About NIHC

A product of its time

As we set out, Hemp is one of those materials that is both versatile and sustainable. And it is yet to be used to its fullest potential, be that in clothing, construction, fuels or manufacturing.

The mission of the National Industrial Hemp Council of America is simple – to right this wrong by educating businesses and consumers on the benefits of hemp, creating the demand needed to drive markets, and in doing this supporting our members.

A market driven by sustainability and growth

The Global Hemp Industry is growing at a steady pace. This is good, but not good enough. We must accelerate this growth as new uses for hemp are pioneered, more governments embrace the industry and consumers continue to invest in more sustainable products.

NIHC’s international market development focuses on Europe and Asia. Target countries include Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, Croatia, Switzerland, Italy and the UK, and China, Japan, South Korea and Thailand.

Supporting our members

The NIHC helps new market entrants and established producers. We do this by sharing our resources, research and knowledge and enabling our members to network. We campaign for and advise upon a legislative framework across the industry, and we educate consumers on the applications and advantages of industrial hemp.

Advocacy

NIHC brings together an expert team of leaders from across sectors and disciplines. Together they work tirelessly to promote the production and use of hemp both in North America and worldwide. This is not just a good thing to do, it is essential.

Board of Directors

Patrick Atagi

President and CEO

Thomas Sloan

Secretary and Treasurer

Bill Hawks

Lowell Randel

Deputy Assistant Secretary

Patricia Sheikh

Trade and Development Expert

Walt Smith

Founder and President of The Mallard Group

Robert M. White

Director of National Government Relations

Doug Farquhar, J.D

Barry Carpenter

Our Staff

Curtis Anderson

Chief Financial Officer

Veronica Frantz

Chief of Staff

Kevin Sage-EL

Advisor to the President

Sean Callanan

Director of Trade and Markets

Lakshmy Mahon

Executive Vice President of the NIHC Verify Program

West Town Payments, in its partnership with West Town Bank & Trust, offers a full-service banking and payments solution catered to the hemp industry.

This allows hemp businesses to bundle financial service solutions for an end-to-end tailored approach, all while increasing revenues, reducing risk and having access to better service.

We know your business from the ground up.

We’re a hemp-friendly bank with market specialists who have a deep understanding of the financial challenges you and your industry face.

Connect with a hemp banking specialist to get started.
Email Nely Valcheva nely.valcheva@firstcitizens

There is a $150 monthly compliance management fee associated with Hemp/CBD relationships. This fee will be charged to a designated checking account. Account openings and credit are subject to Bank approval. Individual state licensing and registration requirements apply. Member FDIC