Meet the Team
Meet our team of scientists, formulators, researchers, and technical experts crafting the finest quality CBD ingredients and products.
Executives
Dave Neundorfer
CEO
Tech and cannabis entrepreneur with deep channels to capital in Ohio, Silicon Valley, and Europe. Executed exclusive, royalty-based software licensing partnerships with leading semiconductor and industrial partners.
Dartmouth and Stanford GSB
Oscar Hackett, J.D.
President & CFO
New venture formation and capitalization expert with multiple start-ups built and exited. A strategic CFO and GC with deep fundraising (equity and debt) and regulatory experience.
Georgetown and Harvard Law
Scott Thorn
Chief Strategy Officer
Experienced business and cannabis executive. Formerly President and COO of the 12th largest vertical cannabis company in the U.S.; directed the exclusive distribution relationship that achieved #1 market share in the Colorado vape market in less than 12 months.
Boston College
Nicole Brown
Chief Innovation Officer
Seasoned marketing executive in the consumer and lifestyle space, including LVMH and Shiseido Cosmetics. Founded and sold a mapping technology company to TripAdvisor. Known for her keen sense of ever-changing consumer wants to drive huge growth.
Harvard University
David Stopher, M.S.
CIO
Operations executive who has overseen strategic partnerships with fortune 100 companies; skilled communicator who implements systems that leverage technology, team members’ unique abilities and partner synergies.
Princeton & Case Western Reserve University
Gang Tian, M.S.
CTO
Tech leader with extensive experiences on IT and industry. Commercialized a Cleveland State University technology. Authored 10+ patent portfolios acquired by one of the global leading drive companies.
BUPT & Cleveland State
Joe Keil
COO
Keil joins OBX from Medterra, where he served as Vice President of Operations, leading Medterra’s global operations, supply chain, procurement, quality, and customer care for consumer packaged goods across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce channels in the USA, EU, India, Japan, and South America. Keil helped Medterra grow through key global partnerships including CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Sprouts, Publix, Holland & Barrett, FlipKart India, Amazon India, and Megalabs Latin America. Prior to joining Medterra, Keil held executive roles in operations and procurement at Cummins and Colfax including a 6 year expat assignment in Beijing, China. He is a certified Lean Kaizen Black Belt, 6 Sigma Green Belt and 6 Sigma Sponsor. Prior to receiving his MBA in Supply Chain, Keil served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy and Senior Instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Nicole Lemus
Chief Revenue Officer
Lemus joins OBX from Vit-Best Nutrition, provider of manufacturing solutions for the nutritional supplement industry, where she served as Chief Growth Officer. Previously, she was Vice President of Sales at Prinova, one of the largest global ingredient distributors, and International Vitamin Corporation, global manufacturer and distributor of vitamins and related health products. Lemus has 20+ years of experience leading organizations in achieving revenue transformation, aggressive growth, increased profitability and brand elevation, and is recognized as an expert at building, training and motivating teams to deliver effective short-term and long-term results.
Operations
Ryan Stickles
General Manager
Results driven management professional with over 20 years experience in operations, logistics, cGMP manufacturing, and distribution for MATI Energy Drinks, CURiO Brands, and Counter Culture Coffee.
University of Maryland
Andrea Baillo
Vice President of Product Innovation and Research
Baillo is an experienced scientist with a demonstrated history of working in cannabis research, development, and manufacturing, cancer research, and food and beverage industries. Baillo most recently served as Senior Director, Research & Development, Quality at Green Thumb Industries (GTI), and she is known for her focus on product safety and stability of cannabinoid focused formulations in highly regulated markets.
Wayne State University & Wayne State Medical School
Chelsea Pipkin
VP of Quality Assurance
Pipkin is a lo Quality Professional in the food production industry. Pipkin served as Vice President of Quality Assurance at Gencanna, and has held previous quality roles at Bunge North America and SEMO Milling. In these roles, she successfully completed Global Food Safety Initiative audit schemes BRCGS and SQF, 21 CFR 110, 111, and 117, U.S. Hemp Authority Grower and Processor, YUM brands QSA and FSA, and led a team recommended for accreditation against IS0 17025. She holds a Master’s Degree focused in Masters of Natural Sciences.
Southeast Missouri State University
Alexandra DePalma
Director of Product Innovation
DePalma is a cannabis product developer and scientific researcher with 10 years’ experience in analytical chemistry, material science engineering, and product development across multiple industries. DePalma spent the last 4 years as Research and Development Manager and Product Developer at Green Thumb Industries (GTI). leading product development, enhancements, and redesign with a focus on production, quality management systems, and strategic technology for multiple cannabis brands.
Chestnut Hill College & University of Maryland
Trevor Gentry, Ph.D.
Senior Product Development and R&D Scientist
Food Scientist with published research from Cornell University. 20+ years product development & formulation expertise for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Givaudan Flavors, and Phillip Morris.
