ILLINOIS Chair Person Legislative Coordinator
ILLINOIS NWIAA
Executive Biography
Debra Allen
Chief Executive Officer
Debra Allen is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience driving operations entities in both the public and private sector. Debra currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for the Saunte Corporation, OBA The NJW Group since March of 2018 and is responsible for sharpening operational performance, driving global standardization, and securing key diversity partnerships as a M/W/AC/DBE first-tier subcontractor.
Prior to her tenure with the NJW Group, Debra leveraged her deep financial domain experience to lead cost accounting improvements for key government agencies including the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Small Businesses. Debra's efforts led to significant cost savings as well as key operational efficiencies in government financial operations.
Debra has the distinction of being a pioneer and trailblazing woman of color. She served as VP of Operations and the only woman of color with Premier Stone Works. Debra established a reputation for judicious use of resources and cost-containment practices throughout her career. During her tenure with Premier Stone Works, she had P&L responsibility and led daily operations driving increased efficiencies and productivity for the firm.
Debra is committed to lifelong learning and continues to sharpen her skills. To pursue her formal education goals, she attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan and Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Debra is the Founder, of the Illinois Minority Cannabis Council, an alliance formed to support social and racial equity in the cannabis industry for communities and entrepreneurs of color in the State of Illinois. To promote equal access to the industry for people of color and other minority groups, in addition to providing resources that social equity applicants need to compete with big firms who are dominating the markets here in Illinois and elsewhere. Also, to bridge the gap between regulators, stakeholders and communities who have actually disproportionately been affected by the war on drugs. Debra is an active member of the National Hemp Association (NHA), the Cook County Farm Bureau, Illinois Farm Bureau, The Midwest Hemp Council (MHC), Hemp Industries Association (HIA) and Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC). As a responsible corporate citizen, Debra is active in many civil and social action groups that promote civil rights, social justice and diversity and social equity inclusion for entrepreneurs.
About 420 Potter's House Inc - 420 Potter's House has focused on becoming one of the first Illinois Adult-Use Recreational Cannabis majority minority, female-owned vertically-integrated cannabis organizations. 420 Potter's House was a participant in the first industry-defining SEED incubator program launched for the State of Illinois Adult-Use Market Dispensary Applicants by Cresco labs on October 29, 2019. 420 Potter's House/420 GGRV, Inc currently holds two licenses from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Medicinal Plants. We are positioned to receive licenses from the State of Illinois, included but not limited to dispensing sales licenses, craft growers license, infuser license, and transporter license.
About Green Rush Organic Farms Inc - Green Rush Organic Farms is a boutique, family-owned urban hemp farm licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and certified to do business with the Federal government. Our CEO’s vision is leading the industry in championing for sustainable Industrial Hemp Agribusiness development for socially-disadvantaged communities. Inspired by all things Cannabis herself and motivated by all things LOVE, Green Rush Organic Farms is lighting the way to a better world with premium organic grown industrial hemp, and high quality inflorescences crafted to suit your lifestyle, health, and put you in your happy space. All products are certified with the Illinois Department of Agriculture product mark.
AGRICULTURE - INNOVATION - COMMUNITY