Amanda Arletha Vera Rhodes Bast, director of contract manufacturing and geographical expansion at Cirona Labs in Rochester, New York, has carved a singular path in the cannabis industry, driven by her personal experiences and a commitment to people battling addiction. Her career began with a focus on plant sciences, which was inspired by her background in agriculture and strong work ethic instilled by her family. Ms. Bast’s journey into the cannabis space was bolstered by her desire to offer medicinal alternatives, particularly for individuals who struggle with substance abuse.
Ms. Bast’s professional prowess and trajectory have been highlighted while holding key positions in recent years at Cirona Labs. Prior to her current role, she was the director of operations as well as the associate director of production and quality. Her expertise in food manufacturing and plant management was instrumental in these positions. Previously, at the company, she was the extraction operation manager.
Before joining Cirona Labs, Ms. Bast honed her skills at Acreage Holdings in East Syracuse, New York, as the laboratory and extraction manager and as a laboratory supervisor. Her initial foray into the industry was as a laboratory technician at NYCanna in Syracuse in 2018. In her earlier career roles, she worked as a manager at Rhodes Greenhouses in Henderson, New York, for five years and in various academic positions that laid the foundation for her future endeavors. Having put her knowledge to further use by sharing her expertise, Ms. Bast is a contributor to scientific publications, including authoring “Development and Identification of Soybean Plants with an Increased Tolerance to Osmotic Stress” and other ongoing work as part of genetic engineering projects.
Ms. Bast’s educational achievements provided solid footing for her impending success. She earned a Master of Science in pharmaceutical sciences from the University at Buffalo and a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill. Adding to her knowledge, Ms. Bast holds a certification in horticultural science from the SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville.
Extending her dedication beyond her professional life into genuine civic engagement, Ms. Bast volunteers at local community organizations and churches, reflecting her passion for service, even amid her demanding schedules. She developed a devotion for helping others since she was a youth and was honored for her commitment when she received the Excellence in Student Leadership Award from SUNY Cobleskill in 2015.
On a more personal note, Ms. Bast cherishes time with her husband and enjoys their pets, the outdoors, rock climbing, hiking, and camping. Her passion for orchids, inspired by her grandfather, fuels her dream of owning a greenhouse and lab. Looking forward, she envisions expanding her company into a national brand while maintaining product quality and safety. Aspiring to reach a C-suite role or become a chief executive officer, Ms. Bast will continue making meaningful contributions through workshops, public speaking, and community service.