Board of Directors
Dee Dee Taylor (PRESIDENT)
CEO/Founder 502 Hemp Wellness Center & 812 Hemp
Dee Dee Taylor was born in Middletown, Ohio. She graduated from Lebanon High School and attended The College of Mount St. Joseph. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies and had an exemplary career in Ohio and Kentucky as a paralegal/office manager. She became a permanent resident to Middletown, Kentucky in 2010 to be with her now husband, John Taylor and his daughter (now her daughter, as well). Her family jokes about leaving Middletown, only to be living in Middletown.
Dee Dee’s husband, John, suffers from Grand Mal seizures. No explanation as to why and he wasn’t born with them. 2010 was the height of his debilitating episodes. After a horrific episode, Dee Dee urged her husband to find a natural alternative. The pharmaceutical drugs were not working and the side effects were horrible. Her husband traveled out west and learned about CBD oils and began to use the products. His seizures immediately stopped and he went 5 years seizure free. He has only had 8 seizures in 13 years. He started making his medication at home and then in 2014 when Kentucky started their Hemp Pilot program, John and his partner were one of the first to be licensed as a hemp processor. They have been in business ever since making quality, safe products with Kentucky Hemp.
Dee Dee began taking the oil herself for debilitating anxiety and panic attacks in 2016 and noticed an overall improved quality of life. She decided to switch career paths to focus full time on the hemp business and helping others. She started setting up a booth at fairs and festivals around town as KY Beauty and Wellness. She didn’t set out to be in the alternative medicine field, but has found her calling and passion. Dee Dee truly loves to learn about new advances in hemp and loves to help others find relief through quality products. She also partners with other local companies to formulate other quality items using John’s extracts.
Dee Dee owns 502 Hemp Wellness Center, Louisville’s premier hemp boutique and recently opened 812 Hemp in Clarksville, IN. Dee Dee is excited to grow into Southern Indiana and offer her expertise to the local community with safe, quality, reliable products.
In 2022, Dee Dee was appointed by Governor Beshear to his Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee and continues her cannabis advocacy as an honorary board member to KY Moms for Medical Cannabis. Dee Dee also sits on the Board for the Kentucky Hemp Association and is on the Advisory Board for the St. Matthews Chamber as well.
On September 21, 2022, Dee Dee was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel for her advocacy work in the cannabis industry and advocating for legal hemp products and restrictions on Delta 8 products instead of an all out ban.
Dee Dee was honored to be awarded the 2023 Entrepreneur Boom Award from the Jeffersontown Chamber. She was also nominated in 2023 as a Most Admired Woman with Today’s Woman.
In 2019, Dee Dee was awarded the Strong Woman Leader Award by the Prospect Chamber and was recognized as the Top 20 People to Know in the Health Care industry in Louisville’s Business First, January 2019 edition.
502 Hemp was recognized as the Finalist for the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics in 2023. In 2022, 502 Hemp won Business of the Year and the 2022 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award by the Prospect Chamber. 502 Hemp also won the 2022 Leo’ Reader’s Choice award for Best CBD Oil. 502 Hemp also won the Community Choice Award for Best CBD Store from the Courier Journal for 2021, 2022 and 2023.
In 2021 Leo Reader’s Choice award for Best Place to Buy CBD and Best of the Best from the Courier Journal. 502 Hemp also won the 2020 Leo Reader’s Choice Award for Best CBD Oil and Best CBD oil and 2019 Leo Reader’s Choice award for Best Place to Buy CBD oil, Best CBD Oil and Best New Store/Business in Louisville. 502 Hemp was chosen as the 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 Neighborhood Favorite in Nextdoor.
502 Hemp is also the Official Hemp/CBD Product Partner for the Kentucky Derby Festival for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Dee Dee is honored to be in this industry of helping others with cannabis products. She proudly claims, whether you are in Louisville or Clarksville, we have you covered in both the Ville’s and everywhere else in between!
Chris Ware (VICE PRESIDENT)
KCA Labs
Christopher Ware has a careered experience built on developing multi-latitude life science testing labs across the U.S. and International markets – spanning the nutraceutical, natural products, and regulatory drug testing industries. Prior to moving into the cannabis industry, he consolidated the fractional network of equine anti-doping labs under a national uniform program and an industry specific accreditation. In 2019, Chris founded KCA Labs, serving as a third-party analytical chemistry lab focused on advancing the science of hemp, cannabis and beyond – an effort that now serves clients that span across 49 states and 30 countries. KCA Labs is ISO 17025 Accredited, licensed by numerous Federal and State agencies including DEA, USDA, KDA, and holds International licensure with ANVISA in Brazil and the Ministry of Health in Japan. More recently KCA Labs was awarded the first medical cannabis license by the state of Kentucky. In addition to the US Hemp Authority, Chris also serves on the Board of Directors for the National HIA and the Kentucky Hemp Association.
Katie Moyer (TREASURER)
Kentucky Hemp Works (Owner)
Katie Moyer is the founder of Kentucky Hemp Works, a seed and root processing facility in Western Kentucky. Her efforts to legalize hemp began in 2007 when she drafted the first version of Kentucky’s hemp legislation. As a result of her efforts educating and lobbying across the state, Katie was appointed to the Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission, where she served on the education and legislation committees. When hemp became legal under the Farm Bill of 2014, Katie had the chance to grow the first legal, privately owned plot since World War II. This crop led to the start of Kentucky Hemp Works, which continues to produce top-quality hemp products from every part of the plant. Katie currently sits on the Kentucky Industrial Hemp Advisory Board where she advises state government as a hemp producer. She also sits on the Kentucky Agriculture Development Board, which administers Tobacco Settlement Funds to help farmers diversify crops and fosters new growth and industries in agriculture.
Kellyann Salmon (Secretary)
Kentucky Gold CBD (Hemp Farmer, Founder), Greenhouse Growers (Owner)
Kellyann Salmon, Louisville Kentucky
Started in the Hemp Industry in 2015 as a KDA Approved grower in Louisville Ky. The first year approved for 100 acres along with her husband Tim Sparks. After growing Industrial Kentucky Hemp, she was able to see the benefits of the plant in helping people with medical conditions. Kelly sold Honey Bee CBD for her local processor for 2 years before she developed her brand Kentucky Gold CBD. After researching all benefits and watching the results of CBD in children with autism and seizures, she now sells her oil around the country helping children and adults control PTSD, anxiety, sleep disorders, seizer conditions, autism and a whole array of medical conditions. Kentucky Gold CBD has a store in Fern Creek, Kentucky and has been in operation since 2017.
Kellyann also had a Partnership, M&D Enterprises licensed in Oklahoma where they grow and produce Medical Marijuana to distribute to Licensed dispensaries. She also has worked throughout the Caribbean Islands in the Medical Cannabis industry as a consultant in growing, processing, and total production of the Cannabis plant.
In 2018, Kelly assisted in founding the Kentucky Hemp Farmers Association. Kelly sat on the Board and served 2 years as Secretary. Currently she is on the board of the Kentucky Hemp Association. Kellyann has helped farmers in the Hemp industry sell and market bulk material to processors.
All of Kentucky Gold CBD products are third party tested and made in Kentucky with Kentucky grown hemp. Kentucky Gold is distributed to many retail stores through out the US.
Kellyann resides in Louisville Ky and is the Proud Mother of Six daughters and 4 Grandchildren.
Justin Darnell
Appalachian Entrepreneur
Justin Darnell is an Appalachian Entrepreneur who seeks to elevate his community. Justin’s positive contributions of bringing new businesses and employment opportunities to his ton have been felt throughout the entire region. In three years, Justin has founded three successful business ventures. He has 20+ employees and is always looking to expand. Additionally, Justin looks to give back to his beloved community by supporting local charitable efforts, fundraisers, and community events.
Justin continually sources and advocates for organic solutions within the hemp industry for the people of Kentucky. He believes that together we can influence legislative and regulatory issues impacting the hemp industry with one unified voice.