Cornell & University of Florida
David Temelkoff, M.S.
Director of R&D and Quality Control
Analytical chemist with extensive quality control, instrumentation, and R&D background during his 15-year career at GlaxoSmithKline. Expert in analytical techniques using NMR spectrometry, GCMS, HPLC, LCMS, IR, TLC et al.
Youngstown State University
Gabriel Smith, M.S.
Production Manager
Innovative chemist with 14 years experience in analytical chemistry, and experimental design and implementation at BASF and Catalent Pharma. Plant extraction and purification R&D background with method development and validation expertise.
UNC Wilmington & East Tennessee State
Edward Nikitin, Ph.D.
Chemist
PhD Organic Chemist with numerous peer-reviewed articles. Expert in a wide variety of complex organic transformations and multi-step syntheses. Specialist in developing synthetic paths to advanced materials and high-value specialty chemicals across a variety of industries.
Moscow State University, University of Nevada
Daniel Koons
Equipment & Facility Manager
Seasoned engineer with a 30+ year career at Revlon, Inc. responsible for managing, designing, fabricating, and modifying its custom manufacturing equipment and product line automation. cGMP compliance, Lean Manufacturing, and cost reduction expert.
Wake Tech, Vance Granville CC and Manatee CC
Chris Hewat
Filling & Packaging Manager
Management professional with 20+ years experience, with a diverse background ranging from film & tv production to the cannabis industry.
UNC Asheville
Alex Kneier
Inventory Manager
Detail-oriented polymath with a track record for creating strategic objectives and implementing road maps to achieve milestones. Focused on fulfilling OBX’s mission through the execution of our industry-leading tracking system, guiding team members throughout the process.
Ohio University
Michelle Stinebaugh
QA Assistant & Office Manager
Experienced customer service and logistics professional with experience across industries. Additionally she has served as a photographer for an overseas military installation.
New York Institute of Photography
Sales
Andrea Groncy
Senior Director of Project Management and Sales
Groncy is an accomplished Sales Director and a top performing Project Management leader with a successful career in nutraceuticals for 12+ years. Groncy is an active member of ASQ, PMI and is a committee member for the SoCal Dietary Supplement Consortium. In 2018, Groncy was nominated and won the WISA Best Woman in Sales Support (North America). Groncy most recently served as Senior Director of Sales and Project Management at Vit-Best Nutrition, and has held senior leadership roles at Bettera Brands and International Vitamin Corporation.
Cal State University, Fullerton & William Taft University
Zach Edge
Director, Global Strategy & Corporate Development
Seasoned cannabis executive and ingredient sales professional. Subject matter expert in cannabinoid extraction & separation, with a proven track record of finding and commercializing cutting edge technology.
The University of Texas at Austin
James Overby
Director of Business Development
A passionate sales leader with 8+ years of experience managing high profile partnerships, building and managing sales teams, selling complex software solutions and an array of CPG bulk and finished goods into large scale organizations (Fortune 100 – 1000). Additionally, he’s a creative & driven entrepreneur who has started & managed multiple startups/ventures. James is highly relationship oriented, process driven & a naturally curious problem solver.
Kansas State University
Brad Jones
Technical Sales Manager
Jones brings almost a decade of strategy, operations, and technical sales expertise in the cannabis industry to the team at OBX. Jones is a technical expert in extraction, purification, & separation technologies, and skilled in navigating complex operations in nascent markets and intricate regulatory environments. Previously, Jones served as Vice President of Technical Sales for Folium Biosciences as well as Director of Production at Folium Biosciences, where he designed, implemented and managed all production processes.
Steve Concilla
Business Development
Early hemp entrepreneur with a background in Finance and over a decade of experience in cannabis extraction, formulation, and product development. He has won awards as an extractor, has a patent pending processing methodology, and has long supported the development of the US CBD industry.
Franklin University
Kelly Burkhart
Sales Lead
Results driven sales professional with over 10+ years in B2B and B2C sales and leadership experience. Prior to transitioning into the hemp industry, Kelly lead 12 stores as a district manager for Premier Salons, helped established a US presence for London-based fashion brand, LK Bennett and worked in the PEO industry where she provided HR solutions for small and medium sized businesses.
Virginia Marti College of Art and Design
Jake Puckette
Sales Operations Manager
University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University
Steve Concilla
Business Development
Early hemp entrepreneur with a background in Finance and over a decade of experience in cannabis extraction, formulation, and product development. He has won awards as an extractor, has a patent pending processing methodology, and has long supported the development of the US CBD industry.
Franklin University
Kelly Burkhart
Sales Lead
Results driven sales professional with over 10+ years in B2B and B2C sales and leadership experience. Prior to transitioning into the hemp industry, Kelly lead 12 stores as a district manager for Premier Salons, helped established a US presence for London-based fashion brand, LK Bennett and worked in the PEO industry where she provided HR solutions for small and medium sized businesses.
