Brian Traylor is the Chief Operations Officer at Gaia Herbs, bringing his passion for creating an engaging team culture together with his results-oriented problem-solving strategies. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech and an MBA from the University of South Carolina, Brian has a strong diversity in education that balances technical and business concepts and provides him the knowledge necessary to identify and implement robust solutions to a wide variety of operational issues. Brian has been a proven leader at multiple organizational levels for the last 23 years including manufacturing, packaging, warehousing and logistics—providing extensive knowledge and leadership to the entire Gaia Herbs team.

Alison is the Director of Social Impact and Sustainability at Gaia Herbs. She leads the company’s sustainability strategies, including climate action planning, zero waste efforts, carbon farm planning, and the social impact program. Alison has worked with farmers and artisans around the world to advance business strategies that foster both a positive economic impact on rural livelihoods and ecological conservation. After working as an organic farmer in rural West Virginia, Alison worked for the NC State Extension Service in Western North Carolina to advance organic agriculture systems and alternative crop research and marketing for medicinal herbs and native plants of the Southeast. Alison holds a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University. She currently lives outside Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband, baby boy, and the company of two dogs, five goats, and a flock of chickens.

John Feeney is the Chief Marketing Officer at Gaia Herbs. He is an omni-channel marketing leader with extensive, international experience in a wide range of categories including Beauty and Personal Care, Cleaning and Homecare, and Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements. Throughout his career, John has actively sought roles on purpose-driven, health, and sustainability focused businesses. John is a graduate of Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and The United States Military Academy at West Point. Prior to earning his MBA, he served for more than five years as an Officer in the United States Army. John’s passion for building brands and teams is only eclipsed by his interest in adventuring with his family.