Justin Swanson
Partner (Bose McKinney & Evans)
Justin Swanson is a partner with Bose McKinney & Evans and the chair of the firm’s Cannabis practice group. He is at the forefront of the cannabis industry and has developed a unique multi-dimensional government affairs practice that leverages his public policy expertise with traditional legal skills to effectively advance the interests of his diverse set of clients from small towns to Fortune 500 companies.
In 2019, the Indiana Lawyer recognized Swanson as an Up and Coming Lawyer, an award bestowed on just 15 attorneys statewide each year. Swanson was also included in the 2021 and 2022 Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch Lists, a recognition honoring attorneys who are earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. In 2023, Justin was named a Global Top-200 Cannabis Lawyer by Cannabis Law Report and Cannabis Law Journal.
Swanson is also a principal at Bose Public Affairs Group LLC, where he is a member of the state and local government relations team.
Phillip Snow
Attorney
As an attorney in the cannabis space since 2011, Philip dedicates most of his time utilizing his broad experience to help inform and drive sensible regulations and policy movement within the industry.
Since starting with the nation’s first marijuana only law firm and taking part in the passage of Colorado’s historic Amendment 64, Philip has focused his efforts helping small businesses succeed amid rapidly evolving regulatory landscapes in the cannabis industry.
More recently, Philip has focused his practice on the nascent hemp and cannabinoid industry. As a solutions-oriented attorney, he works with clients to comply with rules and regulations governing all aspects of the hemp supply chain.
In addition to this, Philip regularly advises state legislators, state agencies, and Members of Congress on the drafting and creation of policies that balance consumer safety with market demand. His work builds upon existing foundations while advocating for responsibility and legitimacy within the hemp industry across the country.
Philip is licensed to practice law in CO.
When he’s not working on exciting projects in the fast-paced cannabis industry, Philip can be found outside hiking, kayaking and golfing.”
Michael Adair
Kentucky Farmed (Co-founder)
Michael Adair is a dynamic sales leader and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, particularly in the hemp and CBD space. He has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation through his leadership roles, including when he was Director of Innovation at Medterra and currently is the Co-Founder of Kentucky Farmed. Michael is passionate about developing advanced wellness products by integrating scientific research and botanical ingredients. His expertise spans hemp processing, manufacturing, and the commercialization of CBD products, positioning him as a thought leader in the industry.
As a board member of the Kentucky Hemp Association, I bring extensive industry knowledge and strategic insight from my years of experience in both sales leadership and product innovation. As the Co-Founder of Kentucky Farmed, a licensed hemp grow operation, I have hands-on experience in the cultivation and management of hemp crops, which deepens my understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing farmers. My background in developing and commercializing hemp-based wellness products allows me to contribute to shaping the future of the hemp industry in Kentucky. I am committed to advocating for the growth and sustainability of the industry by supporting legislation, fostering collaboration, and driving market opportunities that benefit both farmers and businesses.
Rose Seeger
City Green Resources (Owner)
Rose was born in Pendleton County, Kentucky on her family farm that is still owned by her and her brother. Her current residence is in Melbourne, Kentucky.
She owns two companies; Green City Resources a landscaping company specializing in the design, installation and maintenance of stormwater management systems; bioretention, vegetated roofing and rainwater harvesting. She founded Green City in 2008 and works in the commercial, healthcare and residential fields in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas.
Kentucky Girl Hemp began in 2018, with relatives in Harrison County growing hemp for CBD products. She started out with two stores, now selling mainly at farmers markets, special events and online.
Rose is an adjunct professor at University of Cincinnati DAAP teaching Landscape Architecture and Sustainable Urban Landscape design
And a former adjunct professor for Cincinnati State teaching Stormwater Management in Sustainable Horticulture
Rose’s certifications include:
LEED AP BD and C: US Green Building Council
Therapeutic Garden Designer: Chicago Botanical Gardens
GRP (Green Roof Professional): Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
ARCSA AP: (American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association)
Paul Glover
Hemp Farmer
In my career I have a diverse and well-seasoned list of skills and experiences in my tool belt as an owner/ operator of construction and farm businesses for over 35 years. Upon completion of my military service, having received an honorable discharge, I began a construction and development company which grew and thrived until I decided to move back home to Kentucky to help my family and their farm in 2012.
