As Chief Operating Officer of Ayr Strategies, Jennifer Drake has been instrumental in shepherding the company through multiple stages of growth – both for Ayr and the cannabis industry. From Ayr’s early days as the first cannabis SPAC to the company’s current position as one of the top multi-state cannabis operators in the U.S., Jen has focused on positioning Ayr as a leader in the sector, setting the standard for profitability, governance and transparency with a commitment to Ayr’s shareholders, Ayr’s team and the communities Ayr serves.

Through her 20 year Wall Street career, Jen helped to grow large established firms as well as early-stage start-ups. A former Managing Director at Goldman Sachs with extensive M&A experience, she has built and institutionalized the businesses of several multi-billion dollar asset management firms, creating a foundation for accelerated growth.

Originally from Ohio, Jen studied physics at Williams College before heading to Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs. She has lived in New York and London and served for many years on the Board of Nontraditional Employment for Women, helping the women of New York achieve economic independence and a secure future for themselves and their families.