Jess Cooksey is guiding GCA Labs toward a new era of cannabis as COO
Missouri’s cannabis industry has thrived in recent years. Despite the industry’s success, testing remains perhaps the least discussed part of the cannabis cycle. That is understandable to some degree, as most consumers, many industry professionals, and even the state’s regulators often fail to fully grasp the intricacies of testing. One person who is hoping to change both the visibility and understanding of cannabis testing is Jess Cooksey, the newly appointed COO of GCA Labs.
A passion for operational excellence
Cooksey’s journey to the role of COO at GCA Labs was driven by her deep-rooted passion for enhancing operational systems and empowering employees. She explains the motivation behind her new role:
“The opportunity to take on a leadership role as COO at GCA Labs aligns perfectly with my passion for operational excellence and employee empowerment,” Cooksey shares. Her approach is holistic, focusing on streamlining operations to boost efficiency and innovation within an ISO17025 environment. This strategic shift aims not only to enhance service quality but also to elevate GCA Labs’ standing in the industry.
Expanding scope and responsibilities
Transitioning from roles that concentrated on specific operational aspects such as sales, marketing, or client relations, Cooksey now oversees a broader spectrum of responsibilities:
“As COO, I now oversee all aspects of operations, from high-level strategy to day-to-day execution. This includes optimizing workflows across multiple departments, maintaining ISO17025 accreditation, and ensuring alignment between operations and business growth goals,” she explains. Her expanded role also encompasses financial forecasting and strategic partnerships, marking a significant shift in her professional focus.
Cultivating innovation and efficiency
Under Cooksey’s leadership, fostering innovation is a priority. She aims to transform GCA Labs by encouraging open communication, cross-departmental collaboration, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies:
“A key focus will be on adopting new technologies—such as advanced data analytics and automation—to reduce turnaround time and improve accuracy,” Cooksey states. This approach not only enhances the lab’s operational capabilities but also positions it at the forefront of the cannabis testing industry.
Strategic partnerships and growth
Exploring creative partnerships is another cornerstone of Cooksey’s strategy for growth. GCA Labs is actively seeking collaborations with equipment manufacturers and academic institutions to stay ahead of technological advancements and expand its service offerings:
“We are exploring partnerships with equipment manufacturers to pilot new testing technologies and ensure we remain on the cutting edge of the industry,” she reveals, underscoring her commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
Navigating challenges
Transitioning into her new role brought its set of challenges, particularly in balancing rapid operational growth with stringent compliance requirements. Cooksey tackled these challenges head-on:
“One challenge has been balancing rapid operational growth with maintaining ISO17025 compliance. To address this, I want to introduce a structured project management framework to prioritize key initiatives without overwhelming the team,” she details.
Long-term vision and impact
Cooksey envisions her impact on GCA Labs as pivotal to its long-term growth and sustainability:
“My leadership will focus on sustainable growth through operational excellence. By building strong, efficient systems, we’ll be able to expand service offerings and scale operations without sacrificing quality,” she asserts. Her leadership philosophy centers on empowering her team, ensuring that each member feels valued and motivated to contribute to the lab’s success.
Engagement and community involvement
Beyond technical and operational advancements, Cooksey is also passionate about community engagement and consumer education. GCA Labs’ involvement in community events, such as sponsoring a golf tournament, reflects its commitment to consumer safety and industry education:
“Sponsoring the golf tournament reflects our commitment to community engagement and brand visibility. It allows us to connect with clients and partners in an informal setting while contributing to local causes,” Cooksey elaborates.
Looking to the future
With several exciting projects on the horizon, Cooksey is particularly enthusiastic about implementing automation tools that promise to revolutionize sample intake and data analysis processes:
“We are particularly excited about implementing automation tools that promise to revolutionize sample intake and data analysis processes,” Cooksey is particularly enthusiastic. This initiative is expected to significantly improve efficiency and turnaround times, further solidifying GCA Labs’ reputation as a leader in the field.
As Jess Cooksey continues to lead GCA Labs toward a future defined by innovation, efficiency, and industry leadership, her strategic vision is set to reshape the landscape of cannabis testing. With a clear focus on quality, safety, and consumer satisfaction, Cooksey’s tenure as COO is poised to be transformative for GCA Labs and the broader cannabis testing community.
Brandon Dunn contributed to this article.