About Us
EXECUTIVE TEAM
THE EXECUTIVE TEAM
AMANDA PUSHKOW
Director of Engineering
JON MALAVE
Chief Executive Officer
Jon brings over two decades of experience within the cannabis, pharmaceutical, medical device, food and dietary supplements, with the highest levels of proficiency in auditing, risk management, executive management, strategy development and Implementation, project leadership and management, Quality Management Systems (QMS), Quality Assurance, compliance, process development and Validation, corrective & preventative actions, supply chain logistics, GMP / GLP, training, along with a strong working knowledge in laboratory analysis and controlled substance (Schedule II-IV) activities.
With such diverse experiences and overall perspective within regulated industry, he has had the opportunity to successfully lead Quality initiatives within small to multi-national organizations, as well as championing of global projects, with high levels of complexity, across multiple platforms and throughout many global regions.
His thorough comprehension of regulations (state, federal) and global standards (ISO, ASTM), along with an understanding of how to effectively apply those standards to various business models, has allowed him to successfully navigate and lead through various sectors of regulated industries.
BETHANY KEARNEY
Chief Quality Officer
Bethany brings almost 15 years of experience with her quality compliance and management roles in global companies including Johnson and Johnson, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Clinlogix LLC and Confinis CPM ag. Through her experience designing and integrating complex quality management systems, she supported bringing products to market through implementation of quality by design principles and support of evidence-based safety and efficacy investigations.
As a consultant, Bethany transformed companies by building and enhancing quality systems to meet regulatory requirements, future portfolio expansion, achieving certifications, and satisfying required inspections. She exhibits a proven ability to identify risks, manage known issues proactively and implement custom solutions for her clients. Her specialty areas range from consumer, pharmaceutical, medical device and combination products with a strong background in research, chemistry, manufacturing, and compliance software implementation.
Bethany is certified by the American Society of Quality as a Certified Quality Auditor. She also serves as the Director of the Mid-Atlantic Region Quality Association, of the Society for Quality Assurance (SQA), is a member of American Society of Quality (ASQ), and Regulatory Affairs Professional Society (RAPS).
ALICE FITZSIMONS
Director of Communications
Alice brings nearly 10 years experience in consumer and political marketing with concentrations in brand building, social media, messaging, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. Alice has partnered with small businesses, mutual aid funds, and political campaigns alike, bringing a focus on social justice and equity to communities and businesses.
Her areas of specialty range from working with Independent Political Organizations, local and city level government, small businesses, and non profit organizations. As a former Chicago Public School Teacher and advocate for social justice, equity in business is a key component in the stories she tells through messaging and social media communication.
Delivering a cohesive and authentic brand identity to companies dedicated to preserving integrity and sustainability in the consumer space is her main passion, and she believes that this is a critical factor for measurable success in the Cannabis industry.
AMANDA PUSHKOW
Director of Engineering
Amanda brings 10+ years of experience working in highly regulated industries including medical device manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, materials science and aerospace. Leadership roles held in production, manufacturing engineering, sustaining and R&D; including project management and global responsibility. Proven track record in using Lean methodologies company wide, improving product reliability and reducing costs.
Her practical skill set brings a level of management and high technical acumen that augments and assimilates into the continuously maturing and evolving cannabis industry.
VALUES & MISSION
Values
"QUALITY IS NEVER AN ACCIDENT.
IT IS ALWAYS THE RESULT OF INTELLIGENT EFFORT."
This organizational mantra is the foundation of our company's moral, ethical and fundamental values:
INTEGRITY - quality of honesty along with strong professional ethics.
EXCELLENCE - value and quality delivered beyond expectations
HONESTY - truthfulness always; even if it hurts
RESPONSIBILITY - commitment to contribute socially and personally
PRACTICALITY - solutions based on real-world successes
Mission
At QAcanna our essential purpose is to provide exceptional Quality leadership to transform solutions and strategies to deliver sustainable results. As a Quality Assurance & Operational Regulatory Compliance company, QAcanna solves complex problems, and we plan and execute strategically critical projects across multiple cannabis verticals.
Through our talented family of professionals, QAcanna provides unmatched quality, caring and value to our clients. QAcanna's obsession with ethical conduct, excellence and uncompromising integrity assures our impeccable reputation as the leaders within our profession.
ADVISORY BOARD
The overall purpose for the QAcanna Advisory Board is strategic planning, long-term performance and growth of the firm, while establishing a consistently present social contribution footprint. As a result of this purpose, QAcanna works with organizations within the cannabis industry to ensure the manufacturing of safe and effective products for all consumers.
Our vision for the Advisory Board is for its members to provide expert input and feedback with respect to the firm's business development strategies, while also providing insightful and thoughtful guidance on social responsibility contributions. This insight will help further establish QAcanna as a leader in the industry.