Brigitte Simons

Chairperson

Dr. Brigitte Simons is a quality and regulatory compliance professional in support of science study-backed cannabis product development, laboratory services, and data management tools for the development of safe cannabis.  Bridging expertise within chemistry, pharma drug development, and environmental testing – Brigitte has demonstrated a professional track record for cannabis industry knowledge towards building quality supply chain sustainability.  Taken from lessons of laboratory quality control instrument mass spec services, analytical service contracting excellence for the Canadian federal agencies, and global sales experience in high value trade of laboratory services – cannabis is characteristic complex   The toxicological implications and medical merits are studied at a molecular level by regulatory policy consulting labs and contract service findings. Dr. Simons participated in early cannabis and hemp contracts within the agency settings Canadian Food Inspection, Health Canada, Agriculture Canada, and Pest Management Regulatory Agency.  Following-on with field mass spec work with Molecular Science Corp, Brigitte established a craft cannabis quality assurance remote teams while companies navigate cultivator and processor partnerships with BC Craft Supply Co.and other early micro-licence holder applicants. Presently, Dr. Brigitte Simons is the VP of Compliance Operations at Safari Flower Co, a craft-at-scale licence cultivator. A life-long drive to the right to choose personalized medicine.  Brigitte received her Ph.D. in Chemical Biology at the University of Ottawa and a Kellogg-Schulich M.B.A. in operational business strategy. 

Brian Coutts

Chairperson

Business Development Manager

“Food & Pharma”
A & L Canada Laboratories

Brian is the Business Development Manager and is responsible for “Food & Pharma” segments of A & L Canada Labs which includes cannabis, hemp, and food processing. After graduating from the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus in Agricultural Business & Crop Production, Brian worked in the agricultural space for 25+ years and brings with him knowledge from advising growers on proper agronomy.

He managed one of the leading agricultural retail companies with locations spread across Ontario and was responsible for fertilizers, crop protection, seed, agronomy, precision agriculture and professional application services.

Brian was one of 30 people in the inaugural class of Certified Crop Advisors in Canada 25 years ago which is a voluntary professional enhancement certification program advising growers on agronomic practices that meet the program’s ethical and environmentally sustainable standards. He is involved in agriculture today supporting science and sustainability for future professionals advising growers on agronomy. He has been involved with many committees supporting agriculture including past chair of the Ontario Agri Business Association, the Great Lakes Watershed, and 4 R Nutrient Stewardship strategy in Ontario.

Brian works with licenced producers, food processing companies, micro, medical and personal growers across Canada to service their needs for analytical testing and agronomic information using the latest technologies for cannabis, hemp and greenhouse crops.

Bethan Rider

Chairperson

Beth has been the Quality Manager at BOAZ Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Calgary for over two years. Her experience is mostly in the Pharmaceutical and food safety sectors in Europe and North America. She is an active member of the ASQ (American Society for Quality) and holds the Certified Quality Auditor designation. Beth has a B.Sc. in Chemistry, specializing in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Forensics from the University of Bradford, United Kingdom.   

Jodi McDonald

Secretary

Jodi McDonald is the President & Founder of Keystone Labs Inc., () an Edmonton based Health Canada accredited testing facility with a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) establishment license.  Keystone Labs was incorporated in 2005 and in August 2015, acquired a Health Canada controlled substance license to conduct cannabis testing. Jodi has a background in clinical and microbiology sciences and her passion is bridging the gap between analytical and microbial sciences and the medical cannabis industry to help improve the quality of medicinal cannabis products being used by patients.  Her vision is to offer validated and quality testing data comparable to the pharmaceutical industry for medical cannabis patients health and safety.

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Jodi has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta.  She is a writer for HydroLife magazine on scientific topics regarding cannabis testing.  Jodi is very involved with the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, enabling women to build successful businesses.  Also, Jodi offers her scientific expertise to several key advisory boards; NAIT Biological Sciences Laboratory and Research Program Advisory Committee, University of Alberta and Medical Laboratory Sciences Advisory Committee.

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Ashley Chiu

Treasurer

Ashley Chiu is the Strategic Growth and Risk Leader at EY Canada and the Global Cannabis Subject Matter Resource for EY Global, where she serves clients in the cannabis sector and adjacent industries. Her work includes identifying strategic and diversified growth opportunities, developing new market entry strategies, and designing risk and compliance programs. Ashley also performs valuations in support of adjacent companies in alcohol, tobacco and consumer packaged goods entering the cannabis and hemp industries. She designs corporate governance programs, business processes, and policies and procedures for cannabis companies pre- and post-IPO and those listing on the NYSE, NASDAQ and TSX.

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Sacha Hockenhull

Management Team

Living in the Canadian Rockies, Sacha Hockenhull is an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience ranging from restaurant management, corporate communications, and event organization. With a mandate to enjoy life to the fullest through outdoor adventures and entrepreneurial endeavours, Sacha brings a fun and energetic management style to the C45 Association.  

The HFC Productions Inc. team provides event management services, handles logistics, and coordinates all operations for the Association's board and its members. With over 18 events under his belt, Sacha, co-founder and C.O.O. of HFC Productions Inc., offers full-time professional and engaging services to help the association grow and thrive.

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