Power Connections Cannabis

With more than two decades of combined executive leadership in the cellular and cannabis industries, Raymond Abro is a multifaceted professional, devoted husband and father, and self-confessed, God-fearing businessman.

Often referring to himself as a budtender first, and leader second, Raymond is dedicated to delivering only the highest quality of retail products and services to his customers and thrives on cultivating both personal and professional connections. In his role as Chief Operations Officer at JARS Cannabis, he plays an integral role in facilitating cross-departmental strategic planning, leading organizational development, and directing the retailer’s day-to-day operations.

Employing a high-energy and motivating leadership style, Raymond strives to empower the future leaders of our industry by developing competitive and diverse teams who are determined to make a difference in others’ lives.

Myles Baker is a rising star in the areas of regulatory cannabis, complex business litigation, and labor and employment law. Myles received his undergraduate degree and law degree from Michigan State University. Myles began his career with Dickinson Wright PLLC by joining the firm in 2017. From there, Myles went in-house as the Director of Compliance of a vertically integrated cannabis operator. Myles then returned to Dickinson Wright, as a Partner, wedding his legal and operational expertise, to act as outside counsel for cannabis operators.

Bryan Barash is Dutchie’s Vice President for Marketing, External Affairs and Deputy General Counsel, responsible for overseeing marketing, compliance, public affairs, social equity, and other legal functions at Dutchie. Bryan also serves as the Secretary of the United States Cannabis Council and Co-Chair of the Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform. Prior to his three years at Dutchie, Bryan spent the previous eight years as General Counsel to Massachusetts State Senate President Harriette Chandler after receiving his law degree from Boston College. Bryan lives in Beverly, Massachusetts with his wife Claudia, son Elias, and their dachshund.

Ali Baydoun, leader in the Enterprise Business Services Practice, delivers comprehensive advisory, tax, and attest services to middle-market clients in various industries. He focuses on tax and advisory services, helping organizations stay compliant and navigate operational challenges with confidence. Ali takes pride in being a steady partner to clients during times of uncertainty, drawing on practical experience and a thoughtful approach. He’s occasionally invited to speak on tax planning topics and has been recognized by peers within the UHY International network for his contributions.

Sen. Bellino was elected to the Michigan Senate in 2022, representing the 16th District, which includes most of Monroe, Lenawee and Hillsdale counties. He serves as vice chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure committee and sits on the Energy and Environment and Regulatory Affairs committees. Prior to being elected to the Senate, Bellino served three terms, from 2017 to 2022, in the Michigan House of Representatives, where he served as chair of the House Energy Committee and as a member of the Regulatory Reform, Agriculture, Local Government, and Rules and Competitiveness committees.

Sen. Joe Bellino has been a lifelong resident and community leader of Monroe County. He is married to Peggy Bellino and they have three daughters and seven grandkids. He is a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and its choir. Sen. Bellino is a graduate of Monroe Catholic Central High School and Monroe County Community College.

Sen. Bellino owned and operated Broadway Market for almost 23 years. Prior to that, he worked in the family beer and wine distributorship, Bellino’s Quality Beverage, until 1987, when he was given an opportunity to work for The Society of St. Vincent DePaul in Detroit. In 1993, Bellino joined the service team at Joe Lake Tire and Auto in Monroe, where he learned about running a small business.

He also was a member of the Board of Trustees at Monroe County Community College for 15 years and served as board chair. Joe is a member of the Monroe Exchange Club, Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, NRA, National Federation of Independent Businesses, and Midwest independent Retailers Association, for which he previously served as chair.

Gillian is a Business Consultant at Canopy HR, specializing in helping cannabis companies navigate compliance, benefits, 401k, payroll, and HR solutions. With over four years of experience helping small and mid-size businesses across Michigan and the Midwest manage their employee challenges, Gillian has become a trusted partner for multi-state cannabis operators looking to reduce costs while enhancing their employee offerings.

