Cannabis Movers & Shakers: Mattio, OMMA, Illinois, Stability Cannabis, Item 9 Labs

Here comes another Tuesday, with the latest updates in the cannabis industry.

Mattio Communications Taps Aurora Vet Rob Kelly

Leading marketing firm Mattio Communications has added former investor relations exec Rob Kelly to its team.

Mattio CEO and founder Rosie Mattio cited Kelly's "impressive background" and how "he was instrumental in building and executing a comprehensive IR program" for Aurora Cannabis Inc. ACB.

Kelly was at Aurora for two years before jumping to Mattio.

"He has been an extraordinary addition to our team and I'm excited to be building our IR offering, together," Mattio said. 

Kelly Williams Becomes OMMA's New Interim Director

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority deputy director Kelly Williams will replace Travis Kirkpatrick as interim director.

According to the Marijana Business Daily, the state's cannabis regulatory agency appointed Kirkpatrick in January, after spending three months as interim director.

Kirkpatrick will supervise the OMMA from his new position of deputy commissioner of prevention and preparedness at the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Williams, who was chosen by Kirkpatrick, said OMMA is "a young agency, and we have seen massive growth over the past two years."

"I look forward to the challenges and the rewards of growing the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority into an agency that will make Oklahomans proud," Williams said.

Gov. Pritzker Appoints Former Obama Administration Insider

Illinois also saw some shifts within its cannabis regulatory body, as Gov. J.B. Pritzker chosen former Obama administration insider Danielle Perry as the state's cannabis regulation oversight officer.

Perry will replace Sen. Toi Hutchinson, who left the office due to a state law banning former lawmakers from holding positions that were formed in the time of their service in the office, as reported by Marijuana Business Daily.

Perry's appointment is coming on the heels of recent news on the state's adult-use cannabis sales, which continued to grow over the months, to reach $61 million in July.

Prior to this, Perry supervised an agriculture job training program and was a member of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's transition committee.

In addition, she also served at the Chicago Inspector General's office as communications director and in President Barack Obama's Department of Agriculture.

Stability Cannabis Hires Trey Hughes

Stability Cannabis tapped Trey Hughes to manage its retail operations.

The appointment comes ahead of the company's milestone of 6,000 served patients since its debut, Stability confirmed Tuesday.

Hughes noted that this opportunity is "excited." 

He brings extensive experience in retail, considering he has led several dispensaries in Maryland and Colorado.

"The leadership team of Stability is one of the strongest and most well rounded I have encountered in the cannabis industry," continued Hughes.

In addition, it's the second leadership change in the Oklahoma City-based company, over the past few weeks.

In mid-July, Stability promoted Drew Clayton to vice president of operations.

Best Buy's Former President of US Retail Joins Item 9 Labs Board

Cannabis company Item 9 Labs Corp. INLB named Mike Keskey to their board of directors as co-chairman effective immediately.

In addition, Director Doug Bowden will also serve as co-chairman.

Keskey sharpened his business skills during his 16 years in the big-box retailer Best Buy Co. Inc. BBY. While there, he served at several roles, from store manager to president of US retail.

Item 9 Labs CEO Andrew Bowden praised Keskey, adding that "his strategic oversight will be a tremendous asset to the future" of the Phoenix, Arizona-based company.

Keskey pointed out that Item 9 Labs has "created an unbelievably popular Arizona, high-end brand that everyone wants."