Our Speakers
Dr. Joshua Dorsey
Leader in Cannabis Marketing
Dr. Joshua Dorsey, a leading researcher in the history of cannabis marketing, present efforts in the marketing of cannabis, and public policy related to the cannabis industry, will be the kickoff speaker at the American Marketing Association (AMA) at Montana State’s annual Regional Conference. Dr. Dorsey will give his presentation on cannabis marketing from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 on the first day of the three-day conference.
“The cannabis market in the United States is expected to be worth $47.3 billion by 2028. However, because cannabis is still listed as a Schedule 1 controlled substance on the federal level, laws and regulations are different from state to state,” said Dorsey, co-author of the article, “Evidence-Based Cannabis Policy” that appeared in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing.
“This impacts not only people’s attitudes and beliefs toward cannabis, but how it is marketed. And that’s what I’m interested in.” With more than 15 years of experience in healthcare and sales, Dr. Dorsey’s work focuses on impactful sociocultural issues, including financial well-being for impoverished consumers, race in the marketplace (RIM), healthcare topics, as well as cannabis. Dr. Dorsey’s passion for self-improvement and the pursuit of goals drives his commitment to advancing understanding and advocacy in these critical areas.
Bennie F. Johnson
Chief Executive Officer, American Marketing Association
Bennie F. Johnson is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Marketing Association (AMA). As the leading global professional marketing association, the AMA is the essential community for marketers. From students and practitioners to executives and academics, AMA aims to elevate the profession, deepen knowledge, and make a lasting impact. AMA’s vibrant community of marketers spans more than 70 chapters and has a presence on 350 college campuses across North America. AMA is home to award-winning content, PCM® professional certification, five premiere academic journals, and industry-leading live and virtual training events. Bennie is the host of AMA’s podcast, Marketing / And.
He most recently served as the Executive Director of AIGA, the largest professional association for design. AIGA grows the power of design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, business driver and catalyst for positive impact. While at AIGA, Bennie hosted the acclaimed Design Adjacent podcast and the design leadership fireside chat series from 2020 to 2022.
Currently, he serves on the Board of Overseers for Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, and is a former Board Chair of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. Bennie is also a special advisor to the People’s Graphic Design Archive. He was recently named to the Board of the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC.
Bennie thrives on the connections between marketing, technology, education and innovation. With experience in strategic and consumer marketing, brand management and innovation management, he is drawn to opportunities that allow him to lead and create new modes for business engagement. He has broad experience growing brands, businesses and organizations with a special focus on venture launch and brand relaunch business environments.
Bennie graduated from Yale University with a B.A. and from Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies with a M.S., Strategic Communications.
Terry Balluck
Director, ESG Communications
Terry Balluck is a respected senior communications leader and advisor, currently leading ESG strategy and communications for Texas Instruments, a global semiconductor company whose products are powering sustainable technology around the world, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy applications, and helping to make a positive impact in a growing number of ways.
Prior to joining Texas Instruments, Terry held various communications leadership roles at Kimberly-Clark, where he owned the creation of a corporate brand and reputation practice as a driver of growth for the company in new and emerging markets.
He led the company’s corporate brand management strategy, including day-to-day responsibility for global public relations, social media, and corporate advertising activities, as well as leadership of crisis and issues management.
In total, Terry has nearly 30 years of experience in corporate communications, change management, crisis communications, and media relations, with Fortune 500 companies including Texas Instruments, Kimberly-Clark, Pulte Homes, HP, and Capital One, as well as global agency experience with Edelman. Terry holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin.