The New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced the hiring of L. Simone Washington as Chief Equity Officer and Dr. June Chin as Chief Medical Officer. These new leaders will spearhead initiatives for the agency, which is responsible for implementing and regulating New York's legal cannabis market. OCM's Acting Executive Director, Felicia A.B. Reid, expressed confidence in their expertise to strengthen the state's cannabis market. Washington previously served as Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer at Wellspring Philanthropic, while Dr. Chin was formerly the Chief Medical Officer for Leafwell and held positions on the New York State Cannabis Advisory Board. The OCM currently has just under 250 full-time employees, with nearly 80 new hires in the past year.

New York Cannabis Agency Appoints New Leadership

Jul 9, 2025

Graham Abbott

Ganjapreneur

The New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) on Monday announced the
hiring of its latest leadership members, Chief Equity Officer L. Simone
Washington and Chief Medical Officer Dr. June Chin. The new hires are set
to each lead initiatives for the agency, which is tasked with implementing
and regulating the state’s legal cannabis market.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Chin and Ms. Washington to OCM’s
ever-growing agency Community,” the agency’s Acting Executive Director
Felicia A.B. Reid said in a press release.

“They are the right leaders for the work now and the work to come. I am
confident that their expertise will be invaluable as the OCM team continues
to strengthen New York’s cannabis market and as the agency continues to
grow.” — Reid, in a statement

Washington formerly worked as the Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and
Belonging Officer at Wellspring Philanthropic, while Dr. Chen was formerly
the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Leafwell. Dr. Chen also worked as the
New York State Vice Chair of the Cannabis Advisory Board, and as the
Chairperson of the CAB’s Health, Safety, and Research Committee.

OCM now employs just under 250 full-time employees. The agency added almost
80 new hires in the last year.

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