PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee on May 23rd, announced his nomination of Michelle A. Reddish, MS, MPH as the first administrator of the Rhode Island Cannabis Office.

“Michelle’s significant expertise in regulatory compliance, development, and technological advancement position her to hit the ground running on day one,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I’m confident Michelle will effectively continue Rhode Island’s commitment to promoting the safe usage and responsible regulation of cannabis in our state.”

As laid out in Rhode Island statute, the administrator reports to the Rhode Island Cannabis Commission and is responsible for coordinating the oversight and administration of cannabis use across the state.

The [zk8ngbyab.cc.rs6.net]Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is responsible for the regulation, licensing, and enforcement requirements regarding regulated cannabis establishments and exercises all powers necessary for the implementation, administration, and enforcement of cannabis regulation and policy for both medical and adult-use cannabis.

“I am pleased that Governor McKee has chosen to nominate Michelle as the first Administrator of the Cannabis Office,” Kim Ahern, Chair of the Cannabis Control Commission. “Her regulatory and industry experience will help ensure our Commission continues its thoughtful and thorough progress as we carefully expand the adult-use market in Rhode Island.

Reddish currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), the independent state agency regulating Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program. In this role, Reddish has been instrumental in introducing technological advancements to streamline internal services and has overseen significant projects such as the inaugural records retention implementation and the expansion of satellite offices.

Previously, Reddish was the Chief Regulatory Officer at OMMA, where she led the agency's largest team, Compliance. Under Reddish's leadership, the Compliance team performed inspections across the state of Oklahoma, achieving a 100% inspection rate in 2022.

Reddish also worked as a lab analyst, cementing engineer, and regulatory compliance specialist with SLB, a global technology company.

Reddish earned her master’s degree in occupational health and safety from Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and also received a master’s degree in cell and molecular biology from Tulane. She earned her master’s degree in healthcare management from the University of New Orleans.

"I’m thrilled to move to beautiful Rhode Island with my children and step into the role of inaugural administrator,” said Reddish. “I am eager to build strong partnerships across the state in support of safe and equitable access to cannabis. I sincerely thank Governor McKee and the Cannabis Control Commission for their trust and recommendation."

The Governor has submitted Reddish’s name to the Senate for advice and consent.