SMITH, AARON
Aaron Smith is the Co-founder and CEO of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), the largest trade association representing legal cannabis businesses in the U.S. and the only one dedicated to ensuring that the voices of small and independent businesses are heard in the evolving conversation around marijuana policy.
A prominent leader in the cannabis reform movement, Aaron has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts for nearly two decades. Before launching NCIA in 2010, he worked as a public advocate for marijuana policy change, beginning with the California-based medical cannabis group Safe Access Now in 2005. He later served as the California Policy director for the Marijuana Policy Project, a national organization advancing state and federal reforms.
Aaron has played a key role in building bipartisan coalitions to support cannabis law reform, effectively bridging political divides to promote sensible, inclusive policy. He is a sought-after speaker at major industry and policy events nationwide, regularly appearing as a keynote speaker or panelist to discuss the cannabis industry’s impact on reform efforts.
His commentary and opinion pieces have been featured in major outlets such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and San Francisco Chronicle, and he is a frequent guest on national television news programs. Originally from California, Aaron now resides in Denver, Colorado.
GILBERT, BROOKE
Brooke Gilbert is the Chief Strategy Officer at the National Cannabis Industry Association. She has been with the organization since early 2013 and has held two previous roles including the Director of Events & Education as well as the Events & Membership Coordinator. In her role, she develops & coordinates NCIA’s organizational strategy, manages NCIA’s communication & educational channels, and sets NCIA’s robust events strategy consisting of all of NCIA’s networking, advocacy, & educational events nationwide. Throughout the last decade this has encompassed the ideation and execution of numerous industry-renowned events including the Cannabis Caucus and Industry Social event series, the annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days, the two editions of Cannabis Carnival, and the former Cannabis Business Summit & Expo. Prior to joining NCIA, Brooke served as the Outreach and Events Coordinator for medical cannabis patient-advocacy group Americans for Safe Access where she facilitated the organization’s first national conference. Brooke first got involved in drug policy reform through Students for Sensible Drug Policy, and is a proud recipient of the “Outstanding Alumni Award”.
Brooke graduated from James Madison University with a B.S. in Public Policy and Administration. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband, daughter, dog, and cat.
GILBERT, BRIAN
Brian Gilbert is Director of Engagement & Experience for the National Cannabis Industry Association. He works to ensure the success of the NCIA events & webinar programs through sponsorship support among member businesses, coordination of promotional efforts, and management of all logistics. Brian got his start in the drug policy reform movement in 2009 as one of the founding members of the Students for Sensible Drug Policy chapter at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. He quickly became involved on the local, state, and national level as an Outreach Coordinator for SSDP’s live music activism-based AMPLIFY Project, transforming it over four years into a leading voice for drug policy reform and harm reduction within the live music community. In addition to his work with NCIA, Brian also serves as director of artist and volunteer relations for the AMPLIFY Project and sits on the board of directors of the non-profit harm reduction organization DanceSafe. He has called numerous places home including Denver, CO for over a decade, but recently relocated back to his home state of Virginia.
RUTTER FRIBERG, MICHELLE
Michelle Rutter Friberg is director of government relations for the National Cannabis Industry Association. Prior to working for NCIA, Michelle was a research analyst at a government affairs firm in Washington, D.C., where she analyzed and tracked legislation on numerous issues. Michelle graduated from James Madison University in 2012, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in History. During her studies, she held a year-long internship with Virginia House of Delegates member Tony Wilt (R). There, she communicated with constituents, businesses, and government officials alike, facilitating meaningful conversations. Michelle was also a member of a pre-law fraternity where she planned events and hosted social functions that sought to encourage long-lasting professional and personal relationships with members. A native Virginian, Michelle currently resides in the Washington, D.C. neighborhood of Capitol Hill.