Gillian is passionate about delivering customized solutions that put clients’ best interests first, whether that involves cutting bottom-line costs, increasing efficiency, or bringing everything together in one place.

Based in Detroit, Gillian always has a dad joke queued up and is the proud owner of the world’s cutest dog. Most importantly, she will always put her clients’ best interests first.

Justin D. is the Founder and CEO of Buddy, an agnostic, modular e-commerce platform built to help dispensaries take control of their digital experience. Combining deep expertise in technology, marketing, and product strategy, Justin leads Buddy with a focus on innovation that simplifies complexity and drives real results. He’s passionate about empowering businesses to own their data, scale their brand, and grow smarter through automation and design. With a no-fluff, results-driven mindset, Justin continues to shape how dispensaries connect technology, commerce, and creativity in the evolving cannabis industry.

After nearly 20 years as a financial services attorney and advisor, Mike entered the Cannabis industry in 2017, as a practicing lawyer doing what he always does best, solving problems with creative practical solutions.  Most recently, he has successfully transitioned from lawyer to business leader in his role as Chief Corporate Officer of House of Dank.  In that role he has been a part of HOD’s leadership team as it has exponentially grown its footprint and sales over the last three years.  Founded in the early days of Michigan’s care giver market, HOD has successfully navigated the transition from the Caregiver to MMFLA to MRTMA marketplaces.  Today it is proud to have 15 licensed facilities with approximately 400 employees throughout the State and an ambitious 2023 growth plan.

Dan Fischer is a seasoned banking executive with a distinguished career spanning several decades. Since September 2020, he has served as CEO of Citizens State Bank, bringing his expertise and leadership to guide the institution to new heights.

Prior to his current role, Dan held multiple leadership positions at The Citizens Bank of Logan from November 2014 to August 2019, including President, CEO, Chief Lending Officer, and Director.

Earlier in his career, he served as Chairman and President at Urban Trust Bank, Executive Vice President at Associated Banc-Corporation, and Senior Vice President at Fifth Third Bancorp.

Dan’s career reflects his unwavering dedication to the banking industry, as well as his capacity for leadership and strategic vision. At Citizens State Bank, he continues to drive growth and success by drawing upon his extensive experience in the financial sector.

Saphira Galoob is the Principal and CEO of The Liaison Group (TLG), which was the first – and remains the only – Washington, DC-based lobbying firm focused exclusively on the cannabis industry. Previously the Executive Director of NCR, Saphira is now the leading force for combining one vision, one voice, one industry with the US Cannabis Roundtable (USCR), which leads federal policy initiatives for the country’s leading cannabis operators, including Cresco, Trulieve, Verano, and others. In addition to her work with NCR, Saphira serves as Executive Director of the Cannabis Financial Industry Group (CFIG), a coalition of financial institutions and risk-mitigating service providers serving the state legal cannabis industry.

A seasoned attorney and entrepreneur with over a decade in cannabis regulation, real estate, and business law, In 2017, he founded his first licensed cannabis business, in Oscoda, Michigan which went on to become Puff Oscoda. In 2021, Nick joined forces with industry leaders Justin and Calvin Elias.

David Hofer is the Managing Partner of Highway 33 Capital Advisory, where he leverages decades of experience across private equity, finance, and high-growth industries. Throughout his career, David has specialized in private equity portfolio management, scaling operations, recruiting leadership teams, and leading capital campaigns ranging from $5 million to $50 million for both early-stage startups and multi-billion-dollar brands.

He has a proven track record of driving transformative outcomes, including leading turnarounds for multiple private equity aerospace holdings, forming and selling one of the first receivables factoring portfolios, and helping to propel one of the earliest SaaS ERP companies from $10 million in revenue to a valuation exceeding $2.2 billion.

David entered the cannabis industry in 2014, where he structured funding and led the development of one of the first vertically integrated operations, combining low-cost cultivation, cGMP processing, and retail distribution. Since then, he has become a trusted advisor in the space, supporting cannabis operators, investors, and license holders in building and scaling their businesses.

