OCM ANNOUNCES TWO KEY LEADERSHIP HIRES TO ADVANCE EQUITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Dr. June Chin to Serve as Chief Medical Officer
L. Simone Washington to Serve as Chief Equity Officer
OCM Reaches 249 Full-Time Employees
NEW YORK, NY — The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) today announced new key hires to its leadership team: L. Simone Washington jas joined the Office as Chief Equity Officer, and Dr. June Chin has been named Chief Medical Officer. The pair will lead initiatives established by the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) and their confirmations reflect the OCM’s ongoing commitment to promoting social and economic equity, public health and responsible cannabis regulation across the state.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Chin and Ms. Washington to OCM’s ever-growing agency community,” said OCM Acting Executive Director Felicia A.B. Reid. ”Both of them have demonstrated vital leadership in their respective fields, are wellsprings of insight and organizational development practice, and each have a deep understanding of New York cannabis’ needs. They are the right leaders for the work now and the work to come. I am confident that their expertise will be invaluable as the OCM team continues to strengthen New York’s cannabis market and as the agency continues to grow.”
Filling the roles of Chief Equity Officer and Chief Medical Officer marks a critical step forward for the OCM and emphasizes the Office’s commitment to safety and patient care. The move also delivers on its promise to communities most impacted by past prohibition.
L. Simone Washington to Serve as Chief Equity Officer
L. Simone Washington comes to the OCM with extensive experience in building equitable frameworks. Formerly the Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer at Wellspring Philanthropic, she will work alongside the Executive Director and key stakeholders to expand OCM’s equity-focused initiatives.
A seasoned change management professional, Washington brings extensive experience in business development, conflict management, organizational effectiveness, team building, and leadership development. Her appointment underscores the Office’s continued commitment to ensuring social and economic equity remain central to all licensing, economic development, and programmatic work across the cannabis ecosystem and the agency
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Chief Equity Officer at such a pivotal moment in New York’s cannabis journey,” said L. Simone Washington, Chief Equity Officer of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management.“This is more than a job, it’s a calling to carry forward the vision of equity and justice at the heart of the MRTA. I bring more than two decades of experience in community trust-building and systems change work, and I intend to lead with boldness, accountability, intention and care. My commitment is to ensure that equity is not just a value we espouse, but a principle we practice — across licensing, education, enforcement, and investment. Together, with our communities and industry partners, we will challenge harmful legacies, reimagine what’s possible, and build a cannabis market that truly serves all New Yorkers.”
Washington holds a M.S. of International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Creighton University school of law and a J.D. of law from Samford University. Her first day at OCM was July 3, 2025.
Dr. June Chin to Serve as Chief Medical Officer
Dr. June Chin brings over two decades of experience in integrative cannabis medicine, research, and public health advocacy to the role of CMO.
Previously serving as CMO for Leafwell, Dr. Chin also worked as the New York State Vice Chair of the Cannabis Advisory Board and Chairperson of the CAB’s Health, Safety and Research Committee.
“I’m not just a physician—I’m a researcher, educator, and public health advocate who’s been in the cannabis space for over two decades. That perspective matters now more than ever,” said Dr. Chin, Chief Medical Officer. “Growing up in the Bronx shaped my commitment to meeting people where they are—and making sure no one is left behind in this new era of cannabis care.”
Dr. Chin has built her career at the intersection of clinical care, science, and community—operating bicoastal integrative clinics, teaching at NYU and Syracuse. She holds a degree in Biochemistry and Nutritional Science from Cornell University and a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from Touro University California.
With these new hires to date, the Office has grown to 249 full-time employees, adding almost 80 staff since this time last year.
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