Women Of The Roundtable Making [Her]story

For decades, women have fought for equality. Whether it be rights, pay, ownership or authority, it’s a fight that endures today. This remains true in the rapidly growing hemp industry. As the industry expands, it is becoming clear that there is a lack of both gender and racial diversity in all levels from consumer all the way up to CEO.

In fact, there are many parallels in the types of discrimination that women and people of color face. Access to funding, leadership roles, and security- to name a few- have long inhibited both women and minorities. Women and people of color do not have the same advantages that their white male counterparts do.

The U.S. Hemp Roundtable is steadfast in its dedication to supporting women and minorities in the hemp industry at all levels, starting with the leadership positions within our own organization. Our slate of officers is a carefully chosen collection of industry leaders from across the hemp food chain spectrum that includes multiple women and people of color.

Our officers were intentionally selected to represent and look like America. They are dedicated to working relentlessly towards our critical missions of equality, inclusion and minority empowerment.

To close out women’s history month, we want to highlight and recognize the women on the U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s 2022 officer slate.

Brittani Cushman – Executive Vice President

Brittani Cushman is the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Turning Point Brands (NYSE: TPB), a Louisville, Kentucky-headquartered manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of branded consumer products, including alternative smoking accessories and consumables with active ingredients, through its iconic brands Zig-Zag® and Stoker’s®.

Ms. Cushman is responsible for all legal, regulatory, and government affairs for the Company and is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, providing commentary on the complex landscape surrounding heavily regulated industries. Ms. Cushman currently serves on the U.S. Hemp Roundtable Board of Directors Executive Committee, the National Association of Tobacco Outlets Board of Directors, the Women in Tobacco USA Board of Directors, the Coalition of Independent Tobacco Manufacturers of America Board of Directors, the Coalition of Manufacturers of Smoking Alternatives Board of Directors, and the Food and Drug Law Institute Tobacco and Nicotine Products Committee. She also participates in the Cigar Association of America.

Ms. Cushman has a B.S.B.A. in Business Management from The University of Tulsa and a J.D. from Washington & Lee University School of Law. Prior to joining Turning Point Brands, Ms. Cushman spent five years at Xcaliber International, where she was most recently the General Counsel, responsible for all legal affairs.

Dawn Jarvis – Senior Vice President

Dawn Thorpe Jarvis is responsible for creating all the educational program content for Garden of Life, and is a licensed nutritionist and registered dietitian with a passion for natural health. She has more than 30 years of nutrition education experience and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Dietetics in England.

In 2003, Dawn joined Garden of Life and has traveled extensively for speaking engagements on health topics such as the benefits of a whole food lifestyle and natural supplements. She is currently Senior Director of Nutrition Science and Educational Content for Garden of Life, which is recognized as one of the leading raw, whole food supplement companies in the Natural Products Industry.

While in the U.K., Dawn worked for several British Olympic Teams and professional athletes and was a frequent guest speaker on sports nutrition on BBC television and radio. She also held the position of chief nutritionist for the Lawn Tennis Association in London for British Wimbledon tennis players until 1996 when she relocated to Florida with her family.

Dawn became a registered dietitian in the U.S. and also obtained a Master’s degree in Holistic Nutrition. She lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she managed a private nutrition practice for several years. She also has experience working in local health food stores as a manager and educator.

Hannah Johannes – Secretary

Hannah is an associate at Frost Brown Todd where she is a member of the Business Combinations & Capital Transactions practice group and the Hemp Industry Team. Her practice focuses on general corporate counseling, business combinations, corporate governance matters, venture capital, and mergers & acquisitions. Hannah advises clients across a broad spectrum of industries, including sports & entertainment, health care, private equity, and startups & emerging businesses.

Hannah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at Texas Christian University and received her Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Hannah also serves as organizational counsel of the U.S. Hemp Authority.