Ruben is a Director of Government Strategies and Managed Services for the firm. In this role, he leads public-sector engagement, lobbying and regulatory navigation, and the development of innovative service models across emerging industries. Ruben supports the firm’s clients by applying his expertise in compliance, operations, and cross-sector strategy, particularly in highly regulated markets such as cannabis, the construction industry and health and wellness sectors.
Ruben brings extensive experience working at the intersection of innovation, equity, and regulation. He is the founder of Blak Mar Farms, a legacy cannabis brand built on a mission of equity and sustainability; Phoenix Nutraceutical, a wellness company focused on plant-based therapeutics, and Project Ascend, a blockchain-powered initiative designed to improve transparency and access to capital in the cannabis industry. Ruben regularly advises clients on policy, strategy, and enterprise-level implementation within rapidly evolving sectors.
Ruben received an Honorary Professional Doctorate in Management, awarded by the Charted Institute of Management Specialists (USA).
Education
- University at Buffalo, Bachelor of Science (BS) (BA), Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies/ Business Administration
- New York University, Stern School of Business, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business, Management, Marketing and Related Support Services
Personal and Community Service
Ruben is a Foundation Board Member at SUNY Columbia-Greene and is the co-author of Just Say Yes: The Guide to Legal Cannabis. He was featured in National Geographic Investigates: The Green Rush and continues to be a speaker and advocate on issues of justice, innovation, and economic empowerment.