Meet the Team

Sierra Elaina, Chief Executive Officer

Brand builder, deal maker, people leader and passionate entrepreneur, Sierra Elaina is Chief Executive Officer of Lehua Brands, a global portfolio of premium cannabis infused products based in California and Canada.  With more than two decades growing brands in regulated markets, Sierra continues to blaze new trails with breakthrough products and go-to-market strategies that deliver results. As a leader in global market development working on Diageo brands, Punching Mule, and Belgravia Imports, and owning her own strategic marketing  agency, she gained expertise navigating the complexities of three-tiered distribution systems. Building on that knowledge, Sierra became an early pioneer in legal cannabis launching premium edibles brand Coda Signature in over 400 stores in California in less than 18 months, repositioning Om Living, craft edibles and topicals in preparation for Series B fundraising and now propelling the next phase of growth for Lehua through product line innovation and regional and global market expansion.

As a seasoned marketer, sales leader, product innovator and inspiring team builder, Sierra speaks at conferences on multiple topics including Leading Through Change, Understanding the Consumer Mindset and Building Purpose-Led Brands.  

Todd Menaker, VP of Development

Passionate research and development leader with world class culinary expertise, Todd brings over three decades of experience creating award-winning products for beloved brands including Trader Joes, Tillamook Ice Cream, Sun Maid, Kraft, Coda Signature and Wolfgang Puck.  When he is not setting Guinness Book of World Records for constructing 5.5 ton Rice Krispy treats, Todd applies his culinary genius at Lehua to product formulation, recipe development, new product and idea pipeline development, stage gate process, co-manufacturing, ingredient application, scale up and commercialization.

Yorgi Spanos, Director of Marketing

A dynamic architect of luxury consumer brands, Yorgi brings premium design and digital marketing expertise to Lehua. As co-founder and Creative Director of high-profile men’s accessories brand, Manssion, Yorgi has grown a direct-to-consumer company from zero to millions with features in GQ, Men’s Journal and Vogue magazine. Prior to Manssion, Yorgi mastered the three-tiered distribution model of the liquor industry with leadership roles in sales and marketing for Young’s Market and Sagamore Spirit, and the complexity of the cannabis regulatory environment with packaging and field sales experience at award-winning luxury cannabis brand, Coda Signature.

Callie Belo, Director of Sales and Trade Marketing

Callie Belo is a dynamic sales leader with over twelve years of experience in the cannabis industry across Colorado and California. With a proven track record in brand building, sales growth, and strategic partnerships, she has consistently delivered great results in competitive markets.

As Director of Retail Strategy at Petalfast (a first of it’s kind route to market sales and marketing agency in the cannabis space), her approach to brand management drove revenue growth, including the successful launch of the “Pilot” incubator program and 15 statewide brand rollouts. After moving to Director of Sales in Southern California, she managed a high-performing team, responsible for generating $11 million in portfolio sales within the first year.

Previously, Callie held pivotal roles at Kiva Sales & Service, where she surpassed multi-million dollar revenue targets.

A graduate of the University of Colorado at Denver, a vocalist, and pilates instructor, Callie brings a blend of creativity, leadership, and passion that continues to elevate brands and build meaningful client relationships in the cannabis industry.

Paulina Zyniewicz, Corporate Controller

With over seven years as a financial executive in the manufacturing industry and three-plus years in private equity, Paulina has the business, financial, and analytic skills to help a fast-growing business like Lehua Brands excel.  As Corporate Controller, she oversees all financial operations of the business, including budgeting, accounting, financial planning and analysis, tax compliance, ensuring that accounting practices adhere to legal standards, and managing the financial reporting process.