Meet Our
Executive Advisory Council

Grounded Wisdom. Strategic Insight. Aligned Action.

At The Mycelia Group, we’ve built more than a business—we’re cultivating a movement around smarter,
saner, and more strategic leadership. Our Executive Advisory Council plays a key role in guiding that mission.

This curated group includes powerhouse attorneys, former Fortune execs, chamber leaders, policy advocates,
and fractional C-suite operators—each bringing high-level expertise, proven experience, and deep industry perspective.

They serve as thought partners, collaborators, and strategic co-creators. Together, we work not only to grow
The Mycelia Group intentionally—but to shape the broader business landscape through systems-driven innovation and
values-based leadership.


Jessica Ferranti

Founder & CEO, The Mycelia Group
Senior Strategic Advisor, New Jersey Cannabis Chamber of Commerce
Board Member, STM Canna

With 15+ years in national executive roles across markets like tech & AI, media, cannabis, manufacturing, and hospitality, Jessica Ferranti builds companies that work—from the inside out. Focusing on rapidly-growing startups and organizations, she has a proven track record of creating revenue, operations, marketing, and IT infrastructure designed to help CEOs, founders, investors, and boards scale sustainably.

In 2017, Jessica helped launch STM Canna —a USA-based post-harvest equipment company— where she generated millions in revenue year one and on, deployed and simultaneously oversaw multiple divisions, led executive strategy, and established a 95%+ market share of Canadian licensed cannabis producers post-federal legalization.

Before starting The Mycelia Group. Jessica was also the CRO of three national media brands, including Innovation & Tech Today and Cannabis & Tech Today. There, she oversaw internal operations and created marketing campaigns for cannabis brands up to global behemoths like Amazon, Sony, and Crestron. Aligning with her mission to drive an equitable future for women founders, Jessica launched initiatives like the inaugural “Women of Cannabis” issue and “Cannabis Tech Talks Women’s Roundtable Series”.

Now through The Mycelia Group, she combines her breadth of experience and her large network of experts to help leadership teams scale sustainably without a bloated payroll. She’s also a sought-after panelist, moderator, and podcast guest known for curating smart strategy and spotlighting women driving the industry forward.

Jeanne Sullivan

Sullivan Adventures LLC

Co-Founder, CIO Arcview Ventures

Based in NYC,  Jeanne is a long-time venture capital GP with a successful track record investing in dynamic companies and establishing “best-practices” funds. She learned the investing “ropes” as an MD with Olivetti Ventures, a European entity in NYC that understood the value of US-based tech investing. She was a co-founder of a $400M AUM venture capital firm and then co-founded an early-stage fund in the cannabis and agri-business industry. With a foundation and technical marketing and product management from AT&T and Bell Labs,  Sullivan was early to understand and invest in cloud-based computing, tech and e-Commerce businesses, and early as a cannabis investor and thought leader. She has invested in more than 160 early and mid-stage companies and serves on more than 20 boards of directors.

Sullivan was honored by the New York Hall of Science for her interest and encouragement for STEM learning and professional opportunities, and served on its board.  She has served as a Board of Trustee for Astia, investing in women-founded companies; honored as an Athena Fellow for Barnard College, and served many years on the Harvard Women’s Leadership Board. 

Amna Shamim

Director of Content Marketing, The Cannabis Community

Amna Shamim is a seasoned marketing and communications expert with nearly a decade of experience in the cannabis industry and a lifetime of work in the marketing, brand-building, and communications space. As a dynamic and engaging speaker, she specializes in community building that grows brands and businesses, storytelling that evolves companies, and growth strategies that positively impact bottom lines.

Amna has been instrumental in building North America’s largest and most engaged cannabis consumer community and has developed interstate and international market expansion strategies for multiple brands. Running her own consulting company, she serves clients across North America, Europe, and Oceania, bringing a global perspective to cannabis movements while adeptly tailoring strategies to local markets and communities. Known as a marketing badass and savvy strategist, Amna inspires audiences with actionable strategies for effective communication, which drives sustainable growth and creates compelling brand narratives that drive customer loyalty and business success.

