Tom Bollich, the Zynga veteran who helped establish cannabis-cultivation technology firm Surna Inc. in Boulder, is stepping down from his role as CEO, officials for the local firm announced Thursday.
Taking the reins of Surna, which develops technologies to aid in legal commercial indoor cannabis cultivation, is Bryon Jorgenson, who has more than 25 years of experience in the technology, life sciences and engineering fields. Bollich’s roles include founder of Micropex, a management consulting firm that serves tech operations, and executive-level roles at St. Jude Medical’s Cardiovascular division.
The executive change is a reflection of Surna’s transition from an entrepreneur-led startup to a “fast-paced manufacturing and engineering company,” officials said.
“I’m extremely proud of what the team has accomplished thus far, and grateful I was able to add value during Surna’s startup stage,” Bollich said in a statement included in a news announcement about the change. “Now the timing is right to transition into new leadership, and I’m confident the current team will continue to evolve Surna into the unquestioned leader in the cannabis industry. I’m excited about Surna’s future.”
Bollich’s last day with Surna is expected to be April 15.
In April of last year, Surna (OTCQB: SRNA) acquired Boulder-based Hydro Innovations LLC, which developed cooling systems for indoor gardens. Since that transaction, Surna has grown from a couple-person operation to a 30-plus employee firm that fills out 20,000 square feet in east Boulder.