Under his leadership, Highway 33 Capital Advisory has become a premier partner for strategic investment and M&A within the cannabis sector. Since 2017, the firm has advised operators across more than 17 U.S. states, Latin America, and Canada, completing over $100 million in transaction volume in 2024 alone. The firm specializes in sourcing debt capital, structuring mergers and acquisitions, and providing strategic guidance to both single-state and multi-state operators navigating today’s complex regulatory and financial environment.

David’s career reflects a consistent ability to identify opportunities, build value, and deliver growth across diverse industries. His blend of financial expertise, operational experience, and deep cannabis industry knowledge positions him as a leading voice and trusted partner in one of today’s most dynamic markets.

Jon Lowen​​ is the Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Surfside Solutions Inc., a retail media and advertising technology company transforming how advertisers and retailers activate and monetize first-party data. Under Jon’s leadership, Surfside has built a full-funnel commerce media platform that simplifies audience onboarding, segmentation, activation, and omnichannel measurement, enabling businesses to drive growth across digital and in-store channels.

A proven leader in the advertising technology industry, Jon has deep experience scaling organizations, shaping product strategy, and driving revenue growth. Before founding Surfside, he served as Chief Strategy Officer at SITO Mobile, where he led growth strategy, acquisitions, and business development, helping increase revenue more than 40x and reaching a market cap of over $250M. Earlier in his career, Jon held operational and product leadership roles as COO at SITO, DoubleVision, and Carbon Media Group (formerly Outdoor Hub), where he helped develop innovative ad solutions and build scalable businesses.

State Representative Mike McFall serves Michigan’s 14th House District, covering Hazel Park, Madison Heights, Center Line, and part of Warren. Currently in his second term, serving as Minority Vice Chair of Natural Resources and Tourism and on Government Operations.

McFall is a strong advocate for expanding access to mental health care and advancing LGBTQ rights. He is also working on legislation to decriminalize psilocybin for people with PTSD, reflecting his commitment to evidence-based mental health solutions. In recognition of his work to improve health outcomes for communities impacted by HIV, he was honored with Corktown Health’s 2024 Health Hero Award. In 2025, the Michigan Municipal League named him Legislator of the Year for his bipartisan leadership, including passage of Ground Emergency Medical Transport legislation supporting first responders.

Rooted in his district, McFall supports local food pantries, community organizations, and animal fostering, believing strong communities are built through compassion and service.

Donavan McKinney is a lifelong Detroiter, proud husband to the love of his life, Shaunté, and devoted father of two young children. Raised in northeast Detroit by his mother and grandmother, Donavan grew up with modest means but strong values. They instilled in him the importance of community, leadership, and service.

A proud graduate of Detroit Public Schools, Donavan became the first in his family to earn a college degree (Go Blue!). Today, as the State Representative for Michigan’s 11th District, he draws from his lived experience with the same challenges his community faces—fighting for solutions in Lansing as big as the crises at home, and now committed to advancing bold, progressive policies in Washington, DC.

Growing up in the shadow of Detroit’s smokestacks and factories, Donavan developed an asthmatic cough he still carries to this day—a health challenge shared by his mother, grandmother, and brother. Determined to protect his children and families across Michigan from similar struggles, Donavan made history in January 2020 when Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed him to Michigan’s first Environmental Justice Council. There, he championed clean water accessibility and affordability, playing a key role in launching the $2 million Water Restart Grant Program and statewide Water Reconnection Executive Order during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the State House, Donavan has been a strong voice for Michigan’s poorest district, where the median household income is less than $20,000. His priorities include:

• Ensuring every family has access to clean air and water

• Guaranteeing quality public education for all children

• Reforming the criminal justice system

• Promoting robust, accessible public transit

• Expanding workers’ rights and union protections

Donavan has worked tirelessly to lower costs and expand opportunity, advocating for free pre-K statewide and reducing utility bills for Michigan families. He has also led efforts to transform the criminal legal system, co-introducing legislation to prohibit police tampering with body-camera evidence, limit no-knock warrants, and revoke licenses from officers who use excessive force causing death or serious injury.