Rachel Wright

Founder, VERDANT Strategies

With 15+ years in the game, Rachel is a sharp, strategic CPA who helps fast-growing companies in the U.S. and EU untangle complex tax issues, scale across borders, and stay ahead of the curve. She holds a Master’s in Taxation and a Master’s Certification in International Tax & Estates from Golden Gate University.

She’s a board member of The Cannabis Chamber of Commerce and serves on the INCBA International Committee. A steadfast advocate for cannabis reform since well before the industry hit the mainstream, she brings precision, passion, and a no-BS approach that keeps the work grounded in the people who built it.

Deneka Hobby Scott

Principal, Plan B Services

Deneka is a powerhouse fractional CMO, COO, and marketing ops strategist who brings clarity and structure to fast-moving, mission-driven companies. With a specialty in regulated and emerging industries, she’s led marketing and operations for national cannabis associations, innovation networks, and real estate firms.

Her recent roles include CMO of the Emerging Markets Coalition, the National Association of Cannabis Businesses, and the International Association of Innovation Professionals. She also served as a consultant and moderator for the Vermont Cannabis Control Board, guiding policy discussions during statewide rulemaking.

Kim Prince

Founder & CEO, Proven Media

A passionate public relations powerhouse, Kim Prince is the founder of Proven Media, bringing more than 20 years of B2B and B2C corporate marketing campaigns to the table. She founded the esteemed “Meet the Cannabis Press” events organization, which brings experts together to explore the journalistic challenges faced in cannabis press coverage.

Named a Notable Leader in Cannabis by Green Market Report and one of the Top Most Powerful Women of Cannabis by AZ Business Magazine, Prince makes strong, complex businesses and their visionaries reach their goals through the use of smart and strategic communications. She holds a degree in journalism with an emphasis in advertising from Northern Arizona University.

Beth Conway

Co-Founder & Director, NJ Cannabis Chamber of Commerce
Founder, Compass Sales Training & Consulting

Beth Conway is a strategic sales coach and cannabis industry advocate known for her hustle, humor, and heart. With a focus on high-performing teams and sustainable growth, she helps businesses refine their sales strategy and show up with purpose.

As Co-Founder and Director of the NJ Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, Beth leads statewide membership and sponsorship growth while championing social equity for women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities. She’s a powerful voice for inclusion—and yes, there’s even a cannabis strain named after her (unofficially).

Beard Bros Media

Bill Levers, Jeff Levers & Brian Holler

Beard Bros Media is led by industry veterans Bill and Jeff Levers, alongside Brian Holler, bringing a decade-plus of cannabis advocacy, education, and trusted media to the table. Known for their unapologetic authenticity, the team has built one of the most respected platforms in cannabis culture through their widely read newsletter The Friday Sesh and a steady stream of original reporting, insights, and event coverage.

With roots as legacy cultivators turned licensed operators, they’ve evolved into a powerhouse media and consulting collective. Today, Beard Bros Media bridges legacy and legal markets—elevating industry voices, educating consumers, and advising brands on strategy and compliance while continuing to champion cannabis culture and community.

Tom Nolasco

Partner at N Firm PLLC | Insurance Agent, Carma365

Tom Nolasco is a veteran cannabis attorney and strategic advisor with deep expertise in employment law, licensing, and regulatory risk. As Partner at N Firm PLLC and former General Counsel of the National Association of Cannabis Businesses (NACB), he’s helped companies navigate high-stakes decisions across operations, compliance, and M&A.

A recognized speaker and thought leader, Tom brings sharp legal insight to key industry conversations—from moderating labor and employment panels at the Hispanic National Bar Association to leading AI ethics discussions at the World Litigation Forum and speaking at the Global Legal Association in Dubai. He also serves on the Executive Board of MITA and supports business owners through Carma365 Insurance.

Interested in Joining the Council?

If you’re an established leader with deep expertise and a desire to co-create the future of intentional business, let’s talk. We invite select contributors to join our Council and help shape the path forward—for The Mycelia Group and the industries we serve.