Over the past two decades, Dr. Kassam has been the Chairman or led four separate Neurosurgery programs; created and globally scaled three novel surgical procedures; founded or held leadership roles in six technology start-up companies constructed for the purpose of creating the underlying platforms for these procedural innovations; and, has held executive health care administration leadership roles needed to translate these innovations through his Technology-Enabled Services model (T-E S). He currently serves as the Chief Scientific Strategist for AdvocateAurora Health Care, Founder and CEO of Neeka Enterprises. 

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Edward Francis is the President of Neeka Health and serves as the Chief Operating Officer for all Canadian activities. With over 20 years of experience in the private sector and specializing in understanding, implementing, and executing business and culture strategic priorities, Edward has a proven track record of helping companies take innovative technologies to the global market. Through an established international network, with almost a decade of experience in a world-class Canadian business incubator and extensive life science/health technology board and community involvement, Edward has successfully assisted over 50 North American companies in technology and product commercialization. 

Edward has cancer research degrees in Molecular Biology / Biochemistry and training/certifications in Project Management, Good Manufacturing Practices, Good Documentation Practices, Data Integrity, and Change Control and has a passion for creating new digital technologies to help individuals and organizations successfully navigate their mental health and wellness journey. He believes in the simple practice of implementing new digital technologies, understanding synergies with natural product therapeutics, and using data to implement organizational change to improve the lives of individuals and their families.

Hunter serves as Neeka’s Chief Scientific Officer. Previously, Hunter was the associate director of cannabinoid research at Canopy Growth Corporation, the world’s largest cannabis producer. He was global project manager at GW Pharmaceuticals and established its US clinical team. There, Land authored Dravet syndrome, LGS, and multiple-sclerosis protocols and managed the clinical development of the FDA-approved CBD Epidiolex. He speaks at cannabinoid and scientific conferences and collaborates with cannabinoid, neurology, and epilepsy experts, focusing on applications of cannabinoid formulations and their application across a variety of conditions. Land is a co-founder of the Cannabinoid Education Working Group and a member of the International Cannabinoid Research Society, American Epilepsy Society, and the American Academy of Neurology.

Jared is a strategist for Neeka and serves as the CEO of PwrdBy, a social impact technology company. Before joining Neeka, Jared was a Senior Consultant in Deloitte’s Sustainability practice with experience on social and environmental sustainability engagements. His project expertise centered on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, social impact operating model design, funding strategy, financial analytics, and improving partner engagement programs. Jared is passionate about helping children receive medical services, blood donation and awareness, increasing cycling-as-transportation globally, affordable housing, and providing food safety.

Chris oversees the Neeka Life mobile platform. Chris started his career in brain tumor research before founding the first crowdfunding charity for medical research.  He then joined Emerge Enterprises as a Partner and Head of Product, focusing on the company’s growth into the medical technology space.  Chris oversaw the development of MyStory and Compass for Aurora Health Care, and led the winning submission for the FDA’s Challenge.gov contest to address opioid overdose with mobile technology.  Outside of work, you can find Chris riding his bike around Los Angeles or playing guitar in various bands around town.

Ben leads the company’s data and analytics work. Before joining Neeka, Ben was a Manager in Deloitte’s Social Impact practice with experience on social and environmental sustainability engagements. His project expertise centered on analytics, data driven storytelling, and strategy development. Ben is passionate about delivering clean water and sanitation to everyone and cooking.