Since his election, Donavan has helped secure more than $10 million in community violence intervention funding, leading to the creation of Michigan’s first statewide CVI program. He has also fought for millions in resources for community recreation centers and schools, and supported over $600 million in funding to replace lead pipes in Detroit and surrounding communities.

Because no parent should have to fear their child’s drinking water, Donavan is fighting to ban political donations from monopoly utilities and government contractors. He is proud to be building a big-tent coalition across Detroit and its suburbs—from the Pointes to Southgate, Romulus, and beyond—always elevating the voices of voters and neighbors he serves.

Senator Jeremy Moss prioritizes policies supporting local government and local communities, as well as increasing transparency in state government. He is the President Pro Tempore of the Michigan Senate, where he is also serving his second term.

Always looking to build relationships across the aisle, Moss has successfully had legislation signed into law to reduce unfair employment barriers for people with past criminal records, help homeowners make home improvements by lowering property taxes, allow public-private partnerships to rebuild crumbling bridges, and to create more pathways for students who dropped out of high school so they can complete their degree.

Moss holds the distinction of having been the youngest-ever elected official on the Southfield City Council (2011) and has not let up on public service since. After City Council, he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, serving as the Democratic Caucus Whip, and then became the Assistant Democratic Leader in his first term in the Michigan Senate.

Moss earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University, where he participated in multiple student-led humanitarian aid missions nationally and across the globe. He lives in Southfield.

Chris Ostrowski is the CTO and a founding member of Dutchie, the leading cannabis technology platform powering legal dispensaries. As CTO, Chris oversees product development, software functions and system operations.

Chris previously served as the CTO at RetireUp, a supplemental financial planning tool, and as the founder, architect and CTO at RepPro, a retirement planning software for financial advisors.

Sky Patel is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Kairos Labs, a trailblazing safety compliance testing laboratory transforming the legal cannabis industry. Terpene testing has been free from day one, and Kairos provides next-day test results that are fully compliant with the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA). Sky’s unwavering commitment to serving METRC customers, regulators, caregivers, and consumers ensures that safety, consistency, and reliability are at the forefront of all operations.

Sky is also the Managing Partner of Prime7, a consulting and private equity firm. Prime7 operates across a spectrum of industries—including technology, finance, healthcare, and real estate—with businesses ranging from $5 million to over $200 million in revenue. Sky’s innovative approach and dedication to excellence have solidified his reputation as a respected leader and visionary, driving growth and fostering innovation across multiple sectors.

Sky believes that success is built on accountability, quality, and—above all—results. By setting high standards, he empowers businesses to execute bold growth strategies, build strong reputations, enhance customer loyalty, and navigate challenges with confidence. Sky is a proud Spartan and Michigan native.

Patty Roe, founder of PS Society, has a diverse background in marketing, politics, public affairs, and women’s advocacy. She has worked as chief of staff for two U.S. Members of Congress, managing operations, campaign strategies, and finance efforts, particularly engaging with the Navajo Nation. Patty co-founded a national marketing firm that generated over $4M annually and was recognized by *San Diego Magazine* as one of the “Women of the Year.” In 2022-2023, she served on the Executive Board of This is Jane Project, supporting women’s empowerment and mental health initiatives. Currently, she also works in public affairs for various federally recognized tribes, furthering her commitment to advocacy and community building. Through PS Society, Patty continues her passion for creating supportive communities and dynamic spaces for women across the country.

Jim Runestad, Chairman of the Michigan GOP, is a dedicated public servant with deep roots in Michigan. Originally from Goodrich, Jim currently lives in White Lake, where he and his wife Kathy, married for 27 years, are proud parents to 5 children and 15 grandchildren. Jim began his political career as an Oakland County Commissioner, where he served for six years and was instrumental in introducing the E-Verify system, ensuring the county did not contract with or employ illegal immigrants. 

His leadership on this issue, along with other reforms, helped make local government more transparent and accountable. In 2015, Jim was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. During his two terms in the House, he chaired the Judiciary Committee and was a fierce advocate for children in Michigan’s foster care and CPS systems. He also worked tirelessly to combat corruption and hold government officials accountable.

Jim’s leadership continued in 2018 when he won a tightly contested race for Michigan State Senate. As a first-term senator, he chaired the Finance Committee and quickly became one of the most conservative and effective voices in Lansing. Throughout his term, Jim successfully passed nine public acts into law, all while standing firm on his conservative principles. Re-elected to the Senate in 2022, Jim led the charge against the Democrat trifecta in Lansing, successfully opposing several key liberal policies, including homeschooler registration and efforts to override election laws before the 2024 elections.

Now, as Chairman of the Michigan GOP, Jim brings his unwavering commitment to conservative values and his proven leadership to the state party. He is focused on preparing the Michigan GOP for success in the 2026 election and beyond, ensuring that the party remains a strong voice for Michigan’s families and future.

Ankur Rungta is co-founder and chief executive officer of C3 Industries, Inc. Under his leadership, the company has raised over $100 million of capital and employs over 600 people. Ankur and his team have overseen the development of six award-winning cannabis production facilities and nineteen retail stores in Michigan, Missouri, Massachusetts, and Oregon.

Ankur is also a co-founder and board member of Nickel City Pictures, a film and television production company based in Los Angeles and New York City that has produced such box office hits as “John Wick: Chapter 2,” “The November Man,” and “Mother’s Day,” among others. Before launching these companies, Ankur worked as an investment banker at Moelis & Company in New York and as a corporate attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell in New York, advising clients on capital markets and M&A transactions.

Ankur earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan in 2004. He earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law school in 2008 when he graduated magna cum laude and Order of the Coif.

In 2014, he was nominated to the Detroit Opera Board of Directors. He has taken an active role in the arts organization, serving as Vice Chairman of the Board and leading the Nominating and Governance Committee, the youngest person to hold those roles.

Ankur is also a dedicated family man. He and his wife reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with their three children. He enjoys traveling, spending time with his family, playing basketball, watching college and professional sports, and keeping up with current events and politics. Ankur was born in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in Buffalo, New York.

Robin Schneider is the Executive Director of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association, the state’s leading cannabis trade association. For more than 15 years, she has been at the forefront of cannabis law reform in Michigan, shaping policy through advocacy, lobbying and collaboration with state regulators and lawmakers. Her leadership at MiCIA has led to numerous policy wins, making Michigan a national leader in cannabis sales.

Before leading MiCIA, Robin served as the lead fundraiser and finance director for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, the 2018 ballot committee that legalized adult-use cannabis for Michigan residents 21 and older.

Today, Robin continues to champion safe, sensible, forward-thinking cannabis policy, ensuring Michigan remains a model for a thriving, well-regulated industry while protecting her members’ bottom line.

Tim Schuler has had a diverse 30+ year career in business operations, sales, marketing and distribution with leading American and International companies.  

As the President and C.O.O. of D & K Ventures, with brands Cannalicious and Detroit Edibles, he oversees one of the most dynamic licensed processors in the state of Michigan. 

Prior to his foray into the Cannabis Industry, Tim’s career in Consumer Products began with AB InBev and spanned more than 15 years, concluding as the State Sales Director of Michigan—a post he held for more than five years.  He was responsible for selling more than 48 million cases of legalized products annually through a vast wholesale and retail division throughout Michigan.  

