Vicki Christophersen

Executive Director/ Lobbyist

Vicki has worked as an advocate on a wide variety of efforts benefiting businesses, non-profits and industry organizations at the legislative, executive and agency levels. She has a distinguished record of success in the years she has been working in Olympia. She received a BA in Liberal Studies and a Graduate Teaching Certificate from the University of Washington. Some of her past and current work includes supporting the Association of Spirits and Wine Distributors, Merck,  Life Center Northwest Organ Donor Network, Pediatrix Medical Group, Northwest Kidney Centers, Washington Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association, Washington Refuse and Recycling Association, Stand for Children and WGU Washington. You can find more about Vicki by visiting her profile on LinkedIn.

Brooke Davies

Deputy Director/ Associate Lobbyist

Brooke Davies is a graduate of the University of Mary Washington with a B.A. in Physics. She started her career as a teacher of advanced placement Physics. Before joining WACABrooke worked in the cannabis industry as the Operations Director of a retail cannabis establishment and then moved on as the Executive Director of a non-profit organization representing an emerging new market in Washington. Brooke has experience in working with both the legislature and state agencies to develop and interpret laws and rules that regulate various businesses. Brooke is excited to play a role in creating a strong foundation for Washington's cannabis industry through her position at the Washington CannaBusiness Association. 

Jessica Hostetler

Associate Lobbyist

Jessica holds a diverse set of skills which include executive and policy influence, cross-functional engagement, people leadership, sales strategy, as well as project and change management. After studying political science at Western Oregon University, Jessica spent nearly a decade building her career at a Fortune 50 company. In her last role with the corporation, she represented the cross-functional and multifaceted interests regarding internal policy change on a national level for Oregon and Southwest Washington. Prior to that role, Jessica was a West Division Customer Experience Coach and trained all levels of leadership how to coach the frontline using a customer-centric behavioral approach. She is excited to be part of the Washington CannaBusiness Association in helping them achieve their policy goals. 

Maranda Davis

Director of Operations
 

 

 

 

 

Becca Burghardi

Board of Trustees President - Tier 3 Producer/Processor

Becca started her career in 2015 as an entry-level packaging associate for Northwest Cannabis Solutions. Her sharp, solution-oriented mind, business acumen, and pure charisma quickly stood out to the company, and she is now the Vice President of Compliance and Packaging for NWCS.

Becca holds a combined Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Geochemistry from the Evergreen State College. She is passionate about preserving and promoting efficacious cannabis businesses. She is excited to continue advocating for reasonable cannabis regulations, working with regulatory and legislative bodies, and protecting Washington's budding cannabis industry.


Andy Brassington

Board of Trustees Vice President - Tier 3 Processor

With over 30 years of hands on experience with business ownership and operations, finance, and legal, Andy’s diverse professional background is a valuable resource for WACA. As the cannabis industry tackles a wide range of legislative and regulatory issues, Andy brings a seasoned perspective on the complexities of the nascent industry that will help shape and strengthen WACA initiatives.

Andy’s business and entrepreneurial achievements represent success in traditional industries, trade associations and today, in cannabis. Andy is President of Evergreen Herbal, which has been twice recognized as one of the 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies by the Puget Sound Business Journal. Prior to establishing Evergreen Herbal, Andy was acknowledged for his business acumen and leadership. He is a three-time Governor-appointed delegate to trade missions to China (twice) and Mexico, and Andy’s pre-cannabis companies have been on the INC 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies List. Andy attended law school at Thomas Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, and the University of Puget Sound Law School in Tacoma, Washington. He passed the Washington State Bar Exam in 1988 and served for 12 years as a member of the Law Clerk Board of the Washington State Bar Association, including as Chair.

Andy’s personal interests are as wide-ranging as his businesses. He enjoys travel, ski racing, rowing crew, running, and spending time with his wife, two daughters, son in law and grandson.


Joseph DuPuis

Board of Trustees - Tier 2 Producer/Processor

Joseph DuPuis is co-founder and CEO of Doc & Yeti Urban Farms, a multiple award-winning, Tier 2 producer/processor located in Tumwater, Washington.

With a proven record of executive management spanning nearly two decades, Joseph has led successful operations at every level. Prior to developing Doc & Yeti, Joseph spent 12 years in Tribal gaming, serving as Slot Director, Vice President of Gaming Operations, and Chief Operating Officer at Lucky Eagle Casino. 

Throughout his career, Joseph’s strong commitment to his community has led him to serve on the boards of several local organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County and the Chehalis Tribal Loan Fund, a certified Native Community Development Financial Institution. 

Outside of work, Joseph’s interests include spending time with family and friends, especially outdoors. An avid boater, fisherman, and snowboarder, he enjoys summers on the water and winters on the mountain. 

Joseph holds a BA in International Business from Fort Lewis College and an MBA from Saint Martin’s University.    


Troy Peterson

Board of Trustees - Retail

Born in Spokane, Washington, Troy is a seasoned business professional and entrepreneur with decades of experience launching, growing and expanding family-owned businesses. Born in Spokane, Troy grew up working with his family. He attended Washington State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in business with an emphasis in information systems.

Alongside his wife, Stacey, the Petersons founded Apex Cannabis and their first two shops were opened a week apart in September 2016. The third – and flagship – Apex Cannabis location launched in September 2018 at Apex Plaza on Division in Spokane. A separate shop, Apex Cannagear, which carries glass, goods, gear and hemp-based CBD products opened simultaneously. For the Petersons, cannabis is not only a business opportunity, but represents a journey for their family. Stacey and Troy saw firsthand the benefits of medical cannabis for Stacey’s dad after he developed pancreatic cancer, the same disease that took Troy’s father years earlier.

Troy comes to the WACA Board of Directors experienced in oversight and strategic guidance after stints as a Board Member and eventually President of the Washington Collectors Association from 2001-2006. He and Stacey have been active members of WACA, attending association events and Days-of-Action in Olympia since entering the industry. He looks forward to continuing to contribute and serve as a member of the WACA board.


Amber Vaughn 

Board of Trustees - Labs/Transporters

(Bio coming soon)


Russell E. Rosendal

Associate Member Representative - President/CEO of Salal Credit Union

Russell has been the President/CEO of Salal Credit Union since 2012, having previously served Salal as Chief Financial Officer beginning in 2008. A proven strategic, high integrity, energetic leader, he is a passionate advocate for credit unions and their members. Before coming to Salal, Russell was the Vice President of the Finance, Planning and Analysis Group/Home Loans for Washington Mutual. Prior to Washington Mutual, he was Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer and corporate secretary at Foundation Bank in Bellevue and Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer and corporate secretary at Cascade Bank in Everett.

Russell earned a Master of Business Administration from City University in Seattle and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Washington. He lives in Kirkland with his family.


[vacant]

 

Board of Trustees - Retail