Meet Our Founder & CEO

Inc. 5000 Entrepreneur | Workforce Visionary in Cannabis & Emerging Markets

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Christy Essex is a nationally recognized workforce strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Se7en Staffing & Employment Solutions, a pioneering talent acquisition firm specializing in workforce development for the cannabis industry and other emerging sectors. An Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, Christy has spent more than a decade helping organizations build high-performing teams and scalable workforce strategies.

Under her leadership, Se7en Staffing has grown into a nationally recognized workforce partner, supporting cannabis companies across the United States with scalable, compliant, and high-performing talent solutions.

Her interest in the cannabis industry began in 2013, where she closely followed legislative reform, participated in grassroots advocacy efforts, and immersed herself in the emerging market. Recognizing early that long-term industry success would depend on a strong, professional workforce, she combined her background in human resources, operational leadership, project management, and workforce development to help support the growth of the cannabis sector.

Christy is widely recognized as a subject matter expert in workforce strategy across emerging industries. She is a passionate advocate for expanding opportunity and creating pathways for women, minorities, and veterans seeking meaningful careers in the cannabis sector. She serves on the HR Committee for the National Cannabis Industry Association and is actively involved with MoCann Trade Association and We Are Jaine.

Her leadership has earned multiple honors, including Inc. 5000 recognition, the JAINE Advocacy, Inclusion & Diversity Award, and the Best Employee Resource Management Company – Best of the Industry Award. She has also been nominated for Women of the Year and Executive of the Year by Greenway Magazine, featured as a Woman to Watch in COMO Magazine, and highlighted in USA Today’s 2024 Cannabis Industry Guide.