FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 29, 2024
Contact: Violet Cavendish
vcavendish@mpp.org
Betty Aldworth has been named Chair, David Abernathy as Vice Chair, and Brian Vicente as Treasurer
Washington, D.C. — The Marijuana Policy Project, the nation’s leading cannabis policy reform organization, is pleased to announce the election of new leadership to its Board of Directors.
Betty Aldworth has been elected as Chair of the MPP Board of Directors. Betty was a pioneer in the cannabis legalization movement, and served as spokesperson for Colorado's successful Amendment 64 campaign in 2012. As the Director of Communications and Post-Prohibition Strategy at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, she generates support for psychedelic research and reform through the media and Illustrates the promise of a post-prohibition world through inspiring public education opportunities. Betty has dedicated her career to building a more sensible future through reforming drug policies to be rooted in safety, justice, and education.
David Abernathy will serve as the new Vice Chair. David currently serves as Principal for Arcview Management Consulting and has vast experience in the cannabis industry, from financial services, consulting, and investments to data, analytics, and market research. He is also a longtime advocate for social justice who also serves on the board of the Minority Cannabis Business Association and Cat Town, and he is on the faculty and board of Oaksterdam University.
Brian Vicente, founding partner of Vicente LLP, has been elected as the Board’s Treasurer. Brian has been a leader in the legalization movement for more than 20 years, working closely with MPP — including as one of the drafters of Colorado's Amendment 64. Brian has helped marijuana businesses obtain state and local licenses since the inception of the regulated cannabis industry, and has also advised national, state, and local government officials in the development of regulated cannabis markets across the country and around the world.
Betty, David, and Brian bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their new roles. Their leadership will be instrumental in guiding MPP as it continues to advance cannabis policy reform across the United States.
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve as Chair of MPP's Board over the past five years. During that time, MPP ushered in some of the most significant wins for cannabis reform, including legalization in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, and Rhode Island. Our newly revamped board is positioned to lead MPP in furtherance of our mission to end prohibition. I personally nominated Betty Aldworth as Board Chair because I am confident that she and our new officers are the right team to shepherd the end of prohibition nationally," said Sal Pace, MPP Board member.
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Founded in 1995, the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) is the nation’s leading cannabis policy reform organization. MPP has played a central role in passing dozens of cannabis policy reforms in states across the country, including 14 successful cannabis legalization campaigns, and also works to advance federal reforms.