Hemp Roundtable is committed to representing the needs of all stakeholders, including farmers and businesses across the country as the hemp industry evolves.
This new slate of officer candidates reflects an array of diverse viewpoints, which will ensure that the U.S. Hemp Roundtable remains a strong advocate for growth and success in the hemp industry. We welcome you to join us as these leaders guide our efforts into 2025 and beyond.
Jena Murray
Jena is a Quality and Regulatory Affairs expert with a decade-long career in the hemp and dietary product industries. She is currently the Director of Quality & Regulatory Affairs for Medterra CBD. This company also owns Five Farms, Vena CBD and other leading brands in the CBD industry. In this role, she oversees compliance and product integrity and exemplifies leadership within the CBD sector. She was previously the Director of Quality and Regulatory Affairs at Quicksilver Scientific, Inc., where she gained more expertise.
Jena, a dedicated advocate of hemp in the United States, serves as a member of the U.S. Hemp Authority Board of Directors and U.S. Hemp Roundtable. There she is involved with the development of industry standards and regulation frameworks. She has been actively involved in advancing policies to promote consumer safety, product quality, and responsible sector growth. Jena’s Bachelor of Science degree in Biology is from Delaware State University. This gives her an excellent scientific basis for working in the regulatory compliance field and in quality assurance. Beyond her professional career, she co-owns a small market garden, supplying her community with locally grown vegetables—a reflection of her commitment to sustainable agriculture and natural wellness.
Art Massolo
Art is a highly accomplished Senior Executive, C-Suite Officer, Entrepreneur, Consultant, and Board Member with 30 years of success in cannabis, wine, craft beer, spirits, food & beverage, CPG, FMCG, recruitment, sustainability, retail, health and wellness. Art is a highly accomplished Senior Executive, C-Suite Officer, Entrepreneur, Consultant, Board Member with 30 years of success in cannabis, wine, craft beer, spirits, food & beverage, CPG, FMCG, recruitment, sustainability, retail, health and wellness.
Art Founded Viña Cono Sur, Chile, in 1994 and Viña Trivento, Argentina, in 1996. Art founded B2Bwine.com, which was acquired by WX Brands. Art has worked as a Management consultant for the Beverage Industry for more than 15 years. Art was born in Singapore and raised there, as well as in Indonesia, Italy and Panama. He is also a Hamilton College graduate. Art has four wonderful adult children, and is happily married to Val.
Clifford Starke
Clifford Starke served as Just Brands’ President, and Director since December 20, 2022. Clifford Starke previously served as Executive Chairman and CEO of Franchise Global Health Inc. Hampstead Private Capital Ltd. is a Bermuda-based merchant bank that invests in high growth, small and midcap companies, with a focus on medical cannabis. He has been the chairman of Hampstead Private Capital Ltd. since May 2018. Clifford, who has over 18 years’ experience in investing and the public market, is currently a cannabis company financier, operator and investor. His Bachelor’s degree is in History.
Fred Cawthon
Frederick Cawthon is the co-founder and CEO of Verge Agritech, which is focused on advancing research & education, creating everyday life products, and developing lifestyle brands that transform customer experiences with cannabis. He has actively promoted hemp since 2016, participating in local hemp events and volunteering. Frederick worked for over 20 years as a product manager and in program management at Fortune 500 companies. Frederick is a graduate of Tennessee State University. He’s also a part of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable Minority Empowerment Committee.
Inga Selders
Inga has a varied background that includes business, government service, and reform of policy. In 2010, she co-founded Substream Music & Sound Design, a production company specializing in original music and sound design for advertising, with clients including PetSmart, Pepsi, and McDonald’s. Since 2019, she’s been a Prairie Village City Council member. Her passion for public service extends beyond the business world. In her time on the City Council, she led initiatives for decriminalizing cannabis and integrating legalization of cannabis into its legislative platform. Inga was driven to create a change statewide and founded the Cannabis Justice Coalition. This coalition is a bipartisan group of people committed to ending Kansas cannabis prohibition. Inga is also the Director of Policy at American Shaman where she supervises the implementation and development of policies regarding the lobbying of the cannabis and the alkaloid industries. She also provides supervisory support for the regulated section of the company.
