Jill McLewis is the Executive Director of Naturally NorCal, a nonprofit that connects and supports Northern California's emerging and established natural-products brands through education, events, peer forums, and partnerships. She leads strategy, operations, community growth, and programs that link founders with experienced industry leaders. Jill also helped guide the merger of Naturally North Bay and Naturally Bay Area and brings a unique background as Sebastopol's mayor, a nonprofit executive, and a classically trained pastry chef and chocolate entrepreneur.

Strong industry communities grow when people share knowledge openly, make space for honest conversations, and help others avoid familiar mistakes. How can food and beverage leaders turn professional connections into lasting support?

For Jill McLewis, whose expertise spans nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, and natural-products community building, strong communities begin when people stop treating connection as a transaction. Bringing emerging founders together with experienced leaders creates opportunities for practical guidance, while peer forums allow members to discuss real challenges and learn from one another. In that spirit, Jill recommends shaping educational programs around current business needs and using AI for focused, time-saving tasks without losing the human relationships that make a community valuable. These practices help individual brands grow while strengthening the broader industry.

In this episode of The Missing Ingredient, CJ Bruce talks with Jill McLewis, Executive Director of Naturally NorCal, about building a stronger food and beverage community through authentic connection. Jill explores the merger of two regional groups, the value of peer forums and events, and ways experienced leaders can support emerging brands. She also touches on AI, omnichannel growth, and how legal, financial, marketing, and other industry partners help emerging brands succeed.