Dustin MacOrmic

Background

About Dustin MacOrmic

As a seasoned cannabis crop specialist and industry executive, I excel in dynamic start-up environments, particularly in indoor, precision horticulture, where I manage end-to-end project execution. From designing and building cultivation facilities to sourcing, installing, and troubleshooting equipment and automation technologies, I ensure seamless operations at every stage. With a unique background in higher education and advanced degrees in rhetoric and pedagogical theory, I honed my leadership skills as an educator, mentor, and curriculum designer which has informed my distinct approach to team building and staff development in the cannabis industry. I’ve designed comprehensive training programs that equip employees with technical skills, critical thinking, leadership, and decision-making abilities with the aim of cultivating the next generation of growers and operators. This ensures businesses are set up efficiently and poised for long-term success with a culture rooted in expertise, innovation; and a passion for continuous education, learning, and growth. As Director of Cultivation at Iowa Cannabis Company (ICC), I oversee a state-of-the-art cannabis manufacturing facility, leading all cultivation operations and collaborating with executive leadership to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth. My passion for research keeps me at the forefront of cultivation science, implementing evidence-based strategies and data-driven improvements to achieve exceptional results. Beyond cultivation, my role spans facility design and construction, project management, regulatory compliance, and strategic outreach. At ICC, I’ve led multi-million-dollar projects, optimized operational budgets, and delivered significant savings through strategic planning and problem-solving. I’ve built strong relationships with regulatory bodies, industry professionals, and state decision-makers & legislative authorities to ensure compliance and foster trust and transparency. I take pride in advancing operational success while fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented environment. My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact by driving quality through innovation, championing research, and mentoring the next leaders in cannabis horticulture. Whether empowering people or plants, I cultivate growth through my ability to translate vision into actionable strategies.