Update 3/5/18 — The article has been updated to include the salary, start date, and number of candidates for the position.
MENDOCINO Co., 2/28/18 — Mendocino County has a new cannabis program manager, Kelly Overton, who will be coordinating a variety of cannabis regulatory programs through the county. The position was first announced in July, 2017, and announcement of the new hire was made today by the Mendocino County Executive Office in a press release.
Overton said of his new position, “Mendocino County should and will become a blue print for how legal cannabis can be a positive force both economically and socially. My immediate goals are streamlining the permit application process and working to further establish cannabis as an economic driver in the county.”
Overton began the job last week. Based on a job listing on governmentjobs.com, the position pays between $80,704.00 – $98,092.80 annually and the opening closed on January 2, 2018. Heidi Dunham, director at the county’s Human Resources department, said that Overton will $3,772.80 bi-weekly (not including benefits) and was selected out of 41 candidates for the position.
According to the press release, Overton has previously worked as “a process improvement and disaster management consultant,” and has an education background including: “a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, a Master of Public Health from Tulane University’s School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, a Bachelor of Arts from University of Massachusetts/Boston and a Graduate Certificate in Conservation Biology from Columbia University’s Earth Institute Center for Environmental Sustainability.”
The job description summary for position is as follows:
Under direction, implements the goals, strategies, policies and programmatic framework for the issuing of permits/licenses through the Mendocino County Cannabis Program. This position shall take the necessary steps to manage the County’s Cannabis Cultivation and Facilities Programs. Evaluate the permitting/licensing of cannabis locations based on policies and guidelines; working with departments, develop and promote a strong and compliant environment for cannabis and work with industry representatives across the County. Performs other duties as assigned.
The press release can be read in full below:
The Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer is pleased to announce the hiring of Kelly Overton as the County’s Cannabis Program Manager. Mr. Overton has previously worked as a process improvement and disaster management consultant with numerous nonprofits and municipalities. Mr. Overton holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, a Master of Public Health from Tulane University’s School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, a Bachelor of Arts from University of Massachusetts/Boston and a Graduate Certificate in Conservation Biology from Columbia University’s Earth Institute Center for Environmental Sustainability.
In July 2017, the Board of Supervisors directed the Chief Executive Officer to create the Cannabis Management Unit and Cannabis Manager Position to enhance the County’s program. The Cannabis Program Manager will coordinate with departments to better implement the county’s policies, streamline process to effectively implement the Cannabis Program, develop a sustainable framework to institutionalize the program into County government and establish a County infrastructure that evolves with changes in the developing cannabis market. All components of the County’s cannabis program will report to the Cannabis Manager.
Commenting on his new position, Mr. Overton stated “I’m excited to join the County team and look forward to working with staff and stakeholders to make Mendocino’s Cannabis Program thrive. Mendocino County should and will become a blue print for how legal cannabis can be a positive force both economically and socially. My immediate goals are streamlining the permit application process and working to further establish cannabis as an economic driver in the county.”
Carmel Angelo, Chief Executive Officer, stated “I’m excited to welcome Kelly to our team. His experience and diverse background in transforming and improving systems will benefit the Cannabis Program. His enthusiasm and collaborative attitude will bring energy and stability to our program. Kelly will be an integral part of the success of this program and we are looking forward to his leadership and vision around cannabis in Mendocino County.”
For more information, please contact the Mendocino County Executive Office at (707) 463-4441.