About Us

Panoptic Strategies | A New Era

The evolution of Panoptic Strategies mirrors the dynamic collaboration between Gretchen Gailey and Jax Barboa, marking a transformative era for the company. With Gretchen's extensive background in communications and government affairs within the cannabis industry, spanning from her role at KCSA Strategic Communications to serving as the Executive Vice President of Communications and Government Affairs at New Frontier Data, the company emerged as a recognized leader in the cannabis space. Gretchen's influence extended beyond corporate branding, as she worked diligently with lawmakers, contributing valuable data to shape cannabis tax legislation.

Now, with the inclusion of Jax Barboa, a visionary force in cannabis marketing and branding, Panoptic Strategies has undergone a profound expansion. Jax, having left an indelible mark on the cannabis landscape through 'House of Fuego,' brings a wealth of experience in content creation, design, and strategic marketing. Together and with a small team of contractors and rockstar referral partners, Gretchen and Jax have synergized their expertise, offering clients a comprehensive approach that combines strategic communications, data-driven storytelling, and unparalleled creativity.

This collaborative powerhouse not only continues Gretchen's legacy of advancing the cannabis industry through insightful communications but also propels Panoptic Strategies into new frontiers. As the company navigates the intersection of policy, data, and creative marketing, it stands poised to redefine industry standards and shape the narratives of cannabis businesses in a rapidly evolving landscape. Panoptic Strategies is not merely a company; it's a fusion of seasoned expertise and innovative vision, ready to guide clients through the complexities of the cannabis industry with unparalleled insight and creativity.

 

Panoptic Strategies provides every client with a host of services supported by a collective of creatives.

  • Gretchen Gailey

    FOUNDER

    Gretchen Gailey has spent the past eight years in the cannabis industry, specializing in communications and government affairs to advance the industry through data and storytelling. She helps cannabis clients grow their businesses and influence policymakers by effectively telling their stories. Most recently, Gailey worked at KCSA Strategic Communications and served as Executive Vice President of Communications & Government Affairs for New Frontier Data. There, she developed a strategic communications plan that enhanced the company's brand, increased its visibility, and informed lawmakers on cannabis tax policy, aiding the U.S. Senate Finance Committee in drafting legislation. Prior to her work in cannabis, Gailey was Communications Director for Congressman Bill Shuster (R-PA) and gained over a decade of experience as a journalist with Fox News and NBC News in Washington, D.C., where she covered major events and interviewed heads of state.

  • Don Murphy

    POLITICAL STRATEGIST

    Don Murphy is a seasoned government relations professional with over 25 years of experience in political campaigns and issue advocacy. Beginning his career in the early '90s, Murphy served as a Delegate in the Maryland House of Delegates, where he sponsored the legislation that became Maryland's medical marijuana law. His effectiveness was affirmed with his reelection for a second term. At Genn & Murphy and Don Murphy Public Affairs, he leveraged his relationships and expertise to advocate for legislation across state capitols and Capitol Hill. As the Marijuana Policy Project’s Director of Federal Policy, Murphy played a pivotal role in advancing federal cannabis policy reform, coordinating with non-profit advocacy and industry organizations. His career is marked by a relentless commitment to driving positive change and amplifying his clients' voices, making him a luminary in the field of government relations.

  • Jax Barboa

    CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DESIGNER

    Jax Barboa (they/them) brings extensive expertise in graphic design and corporate branding within the cannabis industry, with over eight years of experience focusing on startups. Formerly the co-founder and head of design at House of Fuego, Barboa transitioned to Panoptic Strategies after House of Fuego's dissolution, now leading all creative direction and leveraging their background in cannabis marketing. Barboa’s unique perspective as a non-binary individual ensures their designs are visually impactful and inclusive. With a BA in Graphic Design, Barboa navigates the complex cannabis industry landscape, combining artistic flair with regulatory understanding. As Creative Director and Designer at Panoptic, Barboa oversees content creation, design, and marketing, specializing in community building, social media engagement, influencer partnerships, corporate photography, brand identity development, and storytelling. Barboa guides Panoptic towards innovative design and strategic marketing, committed to elevating brands in the evolving cannabis industry and beyond.

Proud members of:

  • Derek Friday

    DESIGNER, UI/UX

  • Keith Blackman

    MEDIA STRATEGIST, PRODUCTION

  • Matt Lawrence

    ILLUSTRATOR

  • Nick Stephenson

    WEB DESIGNER

  • Investor Relations

    Sherry Andersen

    IR STRATEGIST

Case Studies: