Executive Director
Lori Ajax
Lori Ajax joined CCBA as Executive Director in January, 2021. Lori Ajax previously served as Chief of the Bureau of Cannabis Control (Bureau), the lead agency for state commercial cannabis regulation, since its inception in 2016. During that time, Chief Ajax has overseen the creation and implementation of the state’s regulatory scheme for medical and adult-use commercial cannabis businesses. Since 2018, the Bureau has licensed thousands of cannabis businesses.
During her time at the Bureau, Chief Ajax has worked to create programs to promote social equity in California’s cannabis industry; establishing the first Equity-Local Liaison Unit to provide assistance to social equity applicants and licensees and overseeing the award of $25 million in equity grant funding to local jurisdictions to assist persons negatively impacted by the criminalization of cannabis. Chief Ajax also serves as a member of the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Task Force, represents the Bureau at the Cannabis Advisory Committee meetings, and participated in the State’s Cannabis Banking Work Group. Prior to her appointment to the Bureau, Chief Ajax worked at the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for 22 years, starting as an investigator trainee and ultimately serving as the Chief Deputy Director. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento.
Operations Manager
Louise Andrews
Louise has been a lifetime resident in California from Stockton, to Santa Cruz, to Sacramento. Joining the CCBA in 2015, she brings a diverse set of skills from her background in retail, catering and collegiate financial aid advisor. Her taste for craft beer was developed early on while managing a high end catering company so when the opportunity to join the CCBA became available it was an easy choice. As the Membership Coordinator, Louise manages membership outreach, benefits and billing and assists with CCBA events and daily functions. Outside of the office Louise is working on visiting all 30 MLB stadiums, touring new breweries both inside and outside of California and enjoys hiking with her aptly named chocolate lab, Hickory Stout. Contact Louise at louise@californiacraftbeer.com.
Comments are closed.