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.

  • Founder

    Gretchen Gailey has worked in the cannabis industry for the past eight years in a communications and government affairs role advancing the industry through its data and the stories of those involved. She works specifically with cannabis clients to tell their stories to make sure they have the traction they need to grow their businesses and influence policy makers.

    While in cannabis, Gailey most recently worked at KCSA Strategic Communications and as the Executive Vice President of Communications & Government Affairs for New Frontier Data where she developed and implemented an integrated strategic communications plan to advance the company's brand identity, broaden awareness of its services, and increase its visibility across key stakeholder audiences; making it one of the most recognized companies in the cannabis space.  She also worked with lawmakers to inform them on tax policy and provided the U.S. Senate Finance Committee with the data necessary to draft cannabis tax legislation.

    Before joining the cannabis movement, she served as the Communications Director for Congressman Bill Shuster (R-PA), the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Gailey also has a wide depth of knowledge in communications stemming from more than 10 years of experience as a journalist with Fox News and NBC News in Washington, D.C. She has interviewed heads of state, covered natural disasters, political campaigns, terrorist trials and told the stories of countless Americans across the country. 

  • Chief Marketing Officer, Art Director

    As the Chief Marketing Officer and Art Director at Panoptic Strategies, Jax Barboa (they/them) brings a wealth of expertise in graphic design and corporate branding within the cannabis industry. With a focus on startups, Jax is a seasoned professional with over eight years of experience and a keen eye for creating designs that resonate with diverse audiences.

    Previously the co-founder and head of design at House of Fuego, Jax seamlessly transitioned to a key partnership role at Panoptic Strategies following the dissolution of House of Fuego. In this strategic move, Jax now spearheads all creative direction, leveraging their background in cannabis marketing to enhance Panoptic's comprehensive strategic and political approach.

    Jax's unique perspective as a non-binary individual infuses creativity into every project, ensuring designs are not only visually impactful but also inclusive. With a BA in Graphic Design, Jax has navigated the complex landscape of the cannabis industry, combining artistic flair with a deep understanding of regulatory requirements.

    In their role as CMO and Art Director, Jax oversees content creation, design, and marketing for Panoptic's diverse clientele. The agency excels in providing meticulous attention to detail, adhering to compliance standards, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence. Jax and the Panoptic team specialize in community building, social media engagement, influencer partnerships, corporate photography, brand identity development, and storytelling through captivating content.

    At Panoptic Strategies, Jax Barboa is steering the creative helm, guiding the agency towards a future marked by innovative design, strategic marketing, and a commitment to elevating brands in the ever-evolving landscape of cannabis and beyond.

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