New CEO brings wealth of Washington and leadership experience
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Natural Products Association (NPA) announced today that John F. Gay has been named executive director and CEO of the oldest and largest trade Association in the Natural Products Industry. "After conducting a thorough search for someone with an outstanding background in advocacy and trade association leadership, John is the ideal person for the job," said Pat Sardell, president of NPA. "He has tremendous experience and a widely respected presence on Capitol Hill. Having already worked closely with many of our congressional champions, he will lead our staff — who we are grateful to for their dedication in this interim — and association in the development of new champions."
Gay was most recently senior vice president, government affairs and public policy, for the National Restaurant Association. While there, he was responsible for establishing and leading industry coalitions dealing with a range of issues, including the adoption of a national standard for nutrition information on restaurant menus. He was also responsible for the association's political and fundraising programs, and oversaw one of the largest political action committees in the country.
Gay, who was recently recognized by The Hill newspaper as one of the "best in the business for America's business sectors," has worked in Washington on policy issues for nearly 25 years. He has led government affairs activities for the International Franchise Association and served on the staff of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. In addition to his non-profit experience, he spent 10 years representing international trade interests with Arthur Andersen. Gay has also worked on Capitol Hill for a U.S. Senator, where he began his government relations career.
A graduate of the University of Virginia, Gay holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in American Government. He has also earned the IOM designation from the Institute for Organization Management. Gay is originally from Atlanta, Ga., and now lives in Arlington, Va., with his wife and two children.
Gay will begin his duties as executive director and CEO in time for the NPA Board of Directors meeting on November 2nd.
The Natural Products Association (NPA), founded in 1936, is the largest and oldest non-profit organization dedicated to the natural products industry. The Natural Products Association represents more than 10,000 retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids. As the leading voice of the natural products industry, the Natural Products Association's mission is to advocate for the rights of consumers to have access to products that will maintain and improve their health, and for the rights of retailers and suppliers to sell these products.
CONTACT: Tracy Taylor, +1-202-204-4723, [email protected]
SOURCE Natural Products Association
