Lezli Engelking is the Founder and CEO of the Foundation of Cannabis Unified Standards (FOCUS), located in Scottsdale, Arizona. She received her Bachelor of Science in Communications and Statistics from Arizona State University. Ms. Engelking brings over two decades of experience in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors. Her keen understanding of the pharmaceutical industry gained during her 12-year tenure with Eli Lilly, prompted her to pivot and apply her expertise to the burgeoning cannabis industry.

Ms. Engelking has been an executive leader in the cannabis industry for nine years, opening the first chain of vertically integrated medical cannabis operations in Phoenix, Arizona. During her two and a half years in that role, Lezli realized the critical need for cannabis specific quality and safety standards. This compelled her to found FOCUS, the International Cannabis Health and Safety Organization, in 2014. With a progressive and intuitive approach, Ms. Engelking has helped shape local and international cannabis policy, including coordinating and developing cannabis specific standards and educational content for the FDA, Department of Agriculture, and the National Environmental Health Association. Most recently, Ms. Engelking participated in the 2018 United Nations and World Health Organization meetings on the global rescheduling of cannabis.

Ms. Collier is a consummate collaborator, evidenced by the enormous impact she has made throughout her career in public service and nonprofit leadership. She is hardworking, dedicated, and creative; with a talent for bringing together diverse groups. Cheryl’s tireless efforts and unwavering dedication as a pioneer and a crusader have been instrumental in providing education and awareness about serious mental illness, as well as improving treatment and services for those in need. Ms. Collier is deeply committed, mission-driven, and believes strongly in citizen involvement in all aspects of local, state, and national planning.

Mr. McClelland is a former law enforcement, military, and high-risk security professional who has served under three law enforcement agencies (one federal and two local). He has performed countless high-value asset security details for both government and civilians including close proximity and fixed-asset protection. Additionally, he created a Rapid Response Deployment Package under the United States Coast Guard for domestic emergency response of Port Security Unit Reserve components development.

As Director of Government Relations for FOCUS, Mr. McClelland works with federal and state agencies worldwide to: draft comprehensive cannabis regulation; perform regulatory reviews; develop and implement cannabis programs; and assist legislators and public health agencies.

Gary Starr is a practicing ER physician in Minnesota. Previously Gary has served in the Air Force in several medical capacities. Dr. Starr has been involved at the political/ legislative arena for Emergency Medicine on both the state, and national levels. One of Gary’s less traditional medical interests is the development of medical cannabis as a viable alternative to standard pharmaceutical options for various ailments. He and a partner started one of the first Minnesota registered medical cannabis manufacturing facilities. Dr. Starr continues to work in the business/science/political arena in an effort to move the medical cannabis industry forward.