DETROIT (WWJ) -- Metro Detroiters may recognize his face from his many billboards advertising "The Mark Savaya Collection" — which, if you did not surmise, consisted of cannabis.
President Donald Trump on Sunday announced he has appointed Detroit-area marijuana businessman Mark Savaya to serve as his special envoy to Iraq.
Trump posted to his social media site, Truth Social: "I’m pleased to announce Mark Savaya will serve as Special Envoy to the Republic of Iraq. Mark’s deep understanding of the Iraq-U.S. relationship, and his connections in the region, will help advance the interests of the American people. Mark was a key player in my campaign in Michigan, where he, and others, helped secure a record vote with Muslim Americans. Congratulations, Mark!"
Savaya responded on social media, thanking Trump for picking him. His Instagram page shows various photos of Savaya posing with the president.
Pointed out in a Sunday article by The Independent, "Savaya, according to his LinkedIn page, has no government experience at the local, state or federal level."
What is known about Savaya is that he founded Leaf and Bud, a local chain of marijuana dispensaries, for which he launched an absolutely massive billboard campaign — plastering his face much larger than life-sized on numerous of signs along 8 Mile Rd. and Detroit-area freeways.
Those billboard have since disappeared, and at least a couple of Leaf and Bud locations have shuttered.
Currently, the Leaf and Bud website lists three remaining stores, in Center Line, in Detroit on Livernois, and in Hazel Park.
Many in the public are perplexed by Savaya's appointment, with some on social media asking: "Why this guy?"
While Savaya's his potential qualifications are unknown at this time, perhaps more will be learned as he starts his new job.