Before the 2008 merger of AB and InBev, Tim was the Country Manager of Canada through its licensed partnership with Labatt Brewing.  In that capacity, he oversaw every facet of a 13-brewery operation that produced, marketed, and sold more than 40 million cases of AB licensed products annually.

Educated at the University of Kansas, Tim holds a B.S. degree in Journalism with a major in News/Editorial with an emphasis in Public Relations.  Tim is married to Tammie, a purchasing manager for Ford.  The couple has six children and resides in Commerce, Michigan. 

​​Benjamin Sobczak is an experienced litigator with an emphasis on shareholder and close corporate disputes, collection actions, private securities litigation, class action defense, and business torts. He also serves as outside general counsel providing regulatory and transactional-based services to cannabis companies in various jurisdictions throughout the U.S. and Canada. He is a frequent speaker at professional seminars and conferences and is recognized as a leading legal contributor to the Michigan cannabis industry. Prior to joining Dickinson Wright, Ben served as the Chief Legal Officer for a vertically integrated cannabis company with multi-state operations. In that role, Ben gained invaluable experience as a business operator and entrepreneur. That expanded perspective enables him to fully appreciate client needs and develop practical and cost-effective legal solutions in furtherance of their success.

Elliot Vilders is a transactional attorney at Dickinson Wright PLLC, where he advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and general corporate matters. His clients range from startups and family offices to private equity–backed ventures and publicly traded companies, spanning industries such as cannabis, motorsports, construction, insurance, manufacturing, and real estate.

In the cannabis industry, Elliot counsels operators, investors, and entrepreneurs on acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, and corporate structuring. He has extensive experience navigating the complex regulatory landscape governing cannabis businesses in Michigan and across the United States, helping clients grow and protect their investments in this rapidly evolving sector.

State Rep. Jimmie Wilson, Jr. is serving his second term in the House representing the 32nd District, which comprises Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township.

Rep. Wilson was born and raised in Ypsilanti. Both the paternal and maternal sides of his family are lifelong residents of the Southside and Appleridge neighborhoods. He and his wife, Kamilah, continue the family tradition by raising their four boys in the community. The connection to Ypsilanti is important to him as a representative and community member. Longevity in the community brings a deep understanding of the community’s needs and places Rep. Wilson in a position to firmly advocate for the future and direction of Ypsilanti. Rep. Wilson works to empower his constituents and ensure their voices are heard.

Rep. Wilson attended the Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology where he became a licensed aircraft mechanic. Due to concerns over climate change and the environment, he shifted his career and began to work at Siemens Energy, where he built wind turbines, advancing to technical field advisor for the company. After working in renewable energy around the country, he sought a career that provided more time with his family and in his community. Before taking office, he worked eleven years at Ford Motor Co. Rawsonville Plant as an electrician.

At Ford, he became active in UAW Local 898 in 2014 and was elected trustee. In 2016, he was elected to the Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees and was re-elected for a second term. Rep. Wilson has been an active member in his community holding positions at Ypsilanti Township Zoning Board of Appeals, Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley Board of Directors, Washtenaw County Community Action Board, Washtenaw County Jury Board, Washtenaw County Violence Prevention Task Force, Washtenaw County Equity Partnership, Youth Justice and Schools subcommittee, Executive Board Trustee of the 12th Congressional District Democrats, Michigan Democratic Party State Central Delegate, co-chair of the Outreach for the Eastern Washtenaw Democratic Club, chairman of the Washtenaw County Black Caucus, Coalition of Black Trade Unionist, UAW CAP Council, UAW young workers council and NAACP Ypsilanti.

With many years of diverse experience and dedication to the Ypsilanti community, Rep. Wilson shapes his legislation with priorities such as worker rights, union rights, criminal justice reform, access to housing and environmental protection. He knows what hard-working Michigan families need, and he knows how important state policies are for making change happen. Rep. Wilson always advocates for and supports better government to reflect the needs of Ypsilanti, his family, his neighbors and the state.