Hugh is the founder of Hawthorne Ave. Strategies, a consulting firm focused on optimizing business outcomes and strategic goals for US and international cannabis operators.

Prior to founding Hawthorne Ave. Strategies, Hugh served as the President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association (NJCIA). The NJCIA’s mission is to enhance the environment for the legal access to cannabis in New Jersey. The over 60 members of the NJCIA represent industry participants and some of the largest cannabis operators from New Jersey, and throughout North America.

He is noted for numerous speaking engagements in North America, and policy work in NJ, PA, SC and other states.

Prior to his work in the cannabis industry, Hugh was chief legal officer of a publicly traded REIT, and has worked as a corporate and securities attorney for major national and international law firms. Hugh holds a JD from Vanderbilt University, a MA from Boston College and a BA from Merrimack College.