Board of Directors
Directors
Dave Majeski
Independent Director
Dave Majeski retired in 2015 following a 47 year career with RBC Royal Bank. His career took him across Canada with assignments in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton and included over 20 years in operations and human resources with the balance in corporate/commercial banking. His last posting in Edmonton was Vice President, heading a business group focused primarily on real estate and construction services as well as serving as RBC’s regional leader. In previous roles, he worked in and headed up various other industries, including energy services banking while stationed in Calgary. In 2013, Dave was honored with a Distinguished Citizen Award by MacEwan University and awarded an Honorary Bachelor Degree. In addition, he obtained his Institute of Corporate Director’s diploma in 2013. In 2015, Dave was recognized by the City of Edmonton for his outstanding contribution to community service and inducted into the Salute to Excellence Hall of Fame. Dave is an active and dedicated community leader and builder and has previously served as a director on a number of NFP boards. In addition he is a long time chair of the Gold Metal Plates/Canada’s Great Kitchen Party gala as well as serving on a committee supporting various other charities. In addition to his ongoing support of the community, Dave currently serves as a Director of 4 active businesses, 2 of which are public companies. In addition to director roles, Dave acts as Chairman of the Board for 1 company and Chair, Finance & Audit Committee for a second. He is also honored to serve as a Trustee of the Sawridge Trusts.
Greg Krishke
Independent Director
Gregory D Krischke BPE, ICD.D After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1975, Greg Krischke joined Air Canada and over the next 17 years worked in operations and sales, including Passenger Sales Manager for Northern Alberta and the NWT. In 1993 when liquor privatized in Alberta, Greg opened and operated a chain of four retail liquor stores over the next 25 years. In 1995 Greg was elected to the Council of the City of Leduc. He served for 22 years including four terms as Mayor. Greg brings to the board table a variety of skills including financial acumen from large corporation, independent business and regulatory environments, strategic planning, sales and marketing, and extensive knowledge of operating in a regulated environment. In 2017 Greg was proud to graduate from the University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management, with an Institute of Corporate Directors designation. Greg has served on many community and NFP boards over the years. Presently, in addition to the Freedom Cannabis Board, he is Chair of the GO Venture Board, a presiding officer of the Municipal Government Board, Vice Chair of the Leduc Golf Club Board and a member on the Leduc Regional Chamber of Commerce Board.
Johnfrank Potestio
Director , Chief Executive Officer
As a Board Director and founder of Freedom Cannabis, Johnfrank provides operational expertise, real estate, construction, lending and procurement governance. Johnfrank has a background in lending as well as executing dozens of real estate and construction projects. He built and managed one of Canada’s largest second-hand retail and pawn lending operations for over 20 years. John founded a payday loans company with multiple locations that went onto becoming a national franchise with over 500 locations across Canada. Johnfrank is an active leader in the cannabis community, with access to knowledgeable leaders in the cannabis space. Johnfrank has developed successful relationships with partner Licensed Producers that have enabled the successful B2B transactions that support Freedom’s continued operations. Johnfrank is a natural ambassador to the B2B marketplace for Freedom. John is an experienced board director with 25 years of experience leading for-profit organizations. With a history of maximizing profitability, cost controls, and generating opportunities. Johnfrank is the current Chief Executive Officer of Freedom. Johnfrank has been a board builder for Freedom, attracting skilled and competent management and governance for the organization.
Julie Girard Potestio
Director, Responsible Person
As a Board Director of Freedom Cannabis, Julie provides operational, cannabis, and regulatory governance. Julie is a uniquely qualified regulatory expert in the industry that also holds a director position with a Licensed Producer. Julie is a pillar of the cannabis community and is the origin of the Freedom story and culture. A resolute collaborator that leads by example, from trimming, packaging, and quality control. Julie is an expert in the cultivation and processing workflows. Highly professional and experienced board director with 23 years of experience leading for-profit organizations. Extreme diligence and professional critic, with a history of maximizing investments, cutting spending, and increasing organizational efficiency. Strong knowledge of Cannabis Act and how to implement company procedures. Successful motivator who brings a contagious attitude to every work-day. The Responsible Person of a Licensed Producer is an individual who has responsibility for all activities conducted under the license. The Responsible Person has extensive knowledge of the provisions of the Cannabis Act and the regulations. Julie has navigated all phases of licensing under the Cannabis Act. As President of Freedom Cannabis, Julie has led the company in community outreach and talent management. Julie has been a vital part of Norquest College and Olds College Cannabis training and education programs. The president is responsible for oversight of Human Resources, Security, Compliance, and Quality Control departments. Julie developed educational partnerships with Olds College and Norquest College that provide hands-on training to cannabis focused students.