Chris Vaughn
Upper Lake,CA
Summary
Accomplished cannabis industry professional with expertise in cultivation, procurement, quality assurance, and agricultural operations. Proven track record in cost optimization and team leadership, achieving a 90% reduction in fertilizer costs, and achieving yield enhancements exceeding 160%. Adept at navigating regulatory frameworks and managing budgets to foster sustainable farming practices, based on data-driven strategies.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Farm and Nursery Manager
Clover Valley Ranch
Upper Lake, CA
02.2022 - Current
- Engineered and executed comprehensive cultivation operations across a 5-acre canopy, focusing on maximizing efficiency and output.
- Established an in-house nursery to enhance genetic selection, resulting in improved season-over-season yields and plant resilience.
- Achieved a 90% reduction in fertilizer expenditures through strategic sourcing optimizations and the refinement of nutrient delivery protocols.
- Amplified annual yields by 160%, escalating production from 5,000 lbs to over 13,000 lbs through targeted agronomic practices.
- Spearheaded the development of budgeting frameworks and optimized labor allocation, ensuring a maximized return on investment throughout varying growth cycles.
- Standardized staffing methodologies and scheduling systems to enhance operational efficiency during peak seasonal demands.
Director of Procurement
Flow Cannabis Co.
Mendocino County, CA
05.2021 - 04.2022
- Oversaw company-wide procurement strategy and developed supplier relationships
- Designed and implemented all QC standards and trained supervisors on testing protocols
- Conducted pricing analysis and structured contracts to reduce risk in volatile markets
- Led farmer relations team, aligning procurement with consumer expectations and market shifts
Founder / Operator
Woodman Peak Farms
Mendocino County, CA
06.2016 - 04.2022
- Developed and operated a fully compliant organic cultivation facility, integrating advanced irrigation and drying systems to optimize efficiency.
- Secured state water rights and Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements to ensure sustainable water management.
- Employed regenerative farming practices, utilizing organic inputs and biological pest management strategies, to enhance soil health and ecosystem balance.
- Oversaw all aspects of operations, including licensing, regulatory compliance, and post-harvest processing to maintain quality standards and meet industry regulations.
Procurement & Quality Control Manager
Flow Cannabis Co.
07.2019 - 05.2021
- Created grading rubrics informed by market research to ensure top-tier consumer alignment
- Trained cross-functional teams in QC processes and rubric application
- Built entire procurement workflow from intake to post-sale reporting
- Managed sourcing, pricing negotiations, and budget oversight across multiple departments
Production Scheduler
Flow Cannabis Co.
11.2018 - 12.2019
- Analyzed market data to align production volumes with real-time demand
- Developed scheduling systems to prevent bottlenecks and overstocking
- Collaborated with operations and sales teams to streamline inventory management
Production Supervisor
Flow Cannabis Co.
10.2017 - 12.2018
- Supervised evening shift teams; increased throughput and reduced errors
- Improved shift workflows, standardized training, and boosted team performance
- Piloted production efficiency initiatives that reduced delays and rework
Science Teacher & Department Head
06.2006 - 05.2016
- Led science instruction in Biology, Chemistry, Botany, and more
- Department Chair; coordinated curriculum, mentored teachers, and led PD initiatives
- Coached athletics and advised student organizations
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology Education
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL01.2006
Skills
- Cultivation & Nursery Management
- Team leadership
- Strategic Planning & Scheduling
- Quality Control & Assurance
- Procurement & Vendor Relations
- Cost Optimization & Budgeting
- Licensing & Regulatory Compliance
- Workflow & Process Improvement
- Market Research & Data Analysis
- Contract Development & Negotiation
- Staff Training & Leadership
- Microsoft Excel
- QuickBooks
- Seed-to-Sale Tracking Platforms
- Production & Inventory Scheduling Software
- Compliance and Regulatory Documentation Systems
Certification
- METRC Compliance Training – Certified
- California CDFW Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement Holder
- State of California Cannabis Cultivation License
Technical Skills
- Microsoft Excel (Advanced Budgeting & Data Analysis)
- QuickBooks & Seed-to-Sale Tracking Platforms
- Production & Inventory Scheduling Software
- Compliance and Regulatory Documentation Systems
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Farm and Nursery Manager
Clover Valley Ranch
02.2022 - Current
Director of Procurement
Flow Cannabis Co.
05.2021 - 04.2022
Procurement & Quality Control Manager
Flow Cannabis Co.
07.2019 - 05.2021
Production Scheduler
Flow Cannabis Co.
11.2018 - 12.2019
Production Supervisor
Flow Cannabis Co.
10.2017 - 12.2018
Founder / Operator
Woodman Peak Farms
06.2016 - 04.2022
Science Teacher & Department Head
06.2006 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Science - Biology Education
Jacksonville State University
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