Christopher Carlos Cano, M.P.A.

Christopher Cano is a United States Air Force Veteran and Public Administrator who currently serves as Director of Political & Legislative Affairs for the members of SEIU Local 500. Armed with multiple degrees from the University of South Florida and years of experience in both Florida and DC-Beltway politics, Chris strives to be at the forefront of multiple movements working to affect change in America. With a history serving on several local and state-wide boards of various nonprofit and advocacy organizations, Cano currently serves on the national board of directors of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, (NORML). His scholarly work, A Comparative and Policy Analysis of Cannabis Prohibition with Recommendations for Florida’s Medical Marijuana System (2013), was lauded by fellow academics as the most in-depth research on the subject ever conducted by student from the University of South Florida's School of Public Affairs at that time. Christopher's professional experience working as a Legislative Analyst in the Florida Legislature, for several Social Justice Organizations, and a major Fortune 500 Company in the Pharmaceutical Industry give him a wealth of political knowledge that he applies everyday. His post-graduate work as a Professor teaching educational seminars led him to a career in academic labor organizing. Chris currently serves as Executive Director for the Suncoast Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and is has been a guest speaker for major clubs and events including the National Cannabis Festival in Washington DC discussing Workplace Protections for Cannabis Consumers.