Meet our Accreditation Team and our esteemed Nationwide Accreditors
Our Team
Chief Executive Officer | Colorado
Adam Sessa
As an award-winning college administrator, I possess the expertise to propel the cannabis industry to new heights. My extensive experience spans many years in the realm of higher education accreditation and licensing, having worked with both private and public colleges in South Florida and now Colorado. Additionally, my ownership of an essential health food full-service restaurant during the challenging pandemic period has fortified my work ethic, equipping me with the resilience and determination necessary to tackle the tasks ahead.
Chief Financial Officer | Colorado
Sean McHue
Sean McHue is a seasoned leader in Colorado's thriving cannabis industry. With over a decade of hands-on experience, he possesses comprehensive expertise in every aspect of the field, spanning from cultivation and extraction to retail, marketing, and sales. Remarkably, his endeavors have contributed millions of dollars to the cannabis industry while unwaveringly adhering to ethical practices.
Sean's steadfast pursuit of innovation consistently sets new benchmarks, elevating the overall experience for consumers and enriching the cannabis community as a whole.
Director of Compliance | Illinois
Kate Awada
Kathryn Awada, a respected veteran with over 15 years in the cannabis industry, has demonstrated expertise in multiple capacities—from cultivation and manufacturing to retail. Notably, she was Colorado's first METRC consultant in 2013, shaping the platform and advising leading cannabis tech firms like LeafLink and FlowHub during their inception.
Today, she serves as a key consultant for the Accredited Cannabis Accreditation (ACA) platform, offering specialized courses and audits to enhance industry standards and compliance. Her venture, Azara Solutions, Inc., extends her consultancy and training services across five states, cementing her status as a leader committed to excellence in the cannabis community.
Director of Education | Florida
Tanya Yalley, BS, MBA
Tanya K Phillip Yalley is a highly experienced and visionary Education Director with over 24 years of career excellence. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Religion, a Master's degree in Business, and advanced coursework in Educational Leadership. Throughout her career, Tanya has held leadership positions, driving initiatives to enhance student engagement, diversity, and innovation in education. She's known for her exceptional leadership, mentorship, and community engagement, which have positively impacted countless students and educators. Tanya's dedication to educational excellence continues to shape the future of education.
Directory of Monetization | Colorado
Matthew Ockrim
Matthew Ockrim is a seasoned professional with a rich background in business development and sales, focused primarily in the SaaS industry. He began his career working with start-ups and top-notch unicorns, honing his skills in tech-sector sales. Driven by passion and dedication, Matthew gradually transitioned into the burgeoning legal cannabis market, beginning his journey with Headset.
In the cannabis industry, he played a vital role as the Sales Director for the Annual Summit of the Cannabis Marketing Association in Denver. Matthew's versatility and adaptability are further demonstrated by his current roles. He now serves as the Director of Business Development with Hi-Curious, a platform dubbed the "Fiverr for cannabis," providing specialized services for this unique market.
Directory of Creativity | Colorado
Oliver Bowen, BS
My journey began with organizing small-scale music events and art shows during my college years. However, with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, I made a transition from the art world to curating large-scale cannabis events and community engagement initiatives. These events serve as platforms to highlight and celebrate the contributions of diverse communities within the cannabis industry, notably the LGBT+, BIPOC, and other underrepresented groups.
In addition to event planning, I've honed my expertise in public relations and social media consulting. I specialize in assisting companies in the cannabinoid, quartz, and glass sectors that face challenges in customer interaction and engagement. Within my work under the ACA, my focus is firmly on driving social justice, ethical business practices, and nurturing an environment where the cannabis community can truly thrive.