Virginia Marti College of Art and Design
Jake Puckette
Sales Operations Manager
University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University
Marketing, Human Resources & Finance
Jeremy Amos
Designer
Seasoned Graphic Designer with over a decade of experience building and managing a boutique creative agency. Dedicated to creating art and designs that work in the real world. Seeks simple solutions to complicated problems and believes in building brands that don’t just look beautiful, but have functional value with lasting impact.
Wheaton College
Justyn Bostic
Marketing & Global Partnerships Manager
Business professional with experience in management consulting, finance, operations, and marketing. He is experienced in leading teams and developing people. Founded of a podcast studying health, entrepreneurship, leadership, and human optimization.
The Ohio State University
Will Eyman
Marketing Associate
A budding business professional with experience in social media brand building, video production, and marketing. Focused on creative ways to share a compelling message. Has experience in content creation with Margaritaville University. And has helped establish an active audience base with Airtime Inc.
The Ohio State University
Joe Ackerson
Controller
Versatile Finance Executive with deep experience in manufacturing accounting and FP&A reporting.
Demonstrated record of improving operational efficiencies, leading cost saving initiatives, and enhancing the financial reporting processes.
State University of New York at Albany
Manuela White
Senior Accountant
Alternative medicine and eco enthusiast, formally educated in accounting with a forensic concentration. Big Four public accounting experience in external audit ranging from small start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.
Penn State University
Georgia Southern University
Megan Hightower Martins
VP of Human Resources
HR leader with extensive experience implementing HR initiatives that align culture with organizational vision and values. Navigated complex challenges to significantly mitigate risk, streamline processes, and improve employee engagement in multi-state and multinational organizations. Serves as the Director of Emerging Professionals for SHRMJC and volunteers as an SME for the HR Certification Institute
SHRM-SCP, GPHR, University of Missouri
Elizabeth Garver
HR Manager
During her 15-year career at the University of Southern California, Elizabeth supported EEO investigations and analyzed data for the Office of Equity & Diversity. With a degree in music business, she then managed orchestral recording productions, operations, and finances for USC’s film music program.
University of Southern California
Lab & Facilities
Deanna Elio
Associate Scientist, Lab
Peyton A Daly
Associate Scientist, Product
Francesco Alagna
Product Development Consultant
Jennifer Glawson
Purification Technician
Donnie Gillis
Facility Technician
Benjamin Lewis
Facility Maintenance & Equipment
Lawrence Overbey
Easy Snap & Facilities Technician
Bart Vickers
Lab Associate
Calvin Sims
Lab Associate
Christy J Cross
Lab Associate
Dalia E Davis
Lab Associate
Dominic Fuller
Lab Associate
Jaime Castro
Lab Associate
Jonathan Taylor
Easy Snap & Facilities Technician
Travis Vickers
Lab Associate
Vickie Barnes
Lab Technician
William Wilkins
Easysnap Associate
Manuela White
Senior Accountant
Alternative medicine and eco enthusiast, formally educated in accounting with a forensic concentration. Big Four public accounting experience in external audit ranging from small start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.
Penn State University
Georgia Southern University
Megan Hightower Martins
VP of Human Resources
HR leader with extensive experience implementing HR initiatives that align culture with organizational vision and values. Navigated complex challenges to significantly mitigate risk, streamline processes, and improve employee engagement in multi-state and multinational organizations. Serves as the Director of Emerging Professionals for SHRMJC and volunteers as an SME for the HR Certification Institute
SHRM-SCP, GPHR, University of Missouri
Elizabeth Garver
HR Manager
During her 15-year career at the University of Southern California, Elizabeth supported EEO investigations and analyzed data for the Office of Equity & Diversity. With a degree in music business, she then managed orchestral recording productions, operations, and finances for USC’s film music program.
University of Southern California
Advisors
Dr. Martha Hackett, M.D.
Medical Advisor
Director of Integrative Medicine for Lake Health, Lead Practitioner of Hackett Medical, a family medicine practice, and Founder of LivAwareMD, a lifestyle medicine program that marries Eastern and Western medicine.
Wooster, B.S.
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, M.D.
Jackie Williams, M.S.
Advisor
An experienced executive with deep expertise in public policy, economic development, marketing and public relations; leadership in business, financial services and government.
Miami University (Ohio) B.A. and M.S.
Dr. Engdawork Engda, Ph.D.
Advisor
With a Ph.D. in chemistry, Dr. Engda is an expert in separation sciences and mass spectrometry. He has worked in product development with Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline and has extensive experience designing and implementing SOPs for pharmaceutical-grade product development.
Ghent University
Chuck Dietzel, Ph.D.
Advisor
Seventh generation North Carolina farmer overseeing a 200 year-old family agricultural and forestry operation. Breadth of executive experiences including leading billion-dollar global operations, with a passion for developing strategic planning and data-driven decisions.
Washington & Lee University, Duke University, University of California at Santa Barbara
