Red Tractor Holdings prioritizing strategy in search for new COO

By Brandon Dunn

Vashon Ferguson is no longer acting COO of Red Tractor Holdings.

“The cannabis industry in Missouri is deeply connected and so it should come as no surprise that we wish our colleague Vashon the best and fully expect to cross paths with him again in the future,” Red Tractor Holdings founder and CEO Kelly Waggoner said. “For Red Tractor, this doesn’t change our course at all. We’re able to take this time to be really strategic in selecting an operational executive that will drive the business forward when we are past this application stage. The reality is, change is the only constant in cannabis business, so we are taking even these big changes in stride. We aren’t on this journey because we expected it to be predictable!”

Greenway was unable to reach Ferguson directly for comment, but he has been active on social media about the change.

“This previous year has afforded me the opportunity to serve as Chief Operating Officer of a start-up Medicinal Cannabis company in Kansas City,” Ferguson posted. “I am currently seeking new opportunities in the cannabis industry following my tenure as COO with my previous company, specifically with a new company in the Kansas City area, however I am open to any location. [sic]

“This industry is a passion of mine and as a retired military officer, I have seen too many situations where this medicine is severely needed.”

Ferguson has been a highly visible figure in the budding cannabis industry over the last year, attending many events on behalf of Red Tractor.

Weeks before applications are accepted for facilities, company structures are being solidified. This is the first publicly acknowledged split of a board or leadership member in the newly created legal market by a major industry player.