The IEC Series is a Partnership for Professionalism, Honoring the Visionaries of 2026 and Opening Nominations for Our National Tour.
The cannabis industry has officially outgrown its “emerging” label. We are no longer just a collection of startups and pioneers. This industry is a multi-billion dollar global powerhouse defined by sophisticated supply chains, complex regulatory frameworks, and high-stakes capital markets. But as the industry matures, a critical question arises: Who is actually steering the ship?
At Proven Media, we realized that while the industry is quick to celebrate sales figures and product launches, it often overlooks the human element, the executive leadership that provides the stability, integrity, and long-term vision necessary for this industry to survive and thrive.
That realization was the catalyst for The Influential Executives of Cannabis (IEC) Leadership Awards Series. In a powerful collaboration with RW Navis & Associates and mg Magazine, we set out to identify and honor the individuals who are advancing the professionalization of cannabis.
A Night Above the Hills: The West Hollywood Recap
On March 17, 2026, the IEC series made its most recent stop in one of the most significant cannabis hubs in the world: West Hollywood.
The setting was the stunning E.P. & L.P. Rooftop & Restaurant, where the Los Angeles skyline served as a backdrop for an evening dedicated to excellence. From 4:30 to 8:30 pm, the rooftop was buzzing, not just with the usual networking energy, but with a palpable sense of shared purpose.
California’s market is famously sink or swim, and the executives in the room were the ones who have not only stayed afloat but have built the lifeboats for others. As the sun set, we paused to present custom trophies and certificates to a select group of well-deserved honorees.
Introducing The 2026 West Hollywood Honorees:
Our West Hollywood cohort represents the “who’s who” of California cannabis and the ancillary services that keep the gears turning. We are incredibly proud to recognize:
- Andrew Hagstrom – Weedmaps
- Angela Hochberger – IMA Financial Services
- Angela Cheng – Sunderstorm
- Barry Walker – Dub Bros / Tradecraft Farms
- Cameron Clarke – Sunderstorm
- Charlie Copelan – CBIS Capital
- Fred Barnum – Phinest Cannabis
- Howard Lee – Sorse
- James Gates – PuffCO
- Jennifer Hill – Cannaivaz
- Jo Jacobson – Rove
- Kim McNab – Canopy
- Lauren Carpenter – Embarc
- Lauren Fontein – The Artist Tree Cannabis
- Laurie Holcomb – Gramlin
- Marty Higgins – Urbana
- Mishka Ashbel – MMD Shops
- Patrik Eriksson – Futurola
- Rocco Del Priore – Sweed
- RW (Raymond) Navis – RW Navis & Associates
- Shahar Yamay – Hefestus
- Skyler Sutton – Mammoth Distribution
- Slava Ashbel – MMD Shops
- Toby Skard – Futurola
- Whitney Conroy – Phylos
The Power of Partnership: Proven Media, RW Navis, and mg Magazine
Each partner in our IEC Series brings a unique lens to the selection and celebration process:
- Proven Media: As a national PR firm specializing in highly regulated industries, we see firsthand which executives are successfully navigating the public eye and building brands that last. Our focus is on the “Star Makers,” those who elevate their teams and the industry’s reputation simultaneously.
- RW Navis & Associates: Led by veteran executive recruiter Ray Navis, this partnership provides a deep dive into the “C-suite” talent pool. Ray’s CannaPac executive gatherings provide the perfect, curated environment for these honors to be bestowed among peers.
- mg Magazine: The gold standard of cannabis trade journalism. Through this collaboration, each regional honoree receives editorial coverage that goes beyond a simple headline. mg Magazine provides the “why” behind the win, detailing the executive’s leadership style and industry impact for their national audience.
The Selection Process: What Defines an “Influential Executive”?
We are often asked what the selection committee looks for during the nomination process. In an industry with no shortage of big personalities, the IEC Series looks for something deeper.
We prioritize:
- Stewardship: How is this executive moving the needle for the entire industry, not just their own bottom line?
- Mentorship: Are they investing in the next generation of leadership?
- Stability: Have they demonstrated the ability to lead a company through the volatile “green rush” and into a phase of sustainable growth?
- Integrity: Does their leadership reflect the professionalization and accountability that the modern market demands?
On The Road Again: Upcoming 2026 Tour Dates
While West Hollywood was a massive success, the IEC Series is a national journey. We are traveling to key cannabis hubs throughout the year to honor even more executives shaping regional markets. These events coincide with curated CannaPac gatherings, ensuring the room is always filled with high-level decision-makers and founders.
Mark your calendars for our upcoming stops:
- Paradise Valley, AZ — May 28, 2026
- Chicago, IL — June 13, 2026
- Las Vegas, NV — December 1–4, 2026
Nominate a Leader: Help Us Shape the Future
The strength of this series lies in the community. We rely on industry stakeholders, employees, and peers to help us identify the leaders who are doing the hard work behind the scenes.
Do you know an executive or a national leader who deserves to be recognized? Someone who embodies integrity, mentorship, and visionary leadership?
Now is the time to ensure their impact is recorded in the history of this industry.
Click Here to Submit a Nomination for the Influential Executives of Cannabis Series
About Proven Media
Proven Media is a full-service, national public relations firm based in Carefree, Arizona, serving highly regulated industries. Founded in 2014, the firm provides strategic PR and marketing services to guide new and emerging companies, brands, and executives as they grow and succeed in a rapidly changing market. Called Star Makers by NV Magazine, named a Top PR Firm by the Business Journal, and recognized as a Top 5 Most Powerful PR Firm by the Observer, Proven Media is committed to elevating the voices of rising leaders nationwide. To learn more, visit provenmedia.com.
