Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Accomplishments

Timeline

COLLIN PALMER

Summary

Cannabis industry leader with 20+ years of innovation across formulation, cultivation, genetics, solventless extraction, and large-scale product commercialization. Expert in driving growth strategies and optimizing cannabis production, achieving $20M+ in growth opportunities. A pioneer known for developing proprietary, solventless technologies, creating award-winning products, and leading high-performance R&D teams. Holds one of the most extensive genetic libraries in the market, with an unmatched ability to translate plant science into category-defining consumer goods.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

CEO / Founder

Vessel Life Science

New York, New York

01.2010 - Current

Led a product innovation lab focused on formulation science and solventless R&D, producing differentiated, commercially ready product platforms for leading cannabis brands and MSOs.
Developed proprietary extraction and formulation IP that created defensible product architectures and accelerated clients’ innovation pipelines.
Built scalable product roadmaps, R&D strategies, SOP systems, and QC frameworks, enabling multi-state operators to grow efficiently in highly regulated markets.
Directed lab design, equipment mapping, workflow engineering, and technical buildouts to increase production efficiency, safety, and throughput across multi-state operations.
Guided portfolio expansion and market differentiation by identifying emerging opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and leading innovation and GTM strategies for brands, including PUSHA, PAX, and Happy Valley.
Designed integrated brand and go-to-market strategies—spanning marketing, operations, and genetics—that elevated market share and consumer engagement.
Advised state legislators on cannabis policy, influencing regulatory frameworks that supported industry growth, while maintaining compliance and revenue objectives.
Fostered partnerships with key stakeholders to advance research and development efforts.
Mentored senior leadership to strengthen organizational capabilities and performance.
Developed and implemented strategic business plans to increase company profitability.
Analyzed market trends and customer data to inform decision-making processes.
Managed executive team members to ensure successful execution of projects in a timely manner.
Facilitated board meetings and provided leadership guidance to senior management.
Executed on-time, under-budget project management to adhere to project road map.
Exceeded sales goals through upselling and cross-selling within existing client base as well as strategically attracting new business.

Head of Formulations & Innovation

PAX

Boston, MA

04.2021 - 12.2023

Drove category-defining product innovation—introducing natural diamonds into Pax Rosin Pods, advancing solventless R&D, and creating the top-selling live rosin cart across CA, CO, and MA (BDSA-validated).
Positioned PAX as an industry leader by developing multiple award-winning product lines (including a High Times Cannabis Cup winner) and directing advanced formulation, hardware, and consumable product innovation.
Generated $19M+ in OPEX savings and reduced COGS by 9% by optimizing business models, consolidating unprofitable markets, and implementing in-house filling systems.
Identified $20M+ in net-new growth opportunities by analyzing consumer and wholesale buying patterns across 250+ dispensaries in core markets.
Led high-performing R&D and product teams, setting strategic OKRs, fostering innovation, and translating scientific research and market insights into commercially successful, industry-shaping products.

VP of Product Development / Director of Cultivation

Happy Valley

Boston, MA

08.2016 - 02.2021

Set the strategic vision and long-term roadmap for a diversified cannabis portfolio, aligning innovation with market trends and enterprise-wide growth objectives.
Directed end-to-end cultivation and supply-chain strategy—including genetics, environmental controls, sourcing, and vendor partnerships—to optimize yield, consistency, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
Led full-lifecycle product development for topicals, edibles, solventless concentrates, and wellness products, establishing proprietary formulations supported by robust SOPs, QA systems, and compliant production workflows.
Built scalable operational infrastructures across manufacturing, packaging, and quality, driving cross-functional excellence, regulatory adherence, and growth-ready execution.
Guided facility planning and workflow engineering; represented product strategy in investor discussions; and built high-performing teams across formulation, production, and cultivation to sustain an innovation-driven culture.

Founder

Vessel Creative

Brooklyn, NY

09.2010 - 08.2016

Founded and scaled a multidisciplinary creative studio delivering award-winning, multi-channel campaigns for global brands.
Led end-to-end creative strategy, unifying print, motion, and film to drive brand differentiation and measurable impact.
Built and developed high-performing creative teams, shaping culture, talent strategy, and innovation processes.
Oversaw full studio operations—budgeting, financial planning, vendor negotiations, and resource allocation—to maximize profitability.
Directed complex production pipelines and cultivated strategic client partnerships, translating business objectives into compelling creative outcomes.
Clients included Toyota, Chrysler, Samsung, Phillips, ELLE Magazine, Esquire Magazine, Olay, Canon, Revlon, Maybelline, Moon Taxi.

Strategic Advisor / Partner / VP of Sound Design / Motion Design / Graphic Design

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