After 15 Years, NCIA Founding CEO Steps Down from Organization

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In a recent press release, the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) announced that the organization’s founding CEO, Aaron Smith, was stepping down from his position on August 15, 2025 (1). Smith will be remaining involved on the NCIA’s Board of Directors “to help ensure a smooth transition and support the organization’s continued success and impact.”

“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve this organization’s members and help build a great new American industry,” said Smith (1). “NCIA was founded to give cannabis businesses a seat at the policymaking table at a time when we were fighting just to be taken seriously. Today, our industry is safely serving tens of millions of adult consumers, generating billions in economic activity and tax revenue, and is more politically engaged than ever. I’m proud of what we’ve built together and look forward to supporting NCIA’s continued impact from a new vantage point.”

With Smith stepping down from his role, the leadership of the organization will be transitioning to the Board of Directors. Adam Rosenberg, a cannabis advocate, advisor, and executive at Vlasic Bioscience, chairs the board. NCIA’s board announced in the press release (1) that Chief Strategy Officer, Brooke Gilbert, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this new role, Gilbert will manage the day-to-day operations, such as staff and contractor management.

In the press release, NCIA mentioned that (1), “The NCIA staff and board remain firmly committed to advancing the organization’s mission: championing policy reforms that support small and independent businesses while delivering exceptional service to members. With those goals in mind, the Board of Directors is undertaking a purposeful and thoughtful process to identify new leadership, while also supporting the organization’s next phase of growth and impact.”

“NCIA is in incredibly capable hands. Brooke has been a driving force behind the scenes for years, and our board brings unmatched experience and commitment to this mission,” said Smith (1).

“One of NCIA’s greatest strengths is the ability to unify a diverse industry around shared priorities,” said NCIA Board Chair Adam Rosenberg (1). “Aaron built an organization with lasting influence, and we are grateful for his leadership. As we turn the page and enter a new era for cannabis, I am honored to lead the organization forward with such an exceptional team.”

“We are more committed than ever to delivering our members the strategic, coordinated advocacy that reflects the full potential of the cannabis movement,” Rosenberg added (1).

“For my next chapter, I’ll serve as Political Director at Unite America, a cross-partisan organization focused on electoral reforms like open primaries — work that aims to foster a more functional political system capable of solving important national challenges, including outdated cannabis policy,” Smith expressed in his statement (2). “Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me and NCIA over the years. I look forward to supporting its continued success from a new vantage point.”

References

1. NCIA announces leadership transition as founding CEO steps down after 15 years https://thecannabisindustry.org/press-releases/ncia-announces-leadership-transition-as-founding-ceo-steps-down-after-15-years/ (accessed Jul 23, 2025).
2. A new chapter for me and for NCIA - a letter from NCIA’s co-founder Aaron Smith | https://thecannabisindustry.org/a-new-chapter-for-me-and-for-ncia-a-letter-from-ncias-co-founder-aaron-smith/ (accessed Jul 23, 2025).