If we had to describe her in one word, it would be dedicated. She is none other than McKenzie Marly, Director of Compliance at CULTA. She brings calm confidence, focused diligence, and thoughtful expertise to everything she does. We can say it is excellence redefined. “McKenzie is truly the glue that holds CULTA together,” as CULTA’s CEO Joseph Andreae proudly remarks. “She goes beyond managing compliance, understanding every process, department, and person across the company.” Joseph continues, “Her ability to balance precision with empathy sets her apart. She leads with integrity, lifts others up, and makes everyone around her better.” Looking at McKenzie’s imprint at CULTA, we can’t agree more.
The personal experiences that have influenced her leadership style in navigating regulatory landscapes did not emerge overnight. It’s something that McKenzie honed from her own life. Motherhood is one of them. It has tempered her leadership style more than any day at the office. Each of her kids is different, with their own strengths and challenges. This is where McKenzie learned how to adapt her approach. Adaptability is a must-have skill in compliance. Regulations, especially in cannabis, are constantly changing, and no two situations are ever the same. Leading through that requires patience, empathy, and flexibility. Learning these virtues through lived experience has proved a felicitous advantage for this industry leader. This emphasis on pliability and resilience is a quality her company echoes. CULTA actively supports her work-life balance, giving her the resources and latitude to succeed both at home and in the office.
Onboarding CULTA
At the time McKenzie first joined CULTA, she was working in HR. Two weeks into the job, the state conducted an inspection. With no compliance officer yet in place, she stepped in to help. That experience completely changed the whole script. The course of her professional journey took a transformative turn. She quickly realized the role was a perfect fit. A transition she hadn’t planned for but immediately embraced.
As much as her drive and initiative, a major share of credit goes to CULTA for this breakthrough. The company’s culture of growth and learning made the transition possible. CULTA provided opportunities for skill development, mentorship, and career advancement, enabling her to excel in her new role.
In her words: “When I first stepped into compliance, it wasn’t part of the plan. But I quickly realized I had the necessary skills and background for the role. And most importantly, I loved it. Working directly with regulators to help shape a new industry has been incredibly rewarding. At CULTA, compliance isn’t about saying no; it’s about finding a way to make things work responsibly. That collaboration and problem-solving are what I love most about what I do.”
CULTA in Brief
CULTA is a vertically integrated cannabis company headquartered in Maryland, known for cultivating premium, small-batch cannabis using sustainable practices. The company manages its entire supply chain, from cultivation and processing to retail, ensuring quality and consistency at every step. To bring top-tier products to market, the brand has partnered with many renowned brands. Beyond business, CULTA emphasizes compliance, community impact, and transparency. Its commitment to integrity and innovation has positioned it as one of Maryland’s most trusted names in the legal cannabis industry.
What is Compliance in the Cannabis Industry?
As per McKenzie, it is the backbone of the entire sector. Unlike most arenas, they’re operating under a constantly changing patchwork of state regulations. And there’s zero federal consistency. Because of that, compliance touches virtually everything, from cultivation and testing all the way to packaging and marketing. So, it’s more than merely rote adherence. At the end of the day, it’s about building systems that ensure safety, transparency, and trust in an industry that’s still defining its standards.
The Cultivated CULTA Culture
One of CULTA’s co-founders said something that really stuck with McKenzie: “We’re in the compliance industry, and we just happen to sell cannabis.” And that’s precisely how they operate. Compliance is ubiquitous. It is integral to the entire process, not an afterthought.
When McKenzie stepped into this role, she wanted to continue that legacy. Despite this, she also needed to shift the tone. Too often, compliance is seen as the “department of no.” Her primary objective was to change that perception entirely. She wants their teams to see compliance as collaborative and solutions-oriented. No bones about it. Instead of a hard “no,” they try to determine how to make new ideas and programs work, but in a compliant way. That gung-ho mindset, as she sees it, keeps everyone proactive rather than reactive.
Decisions That Define the Direction
In any major industry like compliance, tough decision-making is no exception. Sometimes, there’s just no easy way around it. Here, every choice, big or small, impacts the organization in some way. There are moments when a team has spent weeks—sometimes even months—on a project. And McKenzie just has to say, “We can’t move forward yet,” or, “We need to redo this.” Those are tough calls, no doubt about it. Nonetheless, every one of them reinforces CULTA’s standards and, ultimately, protects the integrity of the company.
Director in Action, in Day-to-Day Motion
When asked about her typical day as Director of Compliance, McKenzie replies with her signature poise. “This is cliché,” she says, “but no two days ever look the same.” Her schedule? Totally unpredictable. One day, you might find her troubleshooting a labeling issue at a dispensary. The very next, she’s responding to a state request for documentation. That constant change is really what keeps the role exciting, she admits. The key is staying cool under pressure and maintaining systems that allow the team to act fast. Together with her team, McKenzie has built a culture where compliance is everyone’s responsibility. Result? It has made it easier to stay ahead, even as the industry evolves at lightning speed. This steady resolve has undoubtedly been one of the reasons why McKenzie was named among the ‘Top 10 Most Influential Leaders in Risk and Compliance, 2025.’ And we applaud it.
Collaboration and CULTA, The Core Connection
At CULTA, collaboration is constant. The senior leadership team meets often, and employees at all levels are encouraged to share ideas and feedback. Rarely does a conversation or decision happen without input from the compliance team. They are always at the table, even for matters that seem small. Whether it’s cultivation, processing, retail, or marketing, everyone’s voice is valued, ensuring a unified approach and a culture where ideas are heard, respected, and valued.
Code to Stay Ahead
Every business leader follows a blueprint of their own to stay on top. McKenzie’s formula revolves around maintaining strong relationships with state regulators. It’s a huge part of what makes her successful. She shares that since they’re in frequent communication, things become much smoother. She asks as many questions as she can. A lot of compliance comes down to interpretation. Therefore, she feels that open dialogue really matters. Another pillar McKenzie leans on is staying connected with groups like CanMD. Networks like these are excellent at keeping teams informed on new regulations, METRC updates, and state bulletins. To this regulatory maven, it’s a constant process of learning and adapting. As she believes these are the two conduits to real progress.
Most Monumental Achievement
Designing their dispensary inventory system from scratch has been one of her most proud professional achievements so far. When she started, CULTA didn’t have any system in place. To create something efficient and compliant out of that initial quagmire was no small feat. Today, they maintain a discrepancy rate of around 0.1%—a figure McKenzie describes as incredible. Yet, beyond that, what truly fills her with elating pride is watching her team grow. She is a servant leader who finds fulfillment in helping others rise. Seeing their careers flourish, she says, is the most rewarding part of leadership.
McKenzie’s Masterful Mentor Who Molded Her Mettle
James Pilchard, the respected VP of Risk at CULTA, has been a guiding force in McKenzie’s journey. His influence became the subtle magic behind her confidence and clarity as a leader. She shares that he comes from a law enforcement background and once served as an inspector with the Maryland Cannabis Administration. In her early days, when McKenzie sometimes second-guessed her decisions, James became her north star. He never dictated solutions. Instead, he’d ask, “How would you handle it first?” That gentle push helped her grow her confidence and sharpen her judgment.
Influencing The Future Professionals
Her professional mentor, James, once told her that one of the most important things a leader can do is decide what kind of leader they want to be. So, she has grown into that vision over time. McKenzie wants to be the kind of leader people feel comfortable approaching. Known for being imperturbable under pressure. Yes, she doesn’t want her leadership style just to dictate commands. Of all the wisdom shared at CULTA, one lesson from CEO Joe has lingered with her as a powerful mantra. He always reminds them not to have an ego, urging them to be magnanimous. This practice builds strong team allegiance. McKenzie carries that with her every day.
Trends That Can Trigger Threats
Compliance is a high-risk domain. It prospers on the theory of “survival of the fittest.” McKenzie is an industry stalwart who has observed the riveting patterns and progress over the years. The constant evolution of regulations is always at the forefront, an inexorable reality of the job. However, she is especially concerned about the ongoing challenges around advertising and public education. The black market still thrives. The irony is that these products are often not tested or regulated. She shares one pressing concern. Something that keeps her up at night, despite all the flak the industry takes. It is the awareness that consumers deserve safe, reliable, and compliant products. So, leaders in the legal cannabis industry must be willing to push the envelope. For them, it’s a long road ahead. There’s still work to be done to make sure they (consumers) get them.
The Soulful Side of Balance
You discuss work-life balance with McKenzie, and she will amaze you with her approach. Director of Compliance is no small designation. It comes with its own set of rewards and challenges. But she doesn’t take it as a job role. To her, it’s a calling. As McKenzie puts it, “It helps that I love what I do and who I do it for.” That passion makes balance feel effortless. She also credits her family for keeping her grounded and fulfilled. They understand that the job doesn’t always end at 5 p.m. And that kind of support makes all the difference. But one thing McKenzie never forgets is to refill her own cup. Her secret? Time with her kids. It nourishes her spirit, and that warmth naturally flows into everything she does at CULTA.
Advice for New Voices in Compliance
To someone entering the compliance field, this accomplished professional offers wisdom drawn from experience. Her advice begins with: “Don’t cut corners, and always be honest.” It’s practically impossible for anyone to have all the answers right away, or even a semblance of them. McKenzie learned that the hard way, early in her journey. That’s why she urges aspiring professionals to ask questions when they’re unsure. Taking accountability for mistakes, she says, is a true mark of integrity.
Here, she recalls an incident from her very first days at CULTA. During that initial inspection, she could have tried to talk her way through the gaps in their documentation, but McKenzie chose honesty instead, demonstrating her incontrovertible commitment to the rules. She told the inspector the truth, “I don’t have it yet, and I don’t know.” He appreciated her honesty and gave her two weeks to get everything in order. That moment cemented one of her core beliefs that transparency builds trust. And trust is the currency that helps in running any business successfully.
