(WNY News Now) New York – Governor Hochul Introduces New Leaders to Overhaul Cannabis Licensing and Equity Initiatives.
In a decisive move to streamline operations and enhance the efficacy of New York’s cannabis regulation, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced three pivotal leadership appointments at the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). This strategic reshuffle comes as part of a comprehensive overhaul initiated last month, aimed at addressing the bottleneck in license applications and reinforcing the agency’s commitment to social equity.
Felicia A. B. Reid will serve as the Executive Deputy Director and Acting Executive Director. Reid, a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in state government, will oversee critical operational and regulatory functions, including licensing and compliance. Her mandate includes implementing recommendations from the OCM Assessment Team to ensure the agency meets its ambitious goals.
“I’m committed to ensuring New York’s nation-leading cannabis market continues to thrive,” Governor Hochul stated. “With these new appointees, the Office of Cannabis Management will continue to focus on expanding the most equitable adult-use market in the nation while cracking down on illicit storefronts.”
The Governor also announced a nationwide search for a permanent Executive Director to lead OCM’s efforts in fostering the most diverse and equitable legal cannabis marketplace in the country. An experienced recruitment firm will assist in identifying top candidates.
Key Appointments
Felicia A. B. Reid – Executive Deputy Director and Acting Executive Director
Reid’s responsibilities will include managing the office’s major operational and regulatory functions. She brings extensive experience from her tenure at the Office of Children and Family Services, where she oversaw statewide juvenile justice operations. Admitted to the New York State Bar Association, Reid earned her law degree from New York Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University.
“I am excited to work with everyone at OCM and our partners statewide to expand upon the agency’s work,” Reid said. “Cannabis is an enormous opportunity for our state, and OCM is obligated to ensure that its work makes those opportunities accessible, transparent, and responsive to the industry’s movement and trends.”
Susan Filburn – Chief Administrative Officer
In this newly created role, Filburn will focus on stabilizing and formalizing the administrative functions of the agency. With more than 20 years of state government experience, including her recent role as Deputy Commissioner of Employment Security at the Department of Labor, Filburn will work on improving the license review process and enhancing responsiveness. An Army veteran, Filburn holds a Masters of Public Administration from Syracuse University Maxwell School and a Bachelor of Science from West Point.
Jessica Woolford – Director of External Affairs
Promoted from her role as Director of Communications at OCM, Woolford will ensure that communication and community engagement are prioritized. She will also establish the agency’s first customer service team to improve transparency for applicants, licensees, and consumers. Woolford has over a decade of experience in government and social justice organizations and holds a bachelor’s degree from Williams College.
These appointments signify a robust effort by the OCM to not only enhance operational efficiency but also to uphold the social equity goals enshrined in the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act. By addressing the challenges faced by the cannabis industry, the OCM aims to create a more inclusive and transparent marketplace.
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