MA Fills Cannabis Control Commission Seats

Massachusetts made appointments for two seats on the state’s Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) this week.

Governor Charlie Baker, Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, and Attorney General Maura Healey on Tuesday announced the appointments of Nury Camargo and Bruce Stebbins to the CCC.

The CCC is an independent agency, established by Chapter 55 of the Acts of 2017 and responsible for creating, regulating, and overseeing the Commonwealth’s adult-use cannabis industry, which the voters approved in 2016.

Attorney General Healy says that Camargo and Stebbins will each bring unique experience and knowledge to the CCC and serve the state well.

Under current statutes, CCC commissioners should be appointed by a majority vote of the Governor, Attorney General, and Treasurer.

One of the three is to have a professional background in oversight or industry management, and one should have experience in legal, policy, or social justice issues that relate to a regulated industry.

The new appointees are to serve a term of five years.

“Our administration is grateful to the Treasurer and Attorney General for their partnership on these appointments to the Cannabis Control Commission as we continue to work together to ensure the effective regulation and safety of the cannabis industry in Massachusetts,” says Governor Baker. “We are proud to appoint two highly qualified and experienced individuals to the CCC, and look forward to their contributions to the Commission. We also thank Commissioner Title for her service to the Commission.”

Since 2016, Camargo has worked as the Massachusetts Director of External Affairs for AT&T, where she has created philanthropic funding opportunities and developed regional corporate social responsibility initiatives while fostering positive community relationships.

Camargo currently serves on the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley Community boards and has previously worked as the Director of Community Relations for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and Senior Policy Advisor at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

“I’m honored to be appointed as a Commissioner at the Cannabis Control Commission,” says Camargo. “For the past decade I’ve committed my work to finding pathways for equity and empowerment for women and people of color within the Commonwealth. I look forward to continuing the inaugural Commission’s work to establish a safe and equitable cannabis industry.”

Since 2012, Stebbins has served as Commissioner for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, which is responsible for implementing and overseeing the state’s expanded 2011 gaming law.

Before working with the Gaming Commission, Stebbins was the Business Development Administrator for the City of Springfield and served for ten years as Senior Regional Manager for the National Association of Manufacturers, where he managed relations with more than 30 New England member companies with revenues exceeding $500 million.

“The opportunity to help fulfill the Commission’s mission of creating employment and entrepreneurial opportunities across the state through this new industry is just one way I hope I can contribute,” says Stebbins. “I thank the Governor, Attorney General, and Treasurer for their confidence in my appointment.”

Treasurer Goldberg says that the appointments of Camargo and Stebbins will positively impact the goals of the CCC.