The Natural Products Association (NPA) has brought on Evelyn Reinson as Vice President of Brand Marketing & Growth. With over 17 years of experience driving transformational brand strategy, market expansion, thought leadership, stakeholder engagement, and revenue growth across the dietary supplement, nutraceutical, and health and wellness sectors, the marketing and growth executive has partnered with leading brands, manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, retailers, and industry organizations to develop growth strategies, build engagement, and advance business objectives across the natural products industry. “Evelyn brings a strong track record of growing brands, creating meaningful industry engagement, and developing strategic marketing programs that drive growth,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO of NPA. “Her experience and industry knowledge will help strengthen NPA’s ability to serve members, attract new audiences, and advance our mission.”

In her new role, Reinson will lead NPA’s brand marketing, membership growth, member engagement, digital marketing, events marketing, sponsorship development, and strategic growth initiatives. Having developed scalable platforms that enhance brand equity, deepen customer and member relationships, unlock new revenue opportunities, and deliver sustained growth in dynamic and highly competitive markets, the new VP of Brand Marketing & Growth work closely with association leadership, members, and industry partners to strengthen member value, expand engagement, increase membership participation, and support the continued growth of the association.

“I am honored to join the Natural Products Association at such an important time for our industry,” said Reinson. “NPA has served as a trusted advocate for the natural products industry for nearly a century. I look forward to working with our members and leadership team to strengthen engagement, grow membership, enhance member value, and help ensure that NPA continues to be an indispensable resource for companies across the natural products industry.”

Brandon Prenger, Director of Business Development at Sabinsa.

"Given Sabinsa’s enviable reputation for quality, research and innovation, I’m delighted to be part of this outstanding team,” stated Prenger. “Their unique branded ingredient portfolio will help customers create successful products that meet evolving consumer needs.” 

Alvinesa Natural Ingredients has appointed Olivier Lavaud as its newest Chief Executive Officer. With previous general management and leadership position experience within B2B industrial companies, Lavaud will step into the new roleand focus on advancing the company's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence, while maintaining its focus on delivering natural solutions for the food, beverages, nutraceuticals, cosmetics and animal nutrition industries.

“I am joining Alvinesa at a key moment for the natural ingredients industry, where sustainability, traceability and innovation are decisive factors for our customers,” shared the new CEO. “Alvinesa has a unique value proposition: transforming by-products from the wine and olive oil industries into high value-added natural ingredients. My objective will be to reinforce this competitive advantage, accelerate our international growth and continue building strong relationships with our customers and partners.”

Ren-Hau Lai, Ph.D., Vice President of Product Innovation at Plexus Worldwide.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Plexus team and contributing to its continued work in the gut health industry,” shared Dr. Lai. “I’ve long respected the brand and am excited to build on its foundation by developing clinically studied products grounded in science and aligned with consumer needs.”

Mike Tringale, Senior Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs has retired from the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA). Having joined the organization in 2016, he led the CHPA's communication and advocacy efforts on issues including OTC monograph reform and dietary supplement policy to sustainability, medication safety, HSA/FSA eligibility, and ingredient-specific public affairs initiatives. “Mike has been an incredibly valued leader, colleague, and advocate for consumer healthcare throughout his time at CHPA,” said CHPA President & CEO Scott Melville. “His strategic counsel, deep expertise, and steady leadership have helped guide the association through some of the industry’s most important policy and public affairs challenges over the past decade. We are deeply grateful for Mike’s contributions and wish him and his family all the very best in this next chapter.”

Mary Leonard, current Executive Director of CHPA's Health In Hand Foundation, will step into the leadership role after fifteen years of service to the association. With twenty years of integrated communications, marketing strategy, public health education, and mission-driven leadership experience, Leonard has led the expansion of Health In Hand’s national consumer education initiatives with retail partners and community partners, advanced Health In Hand’s digital authority as a trusted source of self-care education and continued to spearhead the Foundation’s flagship campaigns. As Senior Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs, Leonard will oversee CHPA’s communications, media relations, and public affairs functions while continuing to lead the Foundation’s consumer education initiatives.

“I’m honored to take on this expanded leadership role and continue advancing CHPA’s mission to empower responsible self-care,” shared Leonard. “Communications and public affairs play an essential role in building trust, translating complex issues, and helping consumers, policymakers, stakeholders, and the media better understand the value of safe, effective, and accessible self-care products. I look forward to continuing to work alongside CHPA’s talented team, member companies, and partners to elevate the role of self-care and support the consumers who rely on these products every day.”

CEO of BGG Europe, Head of International Division, Bharadhwaj Ramamoorthy.

The former BGG company director will now oversee operations outside China and Japan in his new role. “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to steer BGG into an exciting new era," stated the new CEO. "I am deeply aligned with BGG’s values and ambitions, and I now look forward to accelerating our expansion across the globe.”

Brian Bousley has been named Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer of Zevia. A former Chief Commercial Officer of Yerba Madre, Bousley's resume includes President at Pabst Brewing, VP of Retail sales for Red Bull, as well as senior level sales positions with Pacific Wine and Spirits and Diageo North America. As CCO, he will play a key role in sharpening channel strategy, driving distribution, strengthening customer partnerships, and leading category growth in support of advancing the company’s long-term strategy.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Brian to our team as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer,” said Amy Taylor, President and Chief Executive Officer at Zevia. “Brian brings more than 25 years of beverage industry experience with a strong track record of driving commercial performance at scale for growth companies across multiple categories. He is a respected leader with a history of building high-performing teams, optimizing route-to-market models, and raising the bar for commercial excellence.”

Isabela Trad, Head of Human Nutrition South America at Barentz.

“I am excited to join Barentz at a time of strong momentum for the Human Nutrition business," expressed Trad. "South America holds significant growth potential, and I look forward to working with the team to expand our portfolio, strengthen our partnerships, and deliver outstanding solutions to our customers.”

Andrea Benson was promoted to President of Puresource Corp. A York University graduate with close to three decades of sales, marketing, commercialization, and business transformation experience, Benson previously held key roles with CPG food companies Maple Leaf Foods and High Liner Foods. A member of the NOW family since December of 2024, Benson joined the company as Country Leader. 

“Since stepping into the Country Leader role, Andrea has earned the respect of our employees, customers, and stakeholders through her collaborative leadership style, decisive action, and commitment to delivering results,” said NOW Health Group CEO Jim Emme. “The Board’s decision to appoint Andrea as President reflects the confidence we have in her leadership capabilities, her track record of success, and her vision for the future of Puresource Corp.”

American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) has confirmed Dawn Costa as the newest Program Director of AHP and the newly formed Global Alliance for Integrative (GAIHM). An herbal science program graduate from Bastyr University, Costa holds a Master of Science degree in Sustainability Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. A former Managing Editor of Integrative and Complementary Therapies, Costa was the Publishing Editor at the Natural Standard Research Collaboration and will organize the development of AHP monographs and oversee the content development, consensus building, and operations for all GAIHM initiatives.

"I am incredibly excited to step into this role with AHP and GAIHM," shared the new Program Director. "I look forward to working with the team to build on AHP’s decades-long foundation and to elevate and amplify GAIHM’s mission to increase global access to evidence-based integrative, botanical, and traditional medicