The National Cannabis Risk Management Association (NCRMA) has appointed Alex Hearding, a scientist and cannabis industry veteran, as its first Chief Risk Management Officer.

Hearding’s role will include the introduction of a cannabis risk protection model and the development of a suite of educational offerings exclusively for NCRMA members. The first phase of this comprehensive syllabus will include training and certifications in the areas of cannabis occupational health and safety, becoming an internal risk manager, cannabis business failure modes and effects analysis and disaster planning.

Hearding joins the NCRMA with an educational and professional background as a water and soil scientist and safety professional. He has been responsible for the project management of large infrastructure projects, superfund sites and hazardous waste management, and water treatment and distribution systems. Hearding has also legally cultivated marijuana as a medical caregiver and as a facility manager in a licensed greenhouse. He brings more than 10 years of experience starting marijuana businesses including license application, construction, operational development, and management application writing, facility design, policy and procedure development, occupational safety and health services, training and risk management.

“We understand both the responsibility and demand for expediency involved in bringing these services to our membership,” said Hearding. “I am excited to join the NCRMA and become an integral part of advancing the premier risk management platform in the cannabis market.”