Jim Higdon
Jim Higdon serves as the co-founder, chief communications officer and director of marketing at Cornbread Hemp. He is a Kentucky native and holds degrees from Centre College in Kentucky, Brown University in New York, and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Jim’s nonfiction “The Cornbread Mafia” was published in 2012 and told the story of outlaw cannabis operations that operated near his home. This led him to pursue a career as a journalist covering Kentucky policy at POLITICO, Washington Post, and Washington Post. He co-founded Cornbread Hemp in 2019 with Eric Zipperle, his cousin. Jim’s role as Chief Communications Officer involves building relationships with lawmakers and educating consumers about the changes in hemp regulation.
Aaron Nosbisch
Aaron J. Nosbisch, founder of BRĒZ, the fastest-growing cannabis beverage and Lucyd, the largest cannabis social advertising agency in the world, is an entrepreneur, investor, and adventurer who has founded numerous endeavors while driving hundreds of millions in revenue for his projects and clients, all while traveling the world.
Selling 1.5M cans within the first year alone, BRĒZ was founded in 2023 as the world’s first cannabis and mushroom infused social tonic (and #1 fastest growing cannabis beverage), offering two blends: THC-Infused Lemon Elderflower and Lion’s Mane. BRĒZ sees the functional beverage space as ripe for disruption and aims to create effective, functional blends – using only natural ingredients – that pair perfectly with different moments of life.
With a powerful brand grounded in transparency, innovation, and a genuine care for others, BRĒZ continues to delight and surprise its customer base with an ever-expanding portfolio of thoughtfully-crafted beverages.
Jeromy S. Sherman
Jeromy, the Co-Founder, Chief Business Officer and CEO of Bayou City Hemp Company, Inc., is a seasoned entrepreneur with over twenty years’ experience. Sherman has played a key role in the establishment of Bayou City Hemp Company, Inc. as Texas’ leading hemp manufacturer and beverage producer. Brands like Howdy Beach Break Ocho Verde 8th Wonder and 8th Wonder were launched.
Mr. Sherman was previously the founder and leader of energy ventures like American Shale Energy, LLC, or Southwest Texas Energy, Inc.
He is a leading advocate of hemp. He has served as the President of Texas Hemp Coalition and on the Cannabinoid Council at the Hemp Industries Association. Sid Miller appointed him to Texas Industrial Hemp Council.
Mr. Sherman is a graduate of the University of Mississippi with a MBA, and Mississippi State University has rewarded him with a BA. His wife Sarah and four children live in Houston. He is active in his community as a youth sport coach.
Cameron Ruffin
Cameron is a trademark attorney who specializes in counseling, prosecution and enforcement. Cameron concentrates her practice with FBT on assisting clients by obtaining and enforcing federal and state trademark rights.
Cameron has extensive experience in managing trademark portfolios. He’s worked across industries such as cosmetics, technologies, foods and restaurants, sports and entertainment and clothing and lifestyle.
Cameron has also handled matters and resolved disputes before United States Patent and Trademark Office and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
John Copeland
John Copeland is a tax expert with over 25 years experience. He has worked in many different areas, including hi-tech and equine. Mr. Copeland’s responsibilities encompass tax planning, compliance, and consultation for corporations, partnerships, nonprofits, fiduciaries, and individuals. Copeland joined Blue & Co, LLC in 2013 after more than 15 years with a Lexington-based public accounting firm. Copeland is a graduate of Transylvania University, and a member of both the American Society of CPAs (ASCPA) and the Kentucky Society of CPAs. Mr. Copeland served as treasurer of various civic and charitable organizations and still does.
Pete Meachum
Pete Meachum, from Cronos Group, is retiring after three years as the President of the Hemp Roundtable. He will return to the public sector. Pete was a major force behind the hemp industry’s advancement and has built key relationships with Capitol Hill. Pete, I thank you so much for your unwavering leadership and tireless efforts.
What is the U.S. Hemp Forum?
U.S. Hemp Roundtable (USHR) is an industry-wide advocacy group dedicated to promoting hemp policies. Roundtable advocates with regulators and lawmakers to protect the hemp industry’s interests. Roundtable ensures the future of hemp by focusing on innovation, sustainability and safety. You can find out more at hempsupporter.com.