Nikeya Thomas is the Program Manager of the Office of Hemp Enforcement with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Her program was formed to enforce the new requirements for certain hemp-derived products. The purpose of this program is to develop and enhance the hemp products industry by implementing and maintaining consistent regulatory oversight of hemp products for human consumption to promote protection of public health. Ms. Thomas earned a bachelor’s of science in Food and Nutritional Science from North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University and a master’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Biosecurity and Food Safety. She’s worked in food science and food safety for over 10 years as a regulator of food products. She a published author of nationally recognized research by way of The International Food Protection training Institute in 2017. She’s worked with the Food and Drug Administration on national recalls and research of food borne illness outbreaks. She is a native of Richmond, Virginia her home where she find enjoyment in cooking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.