About Us

Dedicated to the growth of New York Cannabis

The Empire Cannabis Manufacturer's Alliance protects and promotes the interests of those who produce licensed cannabis products in New York. The ECMA is focused on sustaining growth of our industry through awareness, education, inclusivity, and legislation.

meet our founders

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our Founding Members

Meet the board members who started it all.

Melany Dobson (CEO, Hudson Cannabis)

Melany Dobson, with a decade in the cannabis startup scene, specializes in farming system design, product strategy. Her experience includes roles at Humboldt Brothers, where she navigated cannabis regulations, and as COO at People Need People, where she led over 40 laborers and developed plant-to-product systems. Committed to environmental sustainability, Melany also worked at Hudson Carbon, studying regenerative farming's impact on carbon capture before joining Hudson Hemp. Raised on an organic farm, she sees cannabis as key to sustainable futures in food, fuel, fiber, and medicine.

Ross Gartenlaub (New York Hemp Oil)

As an active member of the MJ community for the past 10 years, Ross understands the intricacies from a cultivating, manufacturing and retail perspective. Ross has proven that his skill set and strategies for sustainable success within the exciting and challenging cannabis industry.

Nicolas Guarino (CEO, Naturae)

Originally from Venezuela with a background in specialty agriculture, Naturae co-founder and CEO, Nicolas Guarino rooted himself in New York after studying in the U.S. and attending CUNY Baruch in New York City. As a consumer with a passion for cannabis, Nicolas co-founded Naturae in 2017 as head of agriculture, was named CEO in 2021, and has since steered the company to a successful launch into the New York adult-use market with a portfolio of extract-based products under the Jaunty brand and others. He is also a Board Member and co-founder of the Empire Cannabis Manufacturers Alliance.

Mack Hueber (President, Gen V Labs)​

Mack serves as the president of Ayrloom and licensed entity Gen V Labs, LLC, located in Lafayette, NY. In August 2022, New York State awarded Gen V Labs one of the first cannabis processing licenses in the state. They currently cultivate, extract, manufacture and distribute THC-infused edibles, beverages, and vape products both under the Ayrloom brand and for contract customers. Mack also serves as the CFO of Beak & Skiff Apple Farms.

Brian Lane (Compliance Officer, NOWAVE)

Brian Lane is one of the Owners and Compliance Manager at NOWAVE in Rochester, NY. NOWAVE is a cGMP certified Cannabis Facility which has held a New York State Hemp License since 2018. In his current role, Lane is responsible for the cGMP certification, licensing, and regulatory requirements to keep NOWAVE in good standing with New York State. Mr. Lane graduated from SUNY Morrisville with an associate degree in Journalism in 1992 and SUNY Oswego with a Communications degree in 1994. He began his career working as a writer, editor and photographer at The Palladium Times in Oswego, NY and the Messenger Post newspapers in Rochester NY. 

Jason D. Minard (General Counsel, Hepworth Pura)

Jason D. Minard, Esq., has played an integral part in advancing New York's commercial Adult-Use Cannabis and CBD industries as an attorney, entrepreneur, and executive. Mr. Minard currently serves as General Counsel for Hepworth Ag, Inc. d/b/a Hepworth Pura LLC (licensed to cultivate and process). He has presented on the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act for CANY f/k/a New York Cannabis Growers and Processors Association, New York CannabisInsider, and the National Association of Cannabis.

Peter Shafer (CEO, Nanticoke Gardens)

Peter is a true product of NYS; born and raised in Endicott, and receiving his Bachelor's from Oswego State University and his MBA from Baruch College in Manhattan. Peter started his professional career in the beverage distribution business working for Union Beer Distributors in Williamsburg Brooklyn from 2001 to 2011. Peter worked in both the Sales and Operation departments during his time at Union. Peter oversaw a staff of 120 employees. In 2011 Peter and his family moved home to Endicott NY where he teamed up with his brother, Chip and purchased an existing greenhouse business where his brother had worked since 1999. Since owning Nanticoke Gardens, Peter and his brother have grown their business sales considerably by taking on a wholesale division. In addition, they starting a CBD and Adult Use Cannabis business as well.

Kimberly Tanami (CEO, HPI Canna)

Kimberly Tanami is the CEO and Founder of HPI Canna, a cutting-edge facility spanning 434 acres in New York's Hudson Valley, dedicated to cultivation, extraction, manufacturing, and distribution. Raised in Queens, New York, Kimberly's journey into the cannabis industry was deeply influenced by personal tragedy when she lost her sister to epilepsy at the age of 29. This life-altering event ignited her passion for exploring alternative treatment avenues, including the integration of cannabis. With over two decades of experience in executive leadership roles across various industries, Kimberly has quickly grown HPI Canna into one of New York state’s leading cannabis producers. Under her guidance, the company has curated a diverse portfolio of renowned brands, contributing significantly to the growth of the state's emerging cannabis market. Kimberly remains dedicated to setting a standard of excellence in New York's evolving cannabis landscape while championing principles of good business practices.

Advisors

Policy Advisor & Legislative/Regulatory Strategist

Kaelan Castetter (Castetter Cannabis Group)

Kaelan is an advocate and advisor for cannabis entrepreneurs looking to be successful in the New York cannabis industry, serving as Managing Director of the Castetter Cannabis Group. The firm assists leadership teams in understanding complex regulations, developing sound strategies for market success, and providing government relations to municipal, legislative, and regulatory bodies. He works closely with regulators and lawmakers in developing sound policy solutions to help establish a competitive marketplace rooted in fairness and equity.

Current Members

From top brands and manufacturers to allied trade organizations, our members encompass the best of New York.

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