Philip founded Murphy's Naturals in 2013 and serves as CEO and Chairman of the Board.
A 23-year veteran of the packaging industry, Philip worked for xpedx, a division of International Paper. Duringhis tenure, Philip worked as a consultant to manufacturers and brands, primarily in the arena of retail and CPG packaging, visual merchandising, secondary industrial packaging, packaging equipment systems, fulfillment packaging, and brand packaging ideation.
Philip grew up on a beef cattle and apple farm located in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Later Philip attended Virginia Tech, where he holds a B.A. in Communications Science with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing. Philip was an eight-year veteran of the US Navy, serving as a Surface Warfare Officer, a Deep-sea Diving Officer, and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Officer.
Philip loves the adventures of entrepreneurialism and understands first-hand the trials of getting a business started. He has a passion for helping those with a start-up dream and actively mentors individuals looking for guidance and inspiration to "start something." In 2016, Philip launched The Loading Dock, a coworking and cowarehouse company that lowers the hurdles to entrepreneurialism and helps make new businesses a possibility.
Murphy's Naturals was named in honor of Philip & Pam's dog, Murphy.
MEET THE TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
PHILIP FREEMAN
FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
GEOFF KEEGAN
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Geoff joined Murphy's as Vice President of Finance in 2020 and transitioned to Chief Operating Officer in 2024. He is responsible for the day-to-day execution of company strategy and resource allocation. Core areas of responsibility include strategic planning, budgeting, accounting, regulatory, legal, and Board and investor relations. Geoff is also actively engaged in the company’s talent development and commercial strategies.
A reformed financial services professional, spent 17 years in investment management prior to joining Murphy’s, most recently founding and managing a boutique hedge fund. Geoff holds a B.S. in economics from Duke University and an M.B.A. from Duke's Fuqua School of Business. He spent eight years living abroad through his teenage years but is thrilled to have planted roots in the amazing Research Triangle.
Geoff lives in Durham, NC with his wife, two daughters, and labradoodle Piper, and can be frequently found enjoying a variety of outdoor activities with this crew or cheering on Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium. He sits on the Board of the Museum of Life & Science and is passionate about providing accessible educational opportunities for young people.
KRISS FREEMAN
VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Kriss joined Murphy’s in September 2020 as Vice President of Business Development. He is responsible for creating and executing the company’s sales strategy, including identifying the channels where Murphy’s will have success, specific customer targets within these channels, and the internal and external resources to convert these customers into long-term profitable relationships. In addition, Kriss is actively involved in the company’s marketing strategies and Leadership Team initiatives.
Kriss has experience working side-by-side with his brother Philip promoting and selling Murphy’s products dating back to the predecessor brand Amazon Lights in 2007. Prior to officially joining Murphy’s this year, Kriss worked with former colleagues at Cadence Packaging and SRI Packaging for seven years leading business development initiatives focused on industrial and retail packaging. Many of these initiatives included C-Suite associations with iconic brands including Ikea, Proctor and Gamble, Fortune Brands, Royal Building Products, Litehouse, ORVIS, lululemon, Tiffany, Abercrombie & Fitch, Coach, J.Crew, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Oakley, Nordstrom, and Ray Ban.
From the late 80’s through 2013, Kriss spent 25 years with International Paper Company, where he developed and directed a standalone division that served Fifth Avenue retailers and Manhattan marketing firms. Kriss took his rugged work ethic, creativity, and authentic diplomacy from New York to California and beyond. Kriss and Philip worked together indirectly at International Paper for more than 20 years. Kriss’ work career started in banking and finance.
Kriss is a family man through and through and tries to spend most waking hours outdoors: kayaking, sailing, woodworking, cycling, hiking, landscaping, cooking-out -- sometimes all in the same day! Kriss dedicates many hours a year to driving the parish church bus, managing non-profit properties, and giving back to others. Kriss holds a B.A. from Lynchburg College.
JOHN LINCOLN
VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS
John joined Murphy's Naturals as Vice President of Operations in August 2023. In this role, he is responsible for managing operations, planning resource allocation, overseeing projects, and formulating processes and procedures.
Prior to his current role, John worked at packaging companies Dillard Paper, xpedx, & Veritiv Corporation. He worked for these combined companies for 36 years, beginning in customer service and ultimately working in various operational and sales management roles.
