The Hemp Industries Association is a nonprofit trade association that is led democratically by volunteer members and governed by its bylaws. Farming and Business members have rights including the right to vote on substantive changes to the bylaws, rights to financial transparency, the right to vote in elections and for awards, and the right to stand for election to the Board.  Director terms are three years, and seats are occupied by current members who are either elected or appointed ex officio to fill vacancies. The Board Officers are The President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

The HIA Board of Directors

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Cynthia Cabrera

Director

Cynthia Cabrera, Hometown Hero

Cynthia Cabrera, Hometown Hero

Elected: 2023 - 2025

As I step into the role of chief strategy officer for Hometown Hero CBD, headquartered in Austin, Texas. In my new role I oversee compliance, legal and state and federal legislative efforts to ensure the future and viability of hemp derived cannabinoid products.

Allie Faver

Director

Allie Faver, CBD Kratom

Allie Faver, CBD Kratom

Elected: 2023 - 2025

Allie Faver is CBD Kratom's General Counsel, leading the St. Louis-based hemp and kratom retailer's legal matters. Allie additionally oversees the Company's government relations efforts, helping to push cannabis- and kratom-related legislation at the federal, state and local levels.

Lauren Graham

Director

Lauren Graham, Beneficial Blends

Lauren Graham, Legally Lauren

Elected: 2022 - 2024

Anndrea Hermann

Secretary

Anndrea Hermann, Ridge International Consulting

Anndrea Hermann, The Ridge International Cannabis Consulting

Elected: 2009, Re-elected: 2022 - 2024

Re-elected to her fourth consecutive term on the HIA's Board, Anndrea is a Canadian hemp licensee who has advised Industry for 20+ years. Among her many roles, she is Principal for The Ridge International Cannabis Consulting, Owner of Hemp Technologies Canada, Director of Inside Sales at Hemp Production Services, and a Founder of iHempRadio.

Jennifer Knaack

Director - Cannabinoids & Treasurer

Cannabinoids Council Chair Jennifer Knaack, PhD

Jennifer Knaack, Cheef Holdings

Appointed: 2021, Re-appointed through 2025

Jen is VP for Compliance and Science for Cheef Holdings and an advocate for hemp cannabinoids through the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, the California Hemp Council, and the Global Retailer and Manufacturer Alliance. Jen occupies the Cannabinoids Seat on the HIA Board of Directors and is Chair of the Cannabinoids Council.

Jeff Kostuik

Director - Grain & Seed

Jeff Kostuik

Jeff Kostuik, Hemp Genetics International

Appointed: 2021, Re-appointed through 2025

Jeff sits in the Grain and Seed seat on the HIA Board and Chairs the Grain and Seed Council. He spent 20 years as an agronomist and hemp contact for the government of Manitoba and managed the Parkland Crop Diversification Foundation. In 2015, he joined Hemp Genetics International and Hemp Production Services, where he is Director of Operations.

Mike Lewis

President

Hemp Industries Association President Mike Lewis

Mike Lewis, National Center for Appropriate Technology

Elected: 2019, Re-elected 2023 - 2025

Sustainable Agriculture Specialist at National Center for Appropriate Technology, Mike in 2014 became one of the first licensed hemp farmers in the U.S. since Prohibition. He lives in Kentucky with his wife, daughter, and son.

La Vonne Peck

Vice President

La Vonne Peck, Native Network Consulting

La Vonne Peck, Native Network Consulting

Appointed: 2021, Elected 2023 - 2025

Past Chair of the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians, for 20+ years La Vonne has advised tribes on emergency management, oil & gas, water resources, and economic development. She has consulted with more than 25 tribes on their cannabis plans and sits on the CA Cannabis Advisory Committee. La Vonne is focused on the economic opportunities for tribes offered by hemp's sustainable development.

Annie Rouse

Director

Annie Rouse, OP Innovates

Elected: 2019, Re-elected 2023 - 2025

A dedicated hemp entrepreneur, educator, and activist, Annie has 10+ years experience building a sustainable hemp supply chain via her manufacturing company OP Innovates, brands Overcome and Hemp Mellow, and online store Anavii Market. She serves on the Boards of HIA, the US Hemp Roundtable, the US Hemp Authority, and the nonprofit she helped found: Friends of Hemp.

Vanessa Snyder

Director

Vanessa Snyder, Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing

Elected: 2022 - 2024

Christopher Ware

Director

Christopher Ware - CEO, KCA Laboratories

Chris Ware, KCA Laboratories

Elected: 2022-2024

Katelyn Wiard

Director

Katelyn Wiard, U.S. Hemp Roundtable

Katelyn Wiard, US Hemp Roundtable

Appointed: 2022-2023

Director of Operations for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and Hemp Industry Specialist for Frost Brown Todd, Katelyn is appointed to the HIA Board through an exchange with strategic partner the US Hemp Roundtable.

HIA's Staff:

Jody McGinness

Executive Director

Jody has worked for membership nonprofits for more than 20 years, helping organizations to transform in order to better serve their members and their missions. He is passionate about the potential for hemp to bring value to rural communities, to help heal the planet, and to open opportunities to underserved communities. Contact Jody for info on membership, HIA’s governance, HIACON, media inquiries, affiliation/partnership, sponsorship, or to discuss the HIA’s programs and/or strategic direction.

Ryann Hinch

Executive Director, The Hemp Industries Foundation

Ryann has greater than ten years of experience in product marketing, directing campaigns for non-profit organizations, and business development for premium natural CPG brands. She is passionate about the mission of the HIA and an authoritative advocate and speaker on the nutritional benefits of hemp, consumer education, organic agriculture, and the importance of sustainable development. Contact Ryann for expert advice on hemp foods, assistance with Hemp History Week, the Hemp Industries Foundation, consumer education, or agricultural research.Â