OUR TEAM

Meet the Chamber's Changemakers

The Chamber of Cannabis is led by members of the community it exists to serve. Our team consists of individuals who contribute their time, talent, and resources to the pursuit of the Chamber’s Mission. 

Our team embraces the privilege and responsibility that comes with participating in the legal cannabis industry. As a volunteer-driven organization, the Chamber seeks to honor the legacy of those who paved the way for legalization by doing all that it can to create a clear path for those who will follow next. 

Staff

Abby Kaufmann

Executive Director

Through her 5+ years working in the cannabis data space, Abby has gained a great sense of appreciation and understanding for the challenges facing cannabis businesses. After 2 years of service to the Board of Directors, Abby’s primary focus is on servicing the business needs of our members as the Chamber’s full-time Executive Director.

As the Chief Executive, the Executive Director holds overall responsibility for the successful operation of the organization

Board of Directors

Board Members and Officers of the Board are volunteers and are an essential part of the Chamber’s governance and organizational well-being. Board Members are active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and are fully engaged in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the Chamber to advance its mission. 

Chandler Cooks

Chandler Cooks is a dedicated advocate, community leader, and data-driven problem solver. With a background in program analysis and a passion for social justice.

Terra Feist

Terra Feist is a senior business management expert at Back Office Ninjas and the Executive Administrator for Southern Nevada SHRM. She champions workforce empowerment, strategic HR, and leadership. Terra is passionate about elevating diverse teams and pioneering business management success.

Tina Schellinger

Treasurer

Tina Schellinger, a Henderson resident since 2008, brings her passion for nature and cannabis to the industry and the Board. With a background in agriculture and leadership roles in FFA, she began working in cannabis cultivation and compliance in 2016 and is an active volunteer.

Sarah Schwefel

Sarah Schwefel has a background in marketing, sales, business, and cannabinoid studies. Certified in endocannabinoid medicine since 2020, she’s now a committed advocate, research analyst, and journalist, using her expertise to support and elevate the cannabis industry.

Peggy Shaner

Peggy Shaner began her cannabis advocacy in the 1960s, championing legalization in San Francisco. After battling Nevada's blue laws and the State Gaming Board, she founded Pahrump Valley Vineyards after moving to Las Vegas. Peggy continues her lifelong fight for reform as a Chamber of Cannabis board member.

Chris Thompson

Secretary

Chris Thompson works with an engineer’s discipline and an activist’s passion to deliver data-driven operational results to license holders and business owners alike. Chris is extremely excited to be working with the Chamber of Cannabis to positively represent Nevada's growing cannabis industry.

Deena Vallina

President

Deena Vallina, founder of Apex Advisors, applies her 25+ years of experience from Fortune 500 firms to small businesses to support the cannabis industry in accounting, tax, and finance. A Chamber of Cannabis Board member since 2022, she champions an inclusive marketplace and is dedicated to advancing cannabis and financial literacy.

Deena Vallina

President

Deena Vallina, founder of Apex Advisors, applies her 25+ years of experience from Fortune 500 firms to small businesses to support the cannabis industry in accounting, tax, and finance. A Chamber of Cannabis Board member since 2022, she champions an inclusive marketplace and is dedicated to advancing cannabis and financial literacy.

Chris Thompson

Secretary

Chris Thompson works with an engineer’s discipline and an activist’s passion to deliver data-driven operational results to license holders and business owners alike. Chris is extremely excited to be working with the Chamber of Cannabis to positively represent Nevada's growing cannabis industry.

Tina Schellinger

Treasurer

Tina Schellinger, a Henderson resident since 2008, brings her passion for nature and cannabis to the industry and the Board. With a background in agriculture and leadership roles in FFA, she began working in cannabis cultivation and compliance in 2016 and is an active volunteer.

Chandler Cooks

Chandler Cooks is a dedicated advocate, community leader, and data-driven problem solver. With a background in program analysis and a passion for social justice.

Terra Feist

Terra Feist is a senior business management expert at Back Office Ninjas and the Executive Administrator for Southern Nevada SHRM. She champions workforce empowerment, strategic HR, and leadership. Terra is passionate about elevating diverse teams and pioneering business management success.

Sarah Schwefel

Sarah Schwefel has a background in marketing, sales, business, and cannabinoid studies. Certified in endocannabinoid medicine since 2020, she’s now a committed advocate, research analyst, and journalist, using her expertise to support and elevate the cannabis industry.

Peggy Shaner

Peggy Shaner began her cannabis advocacy in the 1960s, championing legalization in San Francisco. After battling Nevada's blue laws and the State Gaming Board, she founded Pahrump Valley Vineyards after moving to Las Vegas. Peggy continues her lifelong fight for reform as a Chamber of Cannabis board member.

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