Our Team
Advisors
Dr. Robert Silver
Bill Bookout
Nancy Stewart
Nonprofit Advisor
© 2024 · Veterinary Cannabis Society
Dr. Robert Silver is a 1982 graduate of Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He received his Master’s Degree in cardiopulmonary physiology in 1976, and his Bachelor’s degree with honors in Animal Science in 1974, also from CSU.
Dr. Silver is currently adjunct faculty at both the Chi University and at Lincoln Memorial University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Considered one of few true experts in veterinary cannabis, Dr. Silver has authored the popular book: “Medical Marijuana and Your Pet”. A second book, Pet Health Guide to Cannabis and Medicinal Mushrooms is pending publication. It will provide an integrative health guide for veterinary conditions that are responsive to cannabis, as well as a guide to both internet and dispensary products for pets.
Additionally, Silver has contributed 4 textbook chapters in two Springer publications on veterinary cannabis therapeutics in the past few years. Dr Silver has written a peer-reviewed article in www.Animals.com titled: “The Endocannabinoid System of Animals”.
Dr. Silver is currently president of the American College of Veterinary Botanical Medicine and Past-President of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association. He has served on the Board of Directors of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and with the Hemp Feed Coalition. Dr Silver is a founding member of the Veterinary Cannabis Society and a member of the Cannabis Clinicians Society.
Dr. Silver is currently Chief Veterinary Officer for Real Mushrooms, a Canadian medicinal mushroom company. Dr Silver served as Chief Medical Officer of RxVitamins for the past 25 years until the company was sold in 2021. Dr Silver served as Chief Veterinary Officer for one of the largest vertically integrated hemp companies in the United States from 2014-2020.
Bill Bookout is president, board chairman, and a founding member of the National Animal Supplement Council. Mr. Bookout has been an ambassador for the industry for over 20 years and was selected to serve on the Health Canada Expert Advisory Committee for Veterinary Natural Health Products. He is recognized as a leading expert on regulatory issues surrounding animal health and nutritional supplements, has testified on behalf of the industry at FDA public meetings, and has participated in countless educational programs, legal forums, regulatory trainings, trade events and other professional meetings. Mr. Bookout is deeply committed to philanthropy, both personally and professionally. Each year, NASC selects an organization to support through fundraising efforts at the NASC Annual Conference. Past organizations NASC has supported include Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Big Cat Rescue, REINS Therapeutic Horsemanship Program, the Warrior Dog Foundation, Heroes and Horses, and Vested Interest in K9s. Mr. Bookout received his bachelor’s degree in physical sciences from the University of Wyoming and his MBA from the Pepperdine University Presidents and Key Executives program. He resides in Arizona with his wife, Mary. The couple formerly had four Akita rescue dogs, whose names were Yin, Yang, Hannah, and Akiko. Bill and Mary were recently adopted by a feral cat that they named Marmalade.
Nancy is a nonprofit consultant specializing in fundraising, grant writing, marketing, event planning, and management. A nonprofit professional with over 15 years of experience, Nancy was the Executive Director of Child Advocates – Denver CASA. In addition to overseeing the administration and operations of the organization, Nancy utilized her background in fundraising and volunteer management to increase revenue, volunteer recruitment and retention to achieve the organization’s mission to provide a CASA for every child in need in Denver. In 2014, Nancy took a giant step out of her comfort zone by buying an existing coffee shop, Drip Denver, and embarking on the new and challenging adventure of small business ownership.
In 2018, she sold the business, left her role at Denver CASA, and began working remotely as a contractor in order to travel. As “Working Tourists,” Nancy and her husband split their time between Colorado and Spain.
Nancy is a graduate of Metropolitan State College with a degree in Organizational Communications. She began her career in the hospitality industry, working in sales and
conference services. Moving into the not-for-profit sector in 2001, Nancy planned conferences and events for the American Water Works Association, where she was
introduced to the international water and sanitation organization Water For People. In 2004 she joined their fundraising staff, eventually leading the Development team. Nancy also worked for the March of Dimes as the Denver Division Director, was the VP of Community Relations for CU Cancer Center Fund and the Director of Development of
Susan G. Komen Colorado.
Nancy has served on several professional and charitable Boards, including the Colorado Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, where she served as chair of the mentoring committee. She has volunteered for a variety of organizations, including Denver Urban Scholars, Denver CASA, Susan G. Komen Colorado, Denver East High School, and the Golden Triangle Merchants Committee.