John's extensive experience in the packaging industry has equipped him with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in managing operations. His passion for process improvement and customer satisfaction has earned him a reputation as a results-driven leader who can effectively balance the needs of various stakeholders.He is excited to leverage his skills and experience to drive growth and success at Murphy’s Naturals and looks forward to contributing to the company's purpose to “Celebrate nature and inspire good through quality natural products”.
In his free time, John enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and riding motorcycles, as well as spending time with his family and friends.
JULIA BETHUNE
VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING
Julia joined Murphy’s Naturals as the company’s first VP of Marketing. In this role, Julia is focused on building an in- depth understanding of our consumer and developing an omnichannel demand plan that continues to grow our brand and product portfolio. Prior to joining Murphy’s, Julia worked at Burt’s Bees, IBM, and abroad launching the Vivienne Westwood brand in China.
Julia lives in Raleigh with her husband and 3 children. She loves sleep (8:30 pm bedtime), playing outside with her children, improving her tennis game, and cooking a really good meal with an excellent glass of wine alongside. She is also an active member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. She graduated from Vanderbilt University cum laude and Fuqua School of Business with her MBA, though her children are dedicated NC State Wolfpack fans despite best efforts.
STEWART JONES
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF CUSTOMER DEVELOPMENT
Stewart joined Murphy’s Naturals as Manager of Sales & Marketing in February 2015. She was promoted to Director of Sales & Marketing in March 2020 and Senior Director of Business Development in May 2022. Stewart holds a B.A. in Political Science and Communication from The University of Alabama. Roll Tide!
Stewart lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband (Tyler), daughter (Sullivan), and two labrador retrievers (Winston and Willa). As a family, they enjoy packing up the car and escaping the city on weekends to spend quality time together in the Outer Banks of NC.
AUDREY HENDERSON
DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION
Audrey joined Murphy’s Naturals in June of 2018 and currently functions as Director of Innovation. Audrey thrives on the creative process, particularly dreaming up ideas and seeing those ideas come to life, helping drive innovation behind Murphy’s products. She holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences: Cellular, Molecular, Developmental Biology from NC State. Her combination of scientific knowledge, innovative thinking, and love for the outdoors helps drive her success at Murphy’s Naturals.
Outside of work, Audrey enjoys spending time with her husband and their two Labradors, Maple & Margot, and two cats, Daisy & Catsby. She loves traveling, cooking, hiking, starting house projects, and staying active through functional strength training, lots of walking, and teaching hot yoga. She is also a big fan of fantasy books, Taylor Swift, and the Carolina Hurricanes.
MACKENZIE DONEGAN
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Mackenzie joined Murphy’s in April of 2019 overseeing the company’s Amazon business. Currently serving as Director of Marketing, she partners in driving brand growth and awareness. Mackenzie collaborates closely with the regulatory department to ensure brand compliance, while also working with the sales team to enhance product visibility and expand distribution. Using market insights, she partners to design eye-catching product packaging and brand graphics that resonate with consumers. Mackenzie holds a B.S. in International/Global Studies from Auburn University and a Graduate Certificate in Marketing from North Carolina State University.
Mackenzie is often tailed (pun intended) by her office companion Charlie, a springer-doodle who is an equal parts fluff and attitude. Outside of her career, Mackenzie is a proud wife and mother. Her husband, a pastor at their local church, shares her passion for community and faith. Together, they enjoy rounds of golf, with an ongoing competition to golf together in all 50 states (current score is tied 3-3).
STEPHANIE PARKER
DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE & CULTURE
Stephanie joined Murphy’s in March 2023 as the Director of People & Culture, where she’s dedicated to creating a fair, safe, and healthy workplace. She leads all things HR, from talent development and recruitment to payroll, benefits, and fun employee appreciation events. Stephanie also collaborates with the Leadership Team on key initiatives that help the organization thrive.
Before Murphy’s, Stephanie was the Human Resources Manager at KIOTI Tractor, a major distributor of subcompact tractors across North America. Earlier in her career, she worked as the HR Coordinator for Bass Pro Shops in Cary, NC, and spent years honing her people skills in retail and restaurant management.
Stephanie lives in Wake Forest with her husband and their two children. She loves curling up with a good book (and coffee, of course!), spending time with family and friends, and enjoying the great outdoors. She’s passionate about lifelong learning and holds a B.S. in Psychology with a General Science concentration from Campbell University (2015) and an M.S. in Human Resources Management from Southern New Hampshire University (2018). Stephanie also earned her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification in 2021.