Clayton A. Donnelly
Bloomfield Hills
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive cannabis experience, driving operational efficiency and strategic planning. Expert in cannabis cultivation and interdepartmental leadership, achieving a 107 production index across multiple sites. Proven track record in KPI development and continuous improvement, fostering team growth and enhancing product quality.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. National Director of Cultivation
Glorious Cannabis Company
Rochester Hills
01.2024 - Current
- Managed four large-scale indoor cultivation facilities across two states, ensuring operational efficiency.
- Focused on strategic planning and standardization with site directors for cultivation and post-harvest.
- Directed five site directors, supporting over 20 managers, and indirectly aiding 200 employees' growth.
- Led budgeting, KPI development, leadership training, and organizational efficiency initiatives.
- Commissioned two additional locations in Massachusetts, achieving high yields of 65 GPSF of flower.
- Consistently surpassed production targets with a 107 index across all sites in 2024.
- Collaborated directly with COO and CEO to drive data-driven decision-making and risk management.
- Educated VP of Sales on flower material use for manufacturing end products.
Director of Cultivation
Glorious Cannabis Company
Lake Orion
11.2021 - 01.2024
- Established actionable production schedules, enhancing stability in Au Gres facilities.
- Oversaw two smaller grows of 10,000 sq ft and a larger grow of 20,000 sq ft.
- Successfully transitioned operations from Au Gres to Flagship location in Lake Orion while maintaining stability.
- Revamped Lake Orion facility, encompassing 33,000 sq ft of cultivation space and 20,000 sq ft for post-harvest processes.
- Developed SOPs and managed change, increasing yield output from 80 GPSF total bio and 50 GPSF flower to averages of 120 GPSF total bio and 72 GPSF flower.
- Introduced 120 unique cultivars into rotation, diversifying product offerings and raising wholesale prices.
- Led continuous improvement initiatives, set annual KPI targets, and collaborated with Sales and Marketing on S&OP dashboard.
- Achieved average potency levels above 25% and implemented robust IPM program, maintaining less than 0.1% failure rate for flower products.
Director of Operations/Cultivation
Cornerstone Cannabis Solutions
Willits
04.2017 - 10.2021
- Managed multiple large-scale cannabis production facilities, totaling 78 acres with canopies from 10,000 to 100,000 square feet.
- Designed and redesigned facilities for indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse cultivation, including environmental controls and construction.
- Implemented training programs for all cultivation phases: propagation, vegetative, flowering cycles.
- Developed Standard Operating Procedures for Integrated Pest Management, cloning, watering, fertilization, pruning, harvesting, and curing.
- Hired, trained, and supervised teams of 10 to 100 full-time staff, plus 20 to 50 part-time or contract workers.
- Established annual production goals and budgets to reduce costs while maximizing output.
- Maintained comprehensive knowledge of evolving state and local regulations in the cannabis industry.
- Enhanced quality and yield through advanced growing techniques tailored to various environments.
Director of Cultivation
Dabstract
Cle Elum
04.2015 - 05.2017
- Managed cultivation process, overseeing budgeting, operations, scheduling, and payroll.
- Directed hiring and training of staff to enhance propagation and fertigation practices.
- Implemented IPM management and environmental control for optimal plant health.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and maintained traceability using BioTrack THC and MJ Freeway.
Owner and Head of Cultivation
Cornerstone Organix
Seattle
06.2008 - 02.2016
- Owned and managed medical cannabis company servicing over 20 dispensaries across western state.
- Designed and constructed multiple indoor growing facilities with 100,000 watts of lighting.
- Trained and mentored eight cultivation team members and six processing staff.
- Sourced and pheno-hunted sought-after strains, including high CBD and high THC varieties.
Owner
Clayton Donnelly Designs
Seattle
01.2009 - 04.2015
- Operated sole proprietorship jewelry company in Washington State.
- Managed budgeting, material acquisition, sales, and marketing strategies.
- Oversaw order fulfillment processes to ensure timely delivery.
Education
Bachelor or Arts - Practice of Sustainable Agriculture, Fine Arts
The Evergreen State College
Washington01.2009
Skills
- S&OP development and implementation
- Change management
- Operational strategy
- Financial acumen
- Interdepartmental leadership
- Cannabis cultivation and operations
- Continuous improvement
- Crop management
- Fertigation and irrigation
- Integrated pest management (IPM)
- Cloning and propagation
- Quality assurance and control
- KPI development
- Operational efficiency
- Strategic planning
- Regulation compliance
- Genetic procurement
- Growing mediums and nutrient applications
- Training and team building
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sr. National Director of Cultivation
Glorious Cannabis Company
01.2024 - Current
Director of Cultivation
Glorious Cannabis Company
11.2021 - 01.2024
Director of Operations/Cultivation
Cornerstone Cannabis Solutions
04.2017 - 10.2021
Director of Cultivation
Dabstract
04.2015 - 05.2017
Owner
Clayton Donnelly Designs
01.2009 - 04.2015
Owner and Head of Cultivation
Cornerstone Organix
06.2008 - 02.2016
Bachelor or Arts - Practice of Sustainable Agriculture, Fine Arts
The Evergreen State College