Wendy is the President and CEO of New West Genetics. Wendy built New West from inception, securing investment to create and protect the company’s market-leading IP portfolio, land key commercial partners, and launch its groundbreaking operations. As a thought leader in the industry, she is a frequently requested speaker by both regulators and legislators to lend her expertise on hemp regulation, as well as advises partners in the traditional agriculture pipeline. Wendy articulates and continues to refine New West’s strategy and vision, raises capital, and manages investor relationships and strategic partnerships. She holds an MA in Education, which she uses to wrangle her partners into a cohesive, prioritized force. Prior to working in the hemp industry, Wendy worked in the education field, and in program development for aerospace and technology companies. To satiate her curiosity and enjoyment of science, she has also worked in several university genetics labs.