Massachusetts Cannabis Commission Launches Search for New Director

It will be a nationwide recruitment effort.

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The Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) launched its search for the next Executive Director to lead the 135-person administrative staff who support the independent state agency responsible for regulating Massachusetts’ $7 billion-plus adult- and medical-use marijuana industry.

Interested candidates should apply by June 15 by sending their resume and cover letter to [email protected].

“My fellow Commissioners and I are excited to open up the application process for the Commission’s next Executive Director at such a critical turning point for our agency and our industry,” said Acting Chair Ava Callender Concepcion, one of two Commissioners leading the agency’s hiring process. “With more than 640 operational Marijuana Establishments and 106 Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers serving 94,000 patients, the Commission seeks another visionary leader to help us maintain Massachusetts’ status as a model for safe, effective, and equitable cannabis regulation, and also guide staff through the opportunities and challenges to come, including the potential for federal legalization.”

“The Executive Director role is an exciting opportunity for a tough, strategic thinker who can plan and make difficult decisions to execute the competing priorities of an independent state agency that regulates a still-federally illegal substance,” said Commissioner Bruce Stebbins. “We look forward to meeting the many skillful candidates who will be interested in this unique public service opportunity and finding the best fit to help us guide this agency into the future.”

Since its creation in 2017, the Commission has overseen the safe, effective, and equitable regulation of Massachusetts’ licensed cannabis industry. The Executive Director serves as the administrative head of the agency, pursuant to state law, and will be offered a salary within a range with a midpoint of $187,000.

The position is responsible for administering and enforcing Massachusetts statutes and regulations regarding the state’s marijuana industry and reports to the five Commissioners who are appointed by the Governor, State Treasurer, and Attorney General for expertise in public health, public safety, social justice, regulated industries, and corporate management/finance/securities. The Executive Director is charged with overseeing and collaborating with a diverse leadership team and staff, executing on strategic priorities, and developing an operational strategy to effectively meet the demands of the state’s licensed cannabis market. For a full list of core responsibilities, visit MassCareers.

Over the coming weeks, the Commission will complete a nationwide recruitment effort for a candidate who will ultimately work out of the agency’s Worcester headquarters at historic Union Station according to a hybrid work schedule. The Commission also is committed to maintaining a satellite office footprint located near the Massachusetts State House in Boston.

A subcommittee of Commission staff representing a cross-section of subject matter expertise from various agency departments will participate in the search as voting and non-voting members. After selected candidates complete standard phone screenings and interview with selected subcommittee members, finalists will be required to interview before Commissioners as part of a future public meeting.

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