Preston Whitfield
About Preston Whitfield
Preston Whitfield is a Business Development Specialist with extensive experience in the hemp industry, currently working at Open Book Extracts in North Carolina. He played a key role in the passing of the North Carolina Hemp Bill and has held various leadership positions, including Founder & CEO of Source Hemp and Program Director for the NoCo Hemp Expo.
Work at Open Book Extracts
Preston Whitfield has been serving as a Business Development Specialist at Open Book Extracts since 2020. In this role, he focuses on expanding business opportunities within the hemp industry. His expertise contributes to the company's strategic initiatives and market positioning in Roxboro, North Carolina. Whitfield's involvement in business development aligns with his extensive background in the hemp sector.
Education and Expertise
Preston Whitfield studied Horticultural Science at Central Piedmont Community College, where he earned an Associate's degree. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his work in the hemp industry. Whitfield's expertise encompasses business development, supply chain management, and industry advocacy, which he applies in his current and previous roles.
Background
Preston Whitfield has a diverse background in the hemp industry. He founded Source Hemp in 2015 and served as its CEO for nine years. Prior to his current role at Open Book Extracts, he worked as the Director of Hemp Operations at FlexMOD.com for one year. Whitfield's involvement in the hemp sector began with planting the first legal cannabis plant in North Carolina in 2017.
Achievements
Preston Whitfield played a significant role in the passing of the North Carolina Hemp Bill, SB 313, in 2016. He served as Program Director for the NoCo Hemp Expo for five years, contributing to its development as a prominent global tradeshow and conference. Additionally, he collaborated with the Colorado Governor and various governmental agencies as an Industry Stakeholder in the CHAMP Initiative, which aims to advance the hemp industry.
Industry Contributions
Preston Whitfield focuses on enhancing the hemp industry supply chain by working with industry experts on facility engineering and product development. He speaks internationally to address barriers in the cannabis market, aiming to solidify its global presence. His contributions to the industry reflect a commitment to advancing hemp and cannabis initiatives.