OMMA terminates 10 percent of staff, cites restructuring need

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) says it's reduced 10 percent of its staff to maximize taxpayer dollars.

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) says it's reduced 10 percent of its staff to maximize taxpayer dollars.

A spokesperson shared an email Tuesday sent to employees notifying them of the change. In the email, OMMA Director Adria Berry outlines a need for the restructuring with deep consideration of the agency's future.

"With commercial license numbers decreasing, it was imperative we find efficiencies in our operations to ensure we are nimble and ready for future endeavors," said Berry in the email.

Information from OMMA also suggested that a limited appropriated budget played a part.

News 4 employees sat down with former employee Joanna Woolridge Tuesday, who said she was impacted by the reduction as a professional development manager. She said other former employees she spoke with had echoed their disappointment in the agency's decision.

"OMMA has been big on, we're a family, we're together," said Woolridge. "To be blindsided by it, that's not a family. Maybe it is a family, it's a family that you want to skip that reunion."

Woolridge said the decision came as a shock to most impacted, with only a few hints this week internally that it could be on the table. She said she's spoken with current staff members that are fearful of still losing their jobs, even with the agency assuring employees that won't be necessary at this time.

"It really is so much revenue," said Woolridge. "You have to ask how it got so mismanaged that we have to cut workforce because there's a lot of money flowing in and there's a lot of questions in my mind about that."

It's important to note that OMMA's budget is allocated by the State of Oklahoma, independent of the revenue it brings in annually. Woolridge said her point still stands.

OMMA said that people in positions that were eliminated were well taken care of and offered severance packages as well as the opportunity to continue receiving health insurance coverage.

The entire email sent to OMMA employees is below:

Team, I hope this message finds you well. Today, I must share some significant changes within OMMA. We are undergoing a restructuring and reduction of our workforce. This decision was made with deep consideration for the future of our organization, the services we provide, and our mandate to regulate and license medical cannabis businesses and patients. 

This change is a part of our continued commitment to adapt and provide excellent service to the citizens we serve. With commercial license numbers decreasing, it was imperative we find efficiencies in our operations to ensure we are nimble and ready for future endeavors.  

Please note, there are no further reductions planned at this time. Instead, we are focusing on a positive restructuring, enhancing our capabilities and efficiency. This is an opportunity to innovate and grow, ensuring that our agency remains a leading force in regulating cannabis and serving our community.  

In the coming weeks, we will introduce the new organizational structure for our agency.  Your expertise and ideas will be crucial in this phase. 

I understand that change can be unsettling, but I am confident in our ability to navigate these changes together. Your hard work, commitment, and adaptability are deeply appreciated. 

Let's look forward to a future of growth, innovation, and continued excellence in our service.

OMMA Executive Director Adria Berry