Doug Carlson, CPA is a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned executive with decades of leadership experience in the worlds of both commercial and nonprofit across a range of sectors, including health, wellness, hospitality, food, beverage, and digital media. He brings a unique blend of strategic foresight, brand-building expertise, and operational excellence to the Ketogenic Foundation.
Doug currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Good Idea Drinks functional beverage company focused on metabolic health. His leadership in this role reflects a deep commitment to wellness innovation and consumer health outcomes.
Previously, Doug co-founded and served as CEO of FIJI Water, transforming it into one of the world’s most iconic premium bottled water brands. He also led Tommy’s Superfoods as CEO, where he championed clean-label, nutrient-rich frozen foods for health-conscious consumers. His recent portfolio of board experience includes serving on the public company Board and as Chairman of the Audit Committee for Crimson Wine Group for 12 years, and as a board member of the American Frozen Food Institute, where he advocated for better nutrition and transparency in the food industry.
Doug has held C-level roles for the last 40 years including Zinio, Barnes & Noble / NOOK Media, and VIV Publishing, consistently at the forefront of digital transformation and consumer engagement. In hospitality he was the CFO at the Aspen Skiing Company, he also led The Wakaya Club & Spa, a world-renowned private island retreat, and continues to shape the luxury wellness space as Managing Partner of Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. He holds an accounting degree from Western State College of Colorado and is known for financial controls, operating skills, compliance frameworks, and ethical accounting practices in every leadership context.
Doug’s nonprofit leadership includes serving on the Board of Trustees of The San Diego Museum of Art, The Aspen Historical Society, Aspen Ski Club, Tenth Mountain Division Hut System, Aspen Art Museum, Aspen Valley Hospital, Colorado Ski Museum, Aspen Chamber of Commerce, where he helped shape strategic and cultural initiatives, donor development, and institutional growth.
With a career grounded in building trusted wellness brands and a personal dedication to health, Doug offers invaluable insight into consumer behavior, brand strategy, product innovation and financial oversight. His presence on the Board of the Ketogenic Foundation reinforces the organization’s mission to support research, education, and advocacy around ketogenic therapies and metabolic health. Serving as the Treasurer, he ensures robust financial stewardship, transparency, and alignment with organizational goals.