Introduction

With more than twenty-five years of experience in public policy and community affairs, Dena Ladd has been involved in issues that have both local and national impact. She has used her experience to advocate in Washington, D.C. and in Missouri for medical research, highly regulated industries and health care.  Ladd is the founder and principal of DSL Consulting Group which specializes in government relations / lobbying.

Background

Dena Ladd is a respected leader in health advocacy, medical research policy, and cannabis industry development. In 2018, she was a founding board member of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association (MoCannTrade), the leading cannabis trade organization in the state. She currently serves as Chairman of the Board, where she works closely with industry stakeholders and state regulators to foster a legal, safe, and thriving medical cannabis market in Missouri through education and advocacy.

Ladd has a longstanding history of public policy leadership in medical research. She played a critical role in the 2006 Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative campaign, helping secure endorsements from medical professionals and patient groups while organizing a grassroots movement across the state. The successful passage of this ballot initiative ensured that all federally approved stem cell research would remain legal in Missouri.

From 2010 to 2022, Ladd served as Executive Director of Missouri Cures, an organization dedicated to promoting and protecting medical research in the state. In this role, she built and maintained relationships with policymakers, business leaders, and national experts, while also organizing educational forums and research summits throughout Missouri. In 2016, she led a statewide campaign—uniting advocacy groups, volunteers, and business stakeholders—to defeat a ballot initiative that posed a threat to the future of medical research in the state.

With over two decades of experience at the intersection of policy, science, and business, Ladd continues to be a leading voice for innovation in highly regulated industries.

State & National Community Service/Recognition

Ladd developed a statewide initiative that promotes and brings together women in the science, entrepreneur, and research fields.  This initiative, WISER Women, was conducted in six cities in Missouri.

Ladd was a founding member of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) based in Washington D.C. and served on the ARM board for seven years. She advised ARM on starting their national PAC and establishing their 501c (3) nonprofit status.  Ladd sits on various research / health related boards throughout the state of Missouri such as the Washington University Medical Center Informatic Institute’s external advisory board, the University of Missouri Veterinary School’s advisory board and Bio STL’s advisory board.  Ladd has also been on numerous non-profit boards such as Pedal the Cause.  

 She has received two Gubernatorial appointments and was given the Women of Distinction award from the Missouri Athletic Club.

Prior Work Experience/Education

Her prior work experience includes working as a Regional Training Director for an international company, developing and implementing training programs for the Midwest region.  Ladd received her B.A. from Drury University and a Master’s in Public Administration/ Public Policy from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.