Alexis Podesta adds a wealth of management and cannabis experience
VANCOUVER, BC, March 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – Body and Mind Inc. (CSE: BAMM) (OTCQB: BMMJ) (the “Company” or “BaM”), a multi-state operator focused on limited license markets is please to report that Alexis Podesta, who was instrumental in California’s transition from medical to adult use cannabis, has been appointed as a director of the Company.
Alexis Podesta has served in senior roles in both the public and private sector. Known for her talent to skillfully navigate complex policy and political issues, her broad portfolio has included problem-solving on high-profile policies in both government and the corporate world.
Alexis was entrusted by both Governor Gavin Newsom and Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. to manage the sprawling California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency. As Secretary of the Cabinet-level Agency, she directed its $4.75 billion budget and nearly 6,100 employees. Alexis oversaw twelve departments, boards, a commission, a panel and a council whose job is to license and regulate professionals and businesses in California to protect consumers; regulate businesses engaged in financial transactions; preserve, expand and fund safe and affordable housing opportunities; to provide solutions to address homelessness in California; to investigate and research earthquake related issues to advise on ways to reduce earthquake risk; and to protect the civil rights of all Californians from acts of hate violence and unlawful discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.
Additionally, the departments under the agency provided $1.9 billion in funding for affordable housing; made $3.5 billion annually in loans for first-time homebuyers; made $600 million annually in loans for affordable multi-family properties; and provided $650 million in assistance to local jurisdictions to combat homelessness. Additionally, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing filed more than 22,500 civil rights cases.
Prior to being appointed to lead the Agency, Alexis served as the Director of External and International Affairs for Governor Brown. She directed outreach, communication and partnerships with stakeholder groups, and provided key support for the Governor’s special projects. In addition, Alexis was the Governor’s lead representative on international affairs and served as Chief of Protocol.
Before joining the Brown Administration, Alexis worked for Pacific Gas & Electric in Government Affairs. Prior to joining that utility, she spent nearly a decade in Washington, D.C., working first as the Director of Scheduling for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California), and then as the Manager of Government Relations for The Walt Disney Company.
Most recently, Alexis was appointed by Governor Newsom to serve on the State Compensation Insurance Fund Board of Directors. Established in 1914 by the state legislature, the State Fund provides workers’ compensation insurance for approximately 110,000 policyholders and has nearly $21 billion in assets.
Alexis brings a wealth of board, management and cannabis experience to Body and Mind and we look forward to increasing the depth and experience of our board.
Michael Mills, CEO of Body and Mind
This past quarter was transformative as the Company achieved record revenues. We continue to expand operations and construction is progressing well at the NMG Ohio production facility. I look forward to working with Alexis and our team to continue the growth of Body and Mind as a trusted cannabis brand.
The Company has granted an aggregate of 1,250,000 stock options (the “Options”) in accordance with the Company’s stock option plan at an exercise price of CDN$ 0.68 per share for a term of five years expiring on March 6, 2026. The Options were granted to current directors and officers of the Company.
The Options are subject to vesting provisions such that 25% of the Options vest six (6) months from the date of grant, 25% of the Options vest twelve (12) months from the date of grant, 25% of the Options vest eighteen (18) months from the date of grant and 25% of the Options vest twenty-four (24) months from the date of grant.
About Body and Mind Inc.
BaM is an operations focused multi-state operator investing in high quality medical and recreational cannabis cultivation, production and retail. Our wholly owned Nevada subsidiary was awarded one of the first medical marijuana cultivation licenses and holds cultivation and production licenses. BaM products include dried flower, edibles, oils and extracts as well as GPEN Gio cartridges. BaM cannabis strains have won numerous awards including the 2019 Las Vegas Weekly Bud Bracket, Las Vegas Hempfest Cup 2016, High Times Top Ten, the NorCal Secret Cup and the Emerald Cup.
BaM continues to expand operations in Nevada, California, Arkansas and Ohio and is dedicated to increasing shareholder value by focusing resources on improving operational efficiencies, facility expansions, state licensing opportunities as well as mergers and acquisitions.
Please visit www.bodyandmind.com for more information.
Instagram: @bodyandmindBaM
Twitter: @bodyandmindBaM
