John Hewitt is senior vice president of state affairs at the Consumer Brands Association. Hewitt leads the packaging sustainability efforts on behalf of the CPG industry and oversees all state advocacy strategy and engagement. He brings extensive knowledge of sustainability initiatives, including the recycling system, and years of state and federal policy experience.
With a combination of association, political and agency experience, Hewitt has worked on many successful ballot initiatives, legislative and regulatory measures. In addition to his professional experience, he has sat on several non-profit boards and was an elected school board member for nearly 12 years.
Hewitt joined the Consumer Brands Association from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), where he served as both special counsel to the secretary and as the agency’s general counsel. At the department, Hewitt was responsible for complex litigation and regulatory matters as well as represented the department on interagency initiatives, such as the governor’s drought task force and international climate change program.
Prior to CDFA Hewitt worked at the California Farm Bureau, where he played a key role in developing strategic water quality initiatives, including managing activities with local and state regulators as well as litigation development.
A native of Northern California, Hewitt graduated from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and a minor in water science. Hewitt also holds a juris doctor from the University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law and is admitted to practice law by the California Bar as well as the United States Supreme Court. He lives in Pleasant Grove, California, and enjoys cooking family meals using his favorite CPG products — especially hot sauce.
