meet our team
JIM GRASSO
President & CEO
Jim Grasso served as Vice-President of Public and Government Affairs and Investor Relations for Providence Energy Corporation and its major subsidiary, Providence Energy Corporation. Most recently, he served as Vice-President of Public and Governmental Affairs for the New England Division of Southern Union Company. A registered lobbyist, Mr. Grasso has held senior positions for leading energy companies, including Algonquin Gas Transmission, Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, and PanEnergy for nearly 30 years. Among many responsibilities, he served as chief corporate spokesperson and directed federal, state, and regulatory affairs; and media, investor, and community relations.
Jim continues to serve as an adjunct professor of communication at Boston University’s College of Communication teaching both graduate and undergraduate courses for 20 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Communication, cum laude, and a Master’s of Science in Public Relations from Boston University’s College of Communication. Mr. Grasso won a national award for producing one of the nation’s best energy industry annual reports and was selected to represent the natural gas industry at the World’s Fair. He serves on the board of directors and is a member of the executive committee of many businesses and non-profit organizations including the New England Council, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – Needham, the New England-Canada Business Council, the Central Rhode Island Development Corporation, the Narragansett Council of Boy Scouts of America, and the National Conference for Community and Justice. He is also listed in Marquis Who’s Who in America, Marquis Who’s Who in Industry and Finance, Marquis Who’s Who in the Media and Communications, and Marquis Who’s Who in the World.
Michael Grasso
President
Grasso cannabis business development - CBD
With a decade worth of experience in legal medicinal and recreational cannabis business, Michael brings it all to the table for any group looking to start a successful cannabis company. In cultivation, extract processing, infused product production, wholesale and retail sales, Michael has spearheaded the development of cannabis businesses from the west to east coast. Most recently he single handedly directed operations, from the purchase and gutting of a commercial building, to the opening and sustained success of The Green Lady Dispensary - Nantucket island’s first fully licensed recreational cannabis cultivation, concentrate and infused product production facility, and retail dispensary.
At age 18 Michael began his career in cannabis rolling joints for a medical dispensary in Boulder, Colorado. Since then he’s managed bustling downtown retail stores, cultivated thousands of healthy organic cannabis plants, worked with hundreds of different cultivars, overseen concentrate production and MIP facilities, and directed the development, build out and operation of several successful cannabis companies in Colorado, Oregon and Massachusetts. Additionally, he’s written and produced documentaries on cannabis consumers for MerryJane.com, written papers on cannabis user stereotypes, created, directed and produced creative marketing and advertising campaigns for cultivation and cannabis technology companies in Colorado and California, and developed a massive network of cannabis industry professionals.
From layout and design, coordination with contractors and integrated compliance - to the propagation of plants, purchasing and operation of extraction equipment, branding of products, and outfitting of retail dispensary storefronts - Michael has the experience and ability to develop projects from start to finish ensuring that companies quickly obtain licenses, produce high quality products and achieve overall success. He will make certain that all business owners and operators he advises have the tools and resources necessary to attain happy, healthy cannabis plants, products, and profit margins.
Contact:
GrassoCBD.com
Rob
Saligman
Assistant Vice President
In 2020, Robert Saligman joined Grasso Group as an Account Executive responsible for cannabis development project communications, client-based public relations, and crisis reputation management. Mr. Saligman also focused on community relations and creative branding. His success in servicing his core clients as well as enlisting new clients led to his promotion in 2021 to Assistant Vice President. Mr. Saligman earned a Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude, minor in Deaf Studies, from Boston University’s College of Communication.
Previously, Mr. Saligman has five years of experience in the media industry including working for nationally syndicated and local radio programs in the country’s top markets where he successfully targeted and connected with key stakeholders. He specialized in audio production and editing, and assisted executive producers in creating, directing, goal-oriented communication strategies.
Most recently, Mr. Saligman served as the project coordinator for two internationally renowned Philadelphia-based artists. There, he successfully grew a project from three to over 25 artists and garnered national attention for a one-of-a-kind revolutionary art installation.
Cecilia Ward
Account Executive
Cecilia Ward joins Grasso Group as an Account Executive, specializing in Crisis Reputation Management and Social Media. Cecilia graduated from Boston University’s School of Communication in May 2018. She understands the importance of creating and maintaining a stellar online reputation as it relates to being a good corporate citizen as well as the organization’s financial stability.
Her skills enable Grasso Group the ability to monitor the online presence of your organization, favorably influence your audience and if needed, quickly and effectively manage threats that could have a negative impact.
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Elizabeth
Bunn
Student
Elizabeth Bunn is a current student at Boston University pursuing a Bachelor's degree in public relations.
With experience working in social media marketing and management at Boston University and Mulberry Road, Bunn brings her proficiency in social media functions and public relations to the Grasso Group.