Beginning in 2015, NE Farms was one of the first group of licensed hemp farms approved under Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program. My business acumen, extensive knowledge of planning, building, managing construction projects easily allowed me to rapidly convert the family farm to participate in the program converting existing infrastructure to meet the requirements issued by the Department of Agriculture.
DENISE RAINE
HERITAGE GARDEN, LLC (OWNER / FOUNDER)
As a young adult in Louisville and empowered by a deep sense of both appreciation and responsibility Denise Raine forged a path as an emerging leader. Denise has been involved in Youth Alive, Sisters for Life, West Louisville Urban Coalition and many other noteworthy organizations that have had tremendous impact on those underprivileged and underserved throughout her community.
She began in the hemp industry by simply reaching out to Comer’s team back in 2014 when the pilot program was introduced in KY. It was in 2016 when her industry presence took root. She solicited the city of Louisville to develop 24 acres in west Louisville into a development that was both revenue and programmatically driven by industrial hemp.
Denise currently resides in 43rd district in a collage of Louisville neighborhoods, such as Chickasaw, Portland and Phoenix Hill and small cities, such as Indian Hills, St. Matthews and Woodland Park, which encompass the realities of the racial diverse mix of the district. The benefit of this is that Denise can represent industry diversity just as gracefully as she has embraced representativeness of her residential blended community.
Robert Matheny
Cannabis Activist
Robert Matheny has been involved in the hemp industry since 2018. As a Licensed hemp processor for the first several years of the industry and a cannabis retail dispensary with two locations here in Kentucky throughout a worldwide pandemic, he has helped break the cannabis stigma one person at a time and help bring attention to the antiviral properties of cannabinoids. A known cannabis activist that has extensively studied cannabis cultivation, curing, extraction, and processing… Robert helps to bridge the gap between the cannabis and hemp industries here in Kentucky. Rebutting propaganda and false information, Robert has helped bring media attention to hemp issues as they arose throughout the beginning of the hemp industry and currently works to bring that same attention to any potential roadblocks the hemp industry may encounter in the future. With an ultimate goal of full cannabis decriminalization , we want Kentucky to be the Cannabis Supplier for the World. Kentucky deserves this plant and Kentuckians deserve the right to lead this industry without the red tape restrictions that our legislation would use to tax our citizens. Robert is a Board Director of Kentucky Cannabis Freedom Coalition as well as a Board Director and volunteer for the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce.
Nic Johnson
Black Barn Holdings (Operator / Co-Owner)
Nic Johnson’s professional career showcases his leadership and entrepreneurial acumen
across various industries.
From 2010 to 2013, Nic effectively operated Fan Outfitters, a prominent local sports
apparel chain. Following the acquisition of Fan Outfitters by Lids Sports Group, Nic served as a
Licensed Retail Executive with Lids until 2019, playing a pivotal role in the company’s
expansion and market success.
Simultaneously, Nic and his wife Erin owned and operated Tack House Pub, a
restaurant in Lexington, KY, from 2008 until its sale in 2021. His management and vision were
instrumental in establishing the restaurant as a local favorite.
Since 2019, Nic has been the Co-Owner and Operator of Black Barn Holdings, one of
the premier hemp cultivators in Kentucky, and Edify, a social consumable brand focused on
CBD and hemp-derived cannabinoids. Nic & Black Barn have successfully endured the ever-
changing hemp industry. By maintaining meticulous growing, harvesting and curing standards,
Black Barn ensures a superior and clean product, proving why Kentucky is the best place on the planet to grow hemp.
Nic’s time and energy are fully dedicated to advocating for and supporting the growth
and achievement of the Kentucky hemp industry.
Taylor Marret
Sugar Creek Ag (President)
Taylor Marret is the President of Sugar Creek Ag and previously spent 6 years with Montys Plant Food Company as their Hemp consultant. He is an experienced hemp farmer and fertilizer consultant that has been in the farming industry for over 20 years. He is well informed on the growing of hemp, having raised the crop himself and having worked with growers from around the country. He is a staunch advocate for the industry and is very well versed on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
LaToya Goodin-Húnfjörð
Aesthetician/Hemp Farmer
LATOYA GOODIN-HÚNFJÖRÐ
South Central Leaf LLC
Campbellsville, Ky
LaToya was introduced to the hemp industry in 2017. Harvest season is where her
love for the plant began.
She is experienced in buying and selling crude oil/hemp; shipping to processing companies.
She likes to be involved from seed to retail, which prompted her to start selling Certified European Union seed for Kintsugi Seeds.
She works for South Central Leaf Services LLC.
To further her education in the cannabis industry, she attended Sullivan University in Oct 2021 for Cannabusiness where she graduated Cum Laude in Oct 2022.
She is also an active Board Member of Sullivan University Cannabusiness Studies Advisory Board and The Minorities for Medical Marijuana.
Denise O’Donnell
Founder and Chief Vision Officer (CVO) of Joint profits
Denise O’Donnell is the Founder and Chief Vision Officer (CVO) of Joint profits. An innovative and modern C-Suite executive, she earned her first Vice Presidency role at 26- years old, as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Bringing a wealth of knowledge to the table from accounting and business, Denise has a finite focus and is licensed in three key areas: money, people, and systems. With a history of 14+ years in the field Denise has express strengths in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), financial reporting and analysis, strategic planning, policy and governance, and long-term budgetary oversight.
A natural born entrepreneur Denise works with others to help them build successful and sustainable business ecosystems. Throughout her career, Denise has kept a roster of clients while working full-time but has decided that it is time to take the next step and begin putting 100% effort and focus into Joint Profits with an emphasis on education and advocacy in the cannabis space discovering that she is at her best when helping others succeed. Denise showcases where she has led, designed, built, and implemented projects such as opening the State of Ohio’s inaugural Medical Marijuana Testing Lab, a Water Park, a Dog Grooming and Boarding Facility, and a Distillery to name a few.
Joe Boese
Owner CBD Time
Bio:Born in Germany and later moved to KY when his mother married a retired U.S. soldier. Joe spent 4 years in the military as a paratrooper, including serving in Desert Storm/Shield, and other deployments.
After the military, he received my associates from Hazard Community College, and a degree in accounting from Western Ky University. He retired and opened his own business after working at Toyota Manufacturing for almost 15 years and being injured.
Diagnosed with cancer twice, he used CBD to treat my chronic pain, and soon realized it was helping my quality of life. This encouraged him to help others by retailing CBD products.
He has fought to keep Delta 8 legal for that very reason, not just for myself but for others. He wants all Hemp & Marijuana products to become legal and believe that this plant was put on this Earth to help people.
C.J. Carter
Founder/CEO of The CannaMercial Realty Group
C.J. Carter has been involved in the Cannabis space since 2015 consulting, developing brands, and hosting licensing/educational seminars. He’s the Founder/CEO of The CannaMercial Realty Group which he founded in February of 2022. After becoming a licensed commercial real estate agent in April of 2022, C.J. decided to join Coldwell Banker McMahan with a shared vision of growing relationships around property changes, challenges and transactions within the Cannabis Space. His philosophy is built around being an educational resource in this young, influx and inherently risky Cannabis Real Estate marketplace where due diligence is a necessity. C.J. is a recent graduate of the Leadership Louisville Center, Ignite Louisville program, Spring 2021 class representing Minorities for Medical Marijuana where he currently serves as Kentucky State Director since 2019. His role as director includes opening the doors of access by being a resource to individuals and communities adversely affected by poverty and social injustice through information, referrals, advocacy coordination and education. C.J. also serves as the COO of The Hola Cannabi Group which is a Cannabis products and technologies company.
