expert speakers & panelists

Mr. DeVeaux, a graduate of Rutgers University and a commissioned officer in the United States Army, brings a wealth of state and national private, public, and not-for-profit sector experience to this team. Mr. DeVeaux’s professional career began in New Jersey state government, which was highlighted by his role as a capital budget analyst in the New Jersey Department of the Treasury - Office of Management and Budget. In that role, Mr. DeVeaux oversaw the capital budgets and related projects for the New Jersey departments of Corrections, Human Services, New Jersey State Police, and the Department of State. Mr. DeVeaux went on to serve as the Aide to the Mayor, City of New Brunswick, New Jersey; and as special assistant to US Senator Bill Bradley. An accomplished executive, Mr. DeVeaux’s corporate career includes leadership roles with the country’s largest multinational water-related service and environmental companies. Utilizing his skills in the areas of government affairs and business development, Edmund has been part of the external growth, internal development, and public policy and reputation management strategies for these companies. In particular, Edmund was involved with the successful development of some of the nation’s largest public-private partnerships for water and wastewater services. Providing numerous television and other media appearances, Edmund established himself as an industry expert on matters involving infrastructure finance and renewal.

Dr. David M. Cunic is a licensed physical therapist, business consultant, certified leadership coach, and cannabis industry expert and consultant. David’s expertise in sports medicine, orthopedics, and manual therapy has allowed him to work with prestigious doctors from numerous professional and Olympic sports teams. His motto in both health and professional circles is U.C.S. — “Use Cannabis Safely.” As one of the original pioneers in the cannabis lab testing market, David empowers and educates private investors, real estate owners, farmers, physicians, and other professionals on smart and safe ways to get involved in this ever-changing sector. David consults with cannabis companies in 11+ states, bringing with him a unique, in-depth knowledge base on the ins and outs of regulations as they vary from region to region. He advises with many start-up companies and works with several SME’s cannabis executives, ensuring and enhancing their success within their respected focus. David shares his experiences at conferences and speaking engagements throughout the U.S. He is a co-author of The Cannabis Conundrum and has been interviewed by several publications, including MSNBC, USA Today, Marijuana Business Magazine, and Cannabis Business Times. He received the prestigious Sloan Award for Workplace Flexibility and Effectiveness which honors organizations that are using workplace flexibility as a strategy to make work “work” better, for both employer and employee. He has also served as a board member on cannabis associations in New Jersey, Nevada, Colorado, Maine, and Rhode Island.

Jessica Gonzalez is a lifelong New Jersey entrepreneur and self-starter. As a Latina mother, the path to building a business hasn't been easy - but Jessica lives and works with the attitude that "nothing is impossible.” She started InCharged 2009 with a dream to create an opportunity for marketers to reach their audience in a new and innovative way. InCharged has grown to become the nation’s leading custom cell phone charging station manufacturer and distributor. It works with some of the largest event producers, experiential marketing agencies, brands, and venues. It provides the most cutting-edge technology to its clients and users because it is in a constant state of research and development - InCharged products are always improving and the company continuously learns how better to serve its customers. When the pandemic hit, she needed to pivot for her company's survival, and to support entirely different operational needs of her clients. Lux Disinfect provides customized solutions to address each of the ways that viruses are spread.

Arlene Quiñones Perez is an Equity Partner and the Director of Diversity & Inclusion at DeCotiis. She is a member of the Labor and Employment Practice Group, the Municipal Law Practice Group, the Educational Law Practice Group and the Cannabis Law Practice Group. She has also been at the forefront of the cannabis legal practice in New Jersey for over a decade and has been advocating for the expansion of medical marijuana and other legal reforms related to medical cannabis. Prior to joining the DeCotiis law firm, she served as General Counsel to the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters ("NRCC"), which is a skilled trade organization that at the time represented carpenters in New Jersey, New York State and throughout the United States. Previously, Arlene served as an Associate with Kroll Heineman Carton, LLC, where she focused on labor law, municipal law, securities fraud, and election law. From 2011-2012, Arlene served as a Judicial Term Law Clerk for the Honorable Michael A. Shipp in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Prior to joining the Federal District Court, Arlene was an attorney with Murphy Orlando, LLC and a registered lobbyist with Impact NJ, LLC. From 2009-2010, Arlene served as a Judicial Term Law Clerk to the Honorable Lisa P. Thornton in the Superior Court for the State of New Jersey. Arlene also serves as the Treasurer for Latinas United for Political Empowerment ("LUPE"). From 2016 to 2017, Arlene served as the President of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey where she served on the Board for over ten years. Arlene was featured in the Hispanic Executive Magazine, listed by PoliticsNJ on the 40 Under 40 Power List, as one of New Jersey's top 50 rising stars, and featured in the Star-Ledger as a Person of Interest.

Dan Ulloa is the Editor of HeadyNJ.com, a news site covering cannabis news in New Jersey and the federal government including the nuances of the legalization, the industry’s progress, and emerging start-ups. Dan’s work includes writing articles, blogs, and advertorials the industry that have appeared on news.medicalmarijuanainc.com, thepotnetwork.com, freedomleaf.com, cannainvestormag.com, and thebluntness.io. In addition, Dan has been a cannabis advocate as part of his position on the board of the Latino Action Network since 2019.