CRC cannabis regulatory commission krista nash New Jersey legal cannabis

Governor Phil Murphy announced the appointment of Maria Del Cid and William Wallace to the CRC. With Sam Delgado, Chair Dianna Houenou, and Krista Nash, it’s now complete.

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission will regulate New Jersey’s medical cannabis and adult-use marketplaces. Jeff Brown will serve as Executive Director.

“As we move forward to establish a legal adult-use cannabis marketplace, we could not have a better slate of appointees to lead these efforts,” said Murphy. “It will take time before we see legal adult-use sales begin, but I know that each and every one of these individuals will act to ensure that the marketplace for adult-use recreational cannabis is equitable, fair, and inclusive of all communities.”

NJCRC Cannabis Regulatory Commissioners’ Background in Politics

Maria Del Cid is the Director of Policy and Legislative Services at the NJ Department of Health (NJDOH). She serves as a liaison with the Governor’s Office and the Legislature.

She previously served as Chief of Staff to the late Assemblyman Jerry Green (D-Union). Green and cannabis sponsor Senator Nick Scutari (D-Union) served in the legislature representing Legislative District 22.

Del Cid received a bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall and holds an MA in Public Affairs and Politics from the Edward Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy at Rutgers University. She also holds an Associate’s Degree from Union County College. Del Cid is involved in many civic organizations throughout New Jersey, including Latino Caucus Coordinator for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee.

William Wallace is the Director of the Professional Division of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union Local 342, serving on the Executive Board. Wallace represents and serves union members across New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. He previously served as President of UFCW International Union Local 100R. Wallace previously worked as a Pharmacist-In-Charge at several pharmacies across New Jersey. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the Rutgers College of Pharmacy and is a resident of Green Brook in Somerset County

Scutari happens to represent Green Brook.

CRC Rounded Out with Sam Delgado, Krista Nash

Delgado was already recommended by Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex) to join the CRC.

“Sam Delgado’s professional and military service is outstanding, and I strongly believe he is the best person to serve on the Cannabis Regulatory Commission,” said Coughlin. “Sam is an expert in the fields of community leadership, business management, strategic planning, supplier diversity, and regulatory policy. He will bring these talents to the Commission and is a valued addition.”

Delgado is the husband of Coughlin’s district-mate Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez.

Sam Delgado most recently served as Vice President of External Affairs for Verizon. Before retiring, he was responsible for managing the allocation of grants, supporting Verizon’s philanthropic endeavors, and furthering Verizon’s environmental commitments. In 21 years at Verizon, Delgado also served as Director of Supplier Diversity, External Affairs for Union and Middlesex Counties, and Human Resource Manager.

Distinguished Political Appointees

Delgado served in the Marines from 1978 to 2000, retiring as a Major. He also served as a Military Advisor to the U.S. State Department in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, during Operation Uphold Democracy from 1994 to 1995. He received several military honors. That includes the National Defense Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Ribbon.

Delgado is a resident of Perth Amboy. He serves on the Boards of Felician University, the Middlesex County Improvement Authority, and the Raritan Bay Area YMCA. Delgado was on Governor Murphy’s Transition Team, on the Board of the Newark Alliance, and the NJ Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board. He received his bachelor’s degree from Marist College.

Previously appointed by Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester) to the CRC, Krista Nash is the wife of Camden County Commissioner (previously a Freeholder) Jeff Nash and works in social services.

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Dan Ulloa
Dan Ulloa is the Editor and Publisher of Heady NJ, with a background in politics, journalism, and a passion for the cannabis community. He curates and publishes news, events, and insights on the industry. Dan has been a leading voice in the New Jersey cannabis scene, educating and informing the public about this rapidly evolving industry. He ranked #35 on the INSIDER NJ Cannabis Power List out of 100 in 2022.