Allison Zervopoulos
Los Angeles
Summary
Experienced cannabis cultivation specialist with expertise in facility design, build-out, and management. Skilled in overseeing all stages of the cultivation process, including genetics acquisition, breeding, pest management, and harvest, while optimizing plant health through effective SOPs. Proven leader with a strong background in hiring, training, and managing cultivation teams in fast-paced, start-up environments. Adept at navigating state regulations, and available for travel and relocation to support growth and new opportunities.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Expert Witness
Sutton Pierce
04.2024 - Current
- Provided expert testimony in legal cases related to cannabis cultivation, facility build-outs, and operational practices.
- Leveraged deep industry knowledge to offer insights on regulatory compliance, cultivation best practices, and facility management.
- Assisted legal teams in understanding complex issues within the cannabis industry, contributing to successful case outcomes.
Owner/Chief Cultivation Consultant
Aliponics
02.2017 - Current
- Provided consulting services to cannabis companies on facility build-outs, staff hiring, training, and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) development.
- Led the design and successful build-out of cultivation facilities ranging from 12,000 to 30,000 square feet, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with clients across multiple states, optimizing facility layouts and workflows for facilities ranging from 12,000 to 80,000 square feet.
- Developed and implemented staff training programs, SOPs, and operational strategies to enhance productivity, compliance, and profitability.
Senior Plant Scientist
Neatleaf
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Collaborated with clients to ensure optimal usage and success with Neatleaf Spyder and its dashboard, driving efficiency and performance.
- Conducted thorough audits and data analysis of information collected by Neatleaf Spyder, identifying trends and actionable insights.
- Compiled and delivered comprehensive reports on operational performance for large Multi-State Operator (MSO) cultivation facilities, providing strategic recommendations for improvement.
Director of Cultivation
605 Cannabis
01.2021 - 06.2023
- Oversaw the design and build-out of a 30,000 sq. ft. cannabis cultivation space, ensuring optimal layout and infrastructure for maximum operational efficiency.
- Trained and mentored cultivation staff, including Cultivation Managers, to ensure adherence to best practices and company standards.
- Led genetic acquisition strategies, sourcing high-quality strains for optimal yield and potency.
- Managed the installation and setup of cultivation equipment, ensuring all systems were properly configured and operational from day one.
- Developed and implemented tailored nutrient formulas, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to optimize plant health and increase production.
- Achieved impressive cultivation results, consistently producing 3+ lbs per light and 95+ grams per square foot in a 150-light rooms.
Project Consultant
King of ReLeaf
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Led design and build-out of a 12,600 sq. ft. cultivation facility for King of ReLeaf, ensuring optimal layout and systems integration for operational efficiency.
- Designed facility’s floor plan and coordinated electrical, HVAC, and plumbing calculations to meet cultivation requirements and state regulations.
- Provided equipment recommendations, selecting best tools and technologies to maximize production and streamline operations.
- Developed fertigation and irrigation system design to ensure optimal water and nutrient delivery tailored to facility needs.
- Offered nutrient recommendations and genetic acquisition strategies to enhance crop quality and yield.
- Oversaw build-out process, working closely with contractors and vendors to ensure timely and compliant project completion.
Director of Cultivation
Native Nations Cannabis
01.2021 - 07.2021
- Led the design and build-out of South Dakota's first legal cannabis cultivation facility, overseeing all aspects of infrastructure and system integration to ensure compliance with state regulations and operational efficiency.
- Directed the installation of customized fertigation and irrigation systems, ensuring optimal water and nutrient delivery tailored to the facility's unique needs and cultivation goals.
- Recruited, hired, and trained a skilled cultivation team, fostering a high-performing, compliant work environment.
- Developed and implemented tailored Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), nutrient formulas, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs aligned with the facility's specific layout, fertigation system, and genetic strains.
- Managed day-to-day operations to ensure consistent quality, yield optimization, and system performance.
Director of Cultivation
Koala Farms
03.2018 - 03.2020
- Directed all cultivation operations for a 40,000 sq. ft. start-up facility, leading the establishment of processes, systems, and staff to ensure successful launch and ongoing operations.
- Hired, trained, and managed a skilled cultivation team, fostering a collaborative and compliant work environment.
- Sourced and installed essential cultivation equipment, including lighting systems, irrigation controls, pumps, tanks, lines, and tables, ensuring efficient and effective operations.
- Spearheaded genetic acquisition strategies, selecting high-quality strains for optimal yield and potency.
- Fine-tuned facility operations, optimizing environmental conditions, workflows, and systems to maximize plant health and production.
Owner
Pure Natural Medicine Collective
01.2010 - 02.2018
- Founded and operated a non-profit cannabis cultivation company in compliance with California's Prop 215, overseeing all aspects of cultivation and business operations.
- Sourced and managed commercial spaces for cultivation, from initial build-outs to ongoing operational execution.
- Directed the full cultivation lifecycle, including nursery and vegetative processes, flower production, drying, curing, and sales of the final product to dispensaries and licensed buyers.
- Led the hiring, training, and management of staff, ensuring a productive and compliant work environment.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, and custom nutrient formulas to optimize plant health and maximize yields.
- Maintained strict adherence to plant health and growth schedules, consistently meeting quality and production goals.
Director of Cultivation/Operations
OMG Collective
01.2010 - 03.2014
- Managed day-to-day operations of a medical cannabis dispensary, ensuring compliance with state and local regulations while delivering exceptional patient service.
- Hired, trained, and led a dedicated dispensary staff, fostering a positive customer experience and a knowledgeable team.
- Oversaw inventory control and management, ensuring accurate tracking and availability of products while maintaining compliance with state regulations.
- Acted as a patient advocate and consultant, providing personalized product recommendations and educational support to ensure patients received the best care and treatments.
- Contributed to the design and build-out of a cultivation facility, including genetic acquisition and cultivation team management.
- Led the cultivation team through the entire production process, from propagation and vegetative stages to harvesting, drying, curing, and final product preparation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Plant Sciences
California Polytechnic State University
Pomona, CA05-2025
Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration And Management
Victor Valley College
Victorville, CA05-2021
Skills
- Strong Work Ethic & Reliability: Outgoing, hardworking, and dependable with a proven track record of driving results in dynamic environments
- Genetics & Cultivar Management: Extensive experience working with a wide range of cannabis genetics, understanding the unique cultivation needs of various cultivars, and optimizing growth for specific strains
- Cultivation Techniques: Proficient with multiple grow methods, fertigation systems, and controls to optimize plant growth and production
- Facility Design & Build-Out: Expertise in the design, planning, and build-out of cannabis cultivation facilities, collaborating with HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, and contractors to ensure projects are completed accurately and on schedule
- Start-Up Environments: Experienced in fast-paced, start-up environments, with a passion for building and scaling successful operations
- Flexibility & Mobility: Open to travel and relocation as needed to support operational growth and new project initiatives
Accomplishments
MG Magazine - Artificial Intelligence in the Grow Aug 1, 2024
Cannabis Careers in AI and Cultivation - LSSU 2024
Energy Sustainability and Efficiency Strategies for Cultivation Facilities -MjBizCon 2024
Timeline
Expert Witness
Sutton Pierce
04.2024 - Current
Senior Plant Scientist
Neatleaf
01.2024 - 12.2024
Project Consultant
King of ReLeaf
01.2022 - 01.2023
Director of Cultivation
605 Cannabis
01.2021 - 06.2023
Director of Cultivation
Native Nations Cannabis
01.2021 - 07.2021
Director of Cultivation
Koala Farms
03.2018 - 03.2020
Owner/Chief Cultivation Consultant
Aliponics
02.2017 - Current
Owner
Pure Natural Medicine Collective
01.2010 - 02.2018
Director of Cultivation/Operations
OMG Collective
01.2010 - 03.2014
Bachelor of Science - Plant Sciences
California Polytechnic State University
Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration And Management
Victor Valley College
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