Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Toomey serves as Head of New Product Development, U.S. at TopGum Industries, a leading company in the natural supplements and nutraceuticals industry, where she has contributed her expertise for more than five years. With approximately 25 years of experience in the natural products sector, Toomey has built a distinguished career focused on innovation, product development, scientific research, and team leadership. She began her career with New Chapter, Inc., where she spent nearly eight years in leadership roles supporting the development of innovative wellness products before the company’s acquisition by Procter & Gamble. Following a career transition during the pandemic, Toomey leveraged her strong professional network to join TopGum, initially working part-time before transitioning into a full-time leadership role as the company expanded its North American operations.
In her role as Head of New Product Development, U.S., Toomey leads product innovation and technical research and development initiatives, overseeing the creation of new nutritional products, formulation strategies, and solutions for complex product and manufacturing challenges. She manages and develops technical teams across North American operations, with a strong focus on collaboration, problem-solving, and building scalable processes that support business growth. Throughout her career, Toomey has been recognized for her ability to establish and grow high-performing teams, having built departments from the ground up and guided them through periods of significant expansion.
Toomey earned her Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2023, enhancing her expertise in business strategy, finance, and operations. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is an inventor on multiple patents for supplement formulations developed earlier in her career. Passionate about innovation, mentorship, and team development, Toomey continues to make an impact by creating science-driven wellness solutions while empowering teams to achieve long-term success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building strong, collaborative teams, cultivating meaningful professional relationships, and continuously learning through hands-on experiences. I believe that growth comes from embracing challenges, learning from both successes and setbacks, and using those lessons to become a more effective leader. By fostering trust, encouraging collaboration, and supporting the development of others, I have been able to create teams that achieve lasting results and contribute to long-term success.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to recognize the value of building and maintaining strong professional relationships. This is a large industry, but it is also a close-knit community where connections can open doors, provide guidance, and create opportunities. Invest time in growing your network, engaging with colleagues, and learning from the experiences of others. While technology and AI tools can be valuable resources, they should complement not replace the human connections that drive collaboration and innovation. Attend industry events, participate in trade shows, have meaningful conversations, and build a network of trusted professionals you can learn from and rely on throughout your career.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field come from the rapid pace of change and the evolving expectations of consumers. Since COVID, there has been a renewed focus on preventative health and overall wellness, creating significant opportunities for innovation and education within the supplement industry. At the same time, economic pressures have led some consumers to view supplements as discretionary rather than essential, making it important to continue demonstrating their value and impact. Another challenge is overcoming misconceptions about the role of supplements while advocating for greater inclusion in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Creating opportunities for women to have a stronger voice and a full seat at the table remains an important part of driving meaningful progress and innovation.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are growth, curiosity, balance, and continuous learning. Outside of my professional responsibilities, I find balance through gardening, cooking, and traveling. These passions remind me that meaningful growth whether in a garden, a kitchen, or a career requires patience, creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to experiment. I carry these same values into my work by staying open to new ideas, embracing challenges, and continuously seeking opportunities to learn and improve.
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