EXECUTIVE BOARD
Keyston Franklin - Chairman & CEO
Keyston is a US Army Veteran, strategically using his service skills and training to build pivotal partnerships in the cannabis industry that focus on business development, corporate/government relations, and veteran empowerment. As an entrepreneurial visionary and as a result of his dedication to service, Keyston Co-Founded CannaMatch, Halo Holding Group, and the Warrior Summit Coalition (Vice-President, COO). Most recently, Keyston joined the National Cannabis Industry Association’s Banking & Financial Services Committee (BFSC) to assist and make industry recommendations concerning Financial Institutions, Federal Banking Laws, and groups that represent Banking and Payment Solutions. Keyston founded Gallantri Industries to continue his dedication to service by using opportunities in cannabis to further empower veterans, their families, and their communities.
Education
MA Liberal Studies | University of Chicago
BA | Governors State University
Rudy Ceja - Founding Partner
Rudy Ceja is veteran and founding partner of Gallantri Industries.
Renita Manley - Founding Partner
Renita brings over 10 years of extensive experience in Nonprofit Leadership, Community Engagement, Image Consulting (AICI trained), and Content Development to Gallantri Industries. She successfully founded The Arts of Humanity 501c3 and its subsidiary, AofH Productions, where she produced “The FAHF Awards” earning her IMDb credit as Director and Producer. Renita grew up the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, experiencing first-hand the devastating effects of PTSD and life-altering mental health issues in veterans, which inspired Renita to begin her altruistic career with veteran advocacy and humanitarian empowerment. Renita is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha, a published author with news networks including CBS News, and is a Com-Ed Neighborhood Hero Award Recipient. Renita is currently developing Joynt Parenting, an online platform with curated and original content for parents and guardians that work in or near the Cannabis, Hemp, and Psychedelics industries.
Education
MA Public Administration | Governors State University
BA English Education | Northern Illinois University
omari garrett - Founding Partner
An Award-winning educator and host of That’s a Doobie Podcast, Omari Garrett recognizes the complexities of remaining a responsible community leader while being an entrepreneur in an alternative industry. Omari is a dedicated member of the community at large, having served as a member of the Chicago White Sox Young Professionals Council, board member of The Arts of Humanity 501c3, and has accumulated over 16 years of mentorship as an administrator, teacher, and coach. Most recently, Omari became a licensed FAA pilot and founded High Valley Drone Services. As a Founding Partner of Gallantri Industries, Omari brings foresight into interconnectedness and continues his altruism by educating the community at large on overcoming and avoiding cannapreneur obstacles and destigmatizing cannabis.
Education
M.Ed. Educational Leadership | Olivet Nazarene University
BS Biology/Pre-Professional | Norfolk State University
INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD
Matthew Wemple
With over 20 years in both global and domestic retail and FMCG, Matthew currently leads a $300+ million business for a Fortune 100 FMCG company. His prior efforts have focused on business and team leadership, digital commerce, marketing, strategy and operations.
Michael Zaytsev
Michael Zaytsev, or Mike Z, is a life & business coach, best-selling author, and award-winning Cannabis entrepreneur. Michael Zaytsev is author of "The Cannabis Business Book" (2020) and "The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Cannabis" (2016). His writing has been published in Forbes.com, Entrepreneur.com, International Business Times, and more. As Founder of High NY, one of the world's largest Cannabis Meetup communities, Mike Z has facilitated Cannabis education for thousands of people.
Carl Giese
With over 30 years of experience in the finance industry, Carl has an in depth understanding of the finance world, developing an “insiders” perspective on REO acquisitions nationwide and establishing senior contacts within federal agencies and private institutions. Carl served in Marine Corp and formed a non-profit called Residence for Patriots Services Foundation where he provided discounted homes to active-duty military and veterans. In 2015, Carl discovered the benefits of hemp and CBD and developed a company called Kanehtree LLC.
Nancy Birnbaum
Marketing Maven, Cannabis Industry Connector As the Founding Publisher & Market Director for Sensi Magazine NorCal, Nancy is known as "the Connector" in the Cannabis Industry. She has been a PR & Marketing consultant for the past 20 years, and has recently joined the Founder Institutes’ San Francisco Cannabis Cohort as a Mentor. She continues to help companies succeed by providing them with introductions to strategic partners, funding, and precious resources.
Kevin Pilarski
Mr. Pilarski is the current CEO and President of FMU Services, Inc., a privately held consulting and expert witness testimony professional services firm. He is the former President of Zermatt Holdings, LLC, a $1.5B registered investment advisory firm. He is also the former Chief Commercial Officer for Revolution Global, a multi-state operating cannabis holding company.
Christopher Foltz
Christopher Foltz is a renowned brand development catalyst, celebrated inspirational speaker and currently serves as Vice President of Global Reach for Sensi Media Group, publisher of the award winning cannabis lifestyle publication Sensi Magazine. From his roots in partisan politics, to a battle with drug addiction, 119 days in county jail, and losing everything to the point of homelessness, Chris has re-established himself as one of the most engaging initiators of social impact and development in the nation