Massachusetts Cannabis Agency Names Pick for New Executive Director

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) voted Wednesday to offer Holliston Town Manager Travis Ahern the role of the agency’s next executive director, the MetroWest Daily News reports. The agency’s first choice, who heads the Cannabis Division at the Illinois Department of Agriculture, had originally accepted the position earlier this month but then changed his mind.

The CCC has been without a permanent executive director since the former agency head, Shannon O’Brien, was removed from the position more than a year ago. O’Brien filed a lawsuit over the suspension last year but State Treasurer Deb Goldberg announced in September that O’Brien’s removal was permanent, as she had been fired for allegedly making “racially, ethnically and culturally insensitive statements.”

Ahern was a finalist during the agency’s initial search for a permanent executive director. Acting Commission Chair Bruce Stebbins told New England Public Media  that he thought Ahern is a good fit for the job:

“Mr. Ahern is a candidate…we thought highly of during our discussions, and, for me, I think would be a good candidate to move forward and select.” — Stebbins, via New England Public Media

The commissioners decided unanimously in a 4-0 vote on Wednesday to offer the position to Ahern and enter into contract discussions. The agency also determined that if Ahern ultimately declines the offer, the commission will reconvene for a detailed discussion covering the next steps.