Melissa Maranda

president

Lighthouse Biz Solutions

See Melissa speak on this panel

Melissa A. Maranda, J.D. is the President of Lighthouse Biz Solutions, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of GFA Federal Credit Union, formed to serve the legal cannabis industry.  She previously served as Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer of Lighthouse.   

Restricted by federal laws to secure banking services in federally insured financial institutions, legal cannabis businesses have been forced to conduct all transactions in cash. Recognizing the risks a cash-intensive business poses for public safety, in 2018 GFA Federal Credit Union Board made the decision to bring compliant banking services to legal cannabis operators and their employees.   As such, they were the first financial institution in MA to provide banking to both recreational and medicinal operators.  They are proud to be serving the cannabis industry and providing a turnkey banking solution to assist them in managing their legitimate businesses.  Since opening their doors to cannabis banking, they have processed over $4 billion in deposits. 

Ms. Maranda is regarded as an innovative industry leader and an engaged member of the community, having served as a director to many non-profit organizations.  Ms. Maranda earned her J.D. degree from UNH School of Law in New Hampshire.