Meet Golden Piedmont
The Golden Piedmont team is comprised of passionate and professional operators, manufacturers, developers, and distributors committed to CBD innovation. Our team has a variety of experience ranging from commercial manufacturing to real estate development, and from industrial scale agriculture to finance.
Team
Rick Gregory
CEO & CO-FOUNDER
Rick brings over three decades of real estate development and structured finance experience to Golden Piedmont Labs. Known for its economic development-driven projects, Rick and the Lynx Ventures team have developed 2.2 million square feet across a mix of uses, utilizing a complex blend of tax incentives. At Golden Piedmont, Rick oversees strategic partnerships and corporate planning.
University of Virginia | School of Architecture
William & Mary | Juris Doctor
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Board Member
ChamberRVA Board Member
Sterling Edmunds
CO-FOUNDER
A Halifax County native, Sterling joined Edmunds Private Capital, LLC following three decades at SunTrust Bank where he led consumer lending, credit card, equity lending, mortgage and student lending divisions. The majority of Sterling’s career was spent as President and CEO of SunTrust Mortgage Corporation. At Golden Piedmont, Sterling leads policy creation and client relationships.
University of Richmond | Robins School of Business
Virginia Commonwealth University | MS - Finance
Strategies to Elevate People (STEP) Board Member
Residential Board of Governors of the National Mortgage Bankers Association Past Chairman
Josh Ludgate
CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER
Josh has over fifteen years of experience in the extraction industry. Previously, Josh co-founded Appalachian Extracts, where he developed advanced extraction hemp techniques for bulk ingredients and private-label products. He consulted for VA and NC Certified Organic farmers, leading each to their first years of successful hemp cultivation. At Golden Piedmont, Josh leads our formulation team, developing proprietary high-purity extraction and distillation techniques.
North Carolina State University | Energy Management
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) | Technical Service Provider
DeAnna Haskins
VP OF OPERATIONS
DeAnna brings years of hands-on experience in the hemp industry, DeAnna is dedicated to ensuring that our facility and operations run smoothly and efficiently. A deep understanding of hemp and processing allows her to implement best practices that maximize productivity while maintaining the highest quality standards.
DeAnna is passionate about the potential of hemp and is committed to optimizing every aspect of our operations. From overseeing processes to implementing innovative techniques, they ensure that our products meet rigorous quality benchmarks and deliver exceptional value to our customers.
Danville Community College | Associates in Business Management
Brandee Sharpe
HR & COMPLIANCE MANAGER
With years of experience in the hemp industry, Brandee brings a unique blend of expertise in compliance and human resources to our team. Having navigated the evolving landscape of hemp regulations, she ensures our operations align with industry standards and legal requirements, fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.
In addition to compliance, Brandee plays a crucial role in human resources, focusing on talent development and employee well-being. Her commitment to creating a positive work environment ensures that our team is not only compliant but also empowered and engaged.
Passionate about the potential of hemp and its sustainable future, Brandee is driven to support our mission while championing the importance of responsible practices within the industry.
Destination Downtown South Boston | Board Member
Renee Craig
OFFICE & SHIPPING MANAGER
With years of experience in the hemp industry and a strong background in logistics, Renee is our dedicated Office and Shipping Manager. Her expertise in supply chain management and operational efficiency ensures that our products are delivered on time and meet the highest standards.
Renee is focused on optimizing our shipping processes and streamlining office operations to support our mission. She excels at coordinating logistics, managing inventory, and fostering collaboration among teams, all while maintaining a keen focus on customer satisfaction.