Our mission at the Office of Social Equity is to provide resources and support for historically disadvantaged individuals and businesses seeking to enter the Maryland adult-use cannabis industry. Led by Executive Director Audrey Johnson and her team who report directly to Governor Moore, the Office of Social Equity - through programs, outreach, and advocacy - cultivates an adult-use cannabis market that encourages full participation.
The State of Maryland has committed unprecedented resources to promote and encourage equitable access and participation in the adult-use cannabis market. The Office of Social Equity plays a pivotal role in creating and sharing resources towards advancing equity and economic prosperity.
Agency Leadership
Audrey Johnson, Executive DirectorAudrey Johnson was appointed by Governor Wes Moore to serve as the inaugural executive director of the Office of Social Equity.
Johnson brings more than a decade of experience leading programs and strategies that promote economic development, equity, and inclusion. Prior to joining the Moore Administration, Johnson served as Senior Director for Economic Innovation and Strategy for the Johns Hopkins University and Health System, where she drove the anchor institution’s key initiatives and programs in the Baltimore region – including impact investments in economic and neighborhood development, health care, and education. Prior to joining Johns Hopkins as Director of Economic Development, she spent 8 years at Kaiser Permanente, holding senior roles in supply chain enterprise systems, procurement, supplier diversity, and economic impact strategy. Johnson also is an active civic leader, serving as president of the Baltimore Chapter of the National Association of Health Services Executives, a member of the Greater Washington Partnership’s Capital Region Rail Vision Advisory Committee, the D.C. Community Anchor Partnership Network Advisory Board, and Art with a Heart Board of Directors.Courtney Davis, Deputy DirectorCourtney Davis was appointed by Governor Wes Moore to serve as deputy director of the Office of Social Equity.
Davis most recently served as Executive Director of Marijuana Matters, a Washington, D.C.-based national advocacy organization focused on advancing economic inclusion, social equity, and restorative justice in cannabis public policy. Before becoming Executive Director, she served as Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations of the organization. Davis also spent more than six years on Capitol Hill, holding various roles in the office of U.S. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado. She is a member of the Junior League of Washington. 