Naturally San Diego Celebrates One Year Anniversary with Hire of First Full-Time Executive Director, Kierstin Rielly, to Continue Serving and Supporting the San Diego Natural Products Community
Following a year of building its community through virtual programming and events, the non-profit trade organization is backed by more than 35 of the county’s most notable natural products brands and the trusted company’s that service them.
Naturally San Diego (NSD), the community fostering and supporting the natural products industry within San Diego, announces the hire of its first, full-time Executive Director, Kierstin Rielly, to build and grow its community, following its first full year since launching in July of 2020.
NSD aims to serve and represent the natural products industry throughout San Diego County. As a 501(C)6 nonprofit organization and business network, NSD supports the natural products industry within San Diego by bringing together the community of entrepreneurs, investors, brands, retailers and industry experts. NSD gives this natural products community an avenue to connect, do business, problem solve and thrive.
In March 2020, days before the official NSD launch party was set to occur, the organization underwent a massive pivot, bringing together the natural products industry during a time when it was needed most, virtually, like so many other businesses. In the months and months following, NSD continued to support the community by hosting more than 20 virtual events and growing the network to 500+ members. All of that work was accomplished through part-time staff and volunteers.
Given the success NSD was able to achieve during such extenuating circumstances, the Board unanimously decided it was time for a full-time executive hire to come on-board and help see through the full potential of the network. In June 2021, Kierstin Rielly joined NSD as the organization’s first Executive Director. She comes to NSD from a community building, economic development and marketing background. A San Diego native and an alumni of both SDSU and CSUSM, Rielly has spent the past ten years working to support local businesses and build communities she believes in.
“Reaching a point where we can hire full time is really exciting. We have worked diligently through all the external circumstances this past year, always with the mission of building the community front and center,” reflects Ari Raz, Founder and Board President of NSD. “Embarking on this next phase of NSD feels great. We are moving forward in support of the natural products industry together. As we emerge from this challenging year, our goal is to bring the community together in meaningful ways.”
Naturally San Diego is supported by 35 sponsors and 500+ community members, and through its Board of Directors made up of 15 Founders, CEO’s and local leaders. All of these people, sponsors, members and board members, have a vision to foster collaboration within the San Diego natural-products community.
Naturally San Diego is an affiliate of Natural Networks, joining the likes of Austin, Boulder, Bay Area, Chicago, and more cities on the way. Through the affiliation with Naturally Network, the San Diego community is supported both locally and nationally. NSD is sustained through sponsorship and membership.
Later this year, members will be able to attend NSD’s first official in-person gathering at the Fall Fling launch party on September 15, 2020 at BRICK in Liberty Station. Ongoing networking events happening monthly.
