Cheryl Newman

Cheryl is a strategy and communications executive with expertise in early-stage ventures, food and beverage, and non-profits. She currently serves on the boards of French Broad Chocolates and Ginger’s Revenge. With a special passion for mentoring female founders, she has also provided advisory services to Wheyward Spirit and Renewal Mill. Previously Cheryl served as a Board Member of Simple Mills, No Evil Foods, and the Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company. Cheryl was the founding chairwoman of the Montgomery (MD) County Food Council, guiding the creation of the dynamic non-profit.

Cheryl aligns her passion for better food and a better food system through strategic investments, advisory roles, and connecting people. During her leadership as Vice-President and Deputy Chief of Mission at Honest Tea (acquired by Coca-Cola), she helped develop and communicate the company’s mission, aligning sustainability efforts with internal and external stakeholders, contributing to the brand’s growth and as a model for other mission-driven businesses.

Early in her career, following graduation from Dartmouth College, Cheryl spent over twenty years in Asia and Europe, in a range of start-up, investment, and communications roles. Cheryl has served as a judge for the William James Foundation Socially Responsible Business Plan Competition and Green America.  Based in Asheville, NC, she is deeply immersed in the area’s rapidly-growing entrepreneurial community, while also diligently tending to her edible urban garden, and scouting the vibrant farm market scene for great new products from dynamic local growers and makers.