The office of the first administrator of the Cannabis Office in Rhode Island is up and running, with Governor Dan McKee announcing on Thursday that Michelle A. Reddish, MS, MPH, would take the position.
Reddish is currently the Chief Operating Officer of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), a state-run agency that regulates Oklahoma’s medical cannabis program. In her position with OMMA, Reddish has led the implementation of technological advancements and overseen the expansion of satellite offices. She previously served as the Chief Regulatory Officer at OMMA, where she led the agency’s largest team, Compliance. Under Reddish’s leadership, the Compliance team achieved a 100% inspection rate in 2022.
In addition to her position with OMMA, Reddish has held leadership positions with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), where she led the implementation of technological advancements and oversaw the expansion of satellite offices. She previously served as the Chief Regulatory Officer at OMMA, where she led the agency’s largest team, Compliance. Under Reddish’s leadership, the Compliance team achieved a 100% inspection rate in 2022.
Reddish has also served as a lab analyst, cementing engineer, and regulatory compliance specialist with SLB, a global technology company. She is a graduate of Tulane University and 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.”
McKee will submit Reddish’s nomination to the Rhode Island Senate for advice and consent. If confirmed, Reddish will be responsible for overseeing and administering cannabis use across the state of Rhode Island.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.