Shanita R. Penny, MBA is a Senior Vice President in FTP’s public affairs practice.

Shanita is a versatile professional with a proven track record as a coalition builder, advocacy leader, and business strategist, particularly in the cannabis industry and policy reform movement. With over 20 years of experience in helping organizations address complex challenges and enhance business performance, she excels in stakeholder engagement and collaboration to achieve policy objectives and deliver exceptional results.

Prior to joining Forbes Tate Partners, Shanita founded Budding Solutions, a boutique cannabis consultancy that assisted businesses in establishing and scaling compliant operations. She also co-founded DocHouse, a craft cannabis cultivator and manufacturer acquired by Ayr Wellness in 2020. Shanita previously served as Vice President and President of the Minority Cannabis Business Association and held board positions with several advocacy organizations and non-profits. Her expertise in strategic management, project leadership, and business development was honed through roles with prominent Fortune 500 companies, including PepsiCo, Molson Coors Beverage Company (formerly Miller Brewing Company), and McCormick & Company, as well as Blue Yonder, a global leader in digital supply chain transformation.

Shanita holds an MBA from the University of Baltimore & Towson University and is a proud alumna of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, where she earned a B.S. in Transportation and Logistics Management.