Executive Leadership

Jason Wild first joined the board as Chairman of TerrAscend after leading a private placement into the company in 2017. Having built a deep knowledge base and network in the cannabis industry over the years, Mr. Wild brings strategic value as an investor and partner. He works collaboratively with the board and management team to help guide the company’s strategy and source M&A opportunities with his extensive network.

In addition to his role with TerrAscend, Mr. Wild is the President Chief Investment Officer of JW Asset Management, an SEC registered investment adviser with more than $500 million in assets under management. Starting his first fund in 1998 with under $100,000 in assets, Mr. Wild achieved early success by leveraging his background as a pharmacist finding undervalued, specialty pharmaceutical companies, and focusing on long term price appreciation. He also serves on the board of Vitruvias Therapeutics, a US based generic drug company.

Ziad Ghanem brings nearly two decades of experience in large-scale healthcare services, cannabis, pharmacy, and retail operations to TerrAscend, where he manages and oversees all of the Company’s operations. Before joining TerrAscend in January of 2022, Mr. Ghanem served as President of all markets at Parallel, one of the largest privately held, vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis operators in the U.S.  

Before entering the cannabis industry, Mr. Ghanem gained over 15 years of experience in senior leadership roles at Walgreens Boots Alliance. During his tenure, where he started as a Pharmacy Manager, he held several director roles, including Director of market Pharmacy Operations, Director of regional Healthcare, and Senior Director of healthcare Clinics Operation and Health Systems Partnership Integration. Mr. Ghanem received a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Houston. 

Keith Stauffer brings over 25 years of extensive experience as a business executive, having held senior finance and leadership roles in diverse industries. Prior to his current position at TerrAscend, which he joined in April 2020, Mr. Stauffer was the Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for the Global Consumer Beauty Division at Coty, Inc. His career also includes a decade at The Hershey Company, where he served in several high-level financial capacities. These roles included Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Hershey’s International business, Vice President of Global Internal Audit, Senior Director of Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), Division CFO for Hershey’s Asia and Middle East business, and Division CFO for Hershey’s Latin America and Canada businesses. Additionally, Mr. Stauffer has held various finance positions at Dell Technologies and Procter & Gamble, both domestically and internationally. 

Mr. Stauffer’s educational background complements his professional expertise. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University and furthered his education with an MBA in Finance from Purdue University’s Daniels School of Business. 

Lynn Gefen brings over two decades of in-house and law firm experience and extensive public company knowledge to her role at TerrAscend. She has held various legal positions in multinational companies across the insurance, beverage alcohol, and technology industries. Most recently, Ms. Gefen served as Deputy General Counsel, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, and Assistant Secretary at HomeServe, a publicly traded provider of home repair service solutions. Prior to HomeServe, she worked at Diageo North America, a global leader in beverage alcohol, focusing on regulatory matters, privacy, and compliance. Additionally, at Citrix Systems, a multinational cloud computing and virtualization technology company, she led a team responsible for corporate and compliance matters, including securities, commercial transactions, litigation, governance, and employment. 

Ms. Gefen began her legal career as an associate at Thacher Proffitt & Wood and Holland & Knight. She holds a J.D. from American University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida. 

David Wheeler is a forward-thinking technology executive with over 21 years of experience in driving technological innovations and solving complex problems. At TerrAscend, he oversees all enterprise and customer-facing technology functions, including architecture, governance, risk, security, and digital platforms. His role involves leading the digital strategy and operations, ensuring that technology effectively supports the company’s objectives and enhances overall performance. 

Before joining TerrAscend, Mr. Wheeler co-led the Digital Transformation practice at CFGI, where he specialized in guiding clients through their technology journeys, emphasizing intelligent automation and data analytics. His extensive background includes a 17-year tenure at The Coca-Cola Company, where he held several technology leadership roles. During his time at Coca-Cola, David managed multiple service lines, developed new business capabilities, and spearheaded complex global initiatives, significantly contributing to the company’s technological advancements and operational efficiency. 

BJ Carretta brings over 20 years of marketing expertise to TerrAscend, with a recent focus on dynamic cannabis marketing segments for the past six years. Recognized as a leading strategist in the industry, he has driven impactful results in top marketing roles at major multi-state operators, including Columbia Care, and as the inaugural Chief Marketing Officer at MedMen. Through his consulting company, he has also collaborated with various cannabis brands, organizations, and technology firms, enhancing their market presence and strategic growth. 

Before entering the cannabis sector, Mr. Carretta was Vice President of Digital Brand Marketing, Media, and Communications at Fender, the world’s leading guitar manufacturer. His extensive background includes eight years at NBC Sports Group, where he led marketing and communications for the action sports division. His career began at NBC Universal, contributing to the launch of the studio’s TV-to-DVD business. Mr. Carretta holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue University, where he was also a member of the Division I men’s varsity basketball team.