Khari Edwards is an experienced leader in healthcare and government. During his 25 years of public service, Khari worked for several elected officials, non-profit organizations, and city agencies with a dedicated focus on strengthening communities by advocating and addressing racial, health and civic disparities. Currently, serving as the Head of Corporate Responsibility for Ayr Wellness, Khari is responsible for providing strategic leadership and advancing Ayr’s commitment toward being a Force for Good by creating a culture of inclusion and providing avenues of opportunity in the cannabis industry. Serving eight years prior as the Vice President of External Affairs at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn, Khari crafted and executed a strategic plan to build community trust and inclusion with the 1.3 million Brooklynites who live in neighborhoods serviced by the hospital. Khari is also credited with spearheading a new initiative to increase census engagement in Central and North Brooklyn; creating the "It Starts Here" program, which connected over 2200 students with victims of gun violence; and organizing 250 union members, healthcare professionals, elected officials, and community stakeholders to address health, housing and employment disparities in East Brooklyn. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Khari Edwards is the son of immigrant parents from Trinidad and Guyana. Khari married his wife Jahmila in 2018 and has 3 children; Ethan, Niah and Myles.