Travis Ahern Named Executive Director of Massachusetts Cannabis Commission

LOS ANGELES- The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) has selected Holliston Town Manager, Travis Ahern, as its new Executive Director.

Ahern’s appointment follows a comprehensive search process that began earlier this year. He was among four finalists who participated in public interviews in October. The CCC initially extended the offer to David Lakeman, a former CCC Director of Government Affairs and current Cannabis Division Manager at the Illinois Department of Agriculture. However, Lakeman declined the position earlier this month, opting to remain in Illinois.

In response, the CCC unanimously voted to offer the role to Ahern, who had been a strong contender throughout the selection process. Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins expressed confidence in Ahern’s capabilities, stating, “Mr. Ahern is a candidate…we thought highly of during our discussions, and, for me, I think would be a good candidate to move forward and select.”

Ahern brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as Holliston’s Town Manager, a position he has held since July 2020. His background includes roles as Policy and Finance Director for the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority Advisory Board, Finance Director for the Town of Danvers, and Financial Analyst for the Town of Weston.

Upon assuming the role, Ahern will lead the CCC’s efforts to regulate Massachusetts’ $8 billion cannabis industry, overseeing a staff of more than 140 employees. His appointment comes at a pivotal time, as the CCC is set to implement new regulatory changes aimed at supporting small businesses and patients, with proposed Social Consumption Licenses expected to expand the legal cannabis market in the state.