LANSING – The Industrial Hemp Association of Michigan, commonly referred to as iHemp, has elected a new board of directors, led by David Crabill, a hemp farmer.

A list of the officers is below:

David Crabill President

Former iHemp President John Freeman invited Dave to help organize the first event by iHemp Michigan, along with Blain Becktold,  which was held on January 26, 2019. He brought his graphic design, website development, and technical skills to begin what became a rapid series of events through 2019 and the execution of the Midwest’s first Industrial Hemp Expo – Midwest iHemp Expo. Dave owns Eclectic Sales & Creative Marketing, LLC a marketing agency, Great Lakes State Hosting, LLC a website hosting company, iHemp Manufacturing, LLC,  and is the commissioner of the Eclectic Hockey League and active ice hockey player. He grew an acre of hemp in 2019. His CBD brand is Turtle Pond Botanicals.

Blain Becktold, Treasurer

Blain is one of the founding members of iHemp Michigan. Blain was a County Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency for 27 years, administering Government Farm Programs to farmers. After retiring in 2011 from USDA, he formed Down On The Farm, a consulting service to assist farmers through the maze of government paperwork with the goal of receiving program benefits. Blain helps farmers meet compliance with the new FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), and third-party audits required by buyers of fruit and vegetables. Blain manufacturers Hemp Seed Oil, Hemp Protein Flour, Hemp Protein Cake and Hemp Hearts. He also is a seed dealer for fiber and grain genetics and offers a decortication service, including CBD stalks.

Becky Becktold, Secretary

Becky spent 44 years in the legal field as a legal assistant/paralegal, retiring in 2020. Currently, she spends time assisting her husband, Blain Becktold, with his consulting business Down On The Farm, and assists iHemp Michigan with membership as well as serving as its Board Secretary. Becky enjoys reading, spending time with their 7 grandchildren and keeping the family organized.

Jen Nelson, Vice President

Jen Nelson currently works at Mid Michigan Hemp Supply, a “Soil-to-Oil” vertically integrated business concept. She is the company’s Executive Assistant, Lead Farm Consultant, Head of Research and Development, growing and supplying hemp genetics, products and services our industry can count on. Jen is also a CBD product consultant for MMD Holistic Medicine CBD Superstore, a subsidiary company to Mid Michigan Hemp Supply. Jen’s goal is to educate, cultivate and bring hemp products and services to life with easy access for all who dream the dream of a better future, both environmentally and medicinally.

Cristina Cecchetti, Vice President

With more than 17 years of marketing management experience, Cristina brings a dynamic perspective in how to reach people and cultivate brand relationships. Her ability to help plan innovative communications strategies helps activate the consumer journey, leading to achieving consistent and aggressive business goals. Cristina has extensive experience in the automotive, financial, hemp and government categories across disciplines from Branding, Digital, CRM, Social, Content, TV, Events, Retail, etc.

For a complete list of all board members, click on https://ihempmichigan.com/about/#board