Texas Hemp Industries Association Names New Board Members
Three new members have been appointed to the Texas Hemp Industries Association (TXHIA) board of directors, effective May 1, 2020.
Justin Pinkus is the contributing partner, VP of Genetics & Agronomy Crown Grow Texas and owner at Tawakoni Plant Farm. As a third-generation commercial plant farmer in Wills Point Texas, Pinkus’ propagation knowledge and “boots on the ground” experience is rivaled by few other plantsmen. With over 150+ years in combined plant experience, TPF propagates over one million plants per year and specializes in contract grows for large projects. Notable projects include: the Dallas Arboretum, the new Baylor Stadium, the George Bush freeway and HWY 121 in Dallas, Klyde Warren Park, SMU, and Deep Ellum in Dallas.
With over 20 years of financial technology experience, Justin Fischer, CEO and co-founder of VeriLeaf, brings a heavy focus on community financial institutions and user experience. Prior to VeriLeaf, he founded Launchy Consulting, providing MSB and scale consulting to start-ups and financial institutions nationally. He worked with VC and PE groups for buy-side reviews of emerging technology companies. He served as the CEO and CPO for Student Loan Genius with clients like Voya, John Hancock, and NY Life as well as various executive roles with Q2ebanking including the SVP of Operations in the approach to their hugely successful IPO in 2014.
Cree Crawford, president/COO of Ionization Labs, is a seasoned C-Level science and technology executive with over 25 years of documented success in developing, operating, and growing successful businesses from concept to successful multi-million dollar organizations. In 2016, Crawford with co-founder, Alex Andrawes started Ionization Labs in an effort to create a standardized, cost-effective, and simplified cannabinoid potency testing solution for the hemp industry. He volunteers on the Board of Vet to Vet – US combat veteran support, United Patients Group; medical cannabis educational foundation, Tennessee Growers Coalition, and is a Pioneer Advisor for AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) Cannabis Analytical Science Program (CASP). Mr. Crawford earned title of “Hon. Wing Commander” of 149th TX ANG Fighter Wing “Gun Fighters” Texas Air National Guard for his leadership and cooperative relationships with the USAF, Joint Base San Antonio 502d Air Base Wing (JBSA) Lackland. Crawford has a number of scientific and technology application solutions as PI with USSOCOM, DOD and NSI. He is also a former US Congressional Staffer and Civil Service Commissioner.
Hemphill serves as the president of Texas Hemp Industries Association, and is the president and co-founder of Texagon LLC, specializing in compliance, logistics, and governmental affairs. He has extensive experience navigating the DEA, USPS, USDA, TDA, DSHS, DPS, Texas Legislature, and local Texas District Attorneys and law enforcement issues.
The incoming board members are excited for the U.S. and Texas hemp market’s potential and see a tremendous economic development from this crop with the ability to support industry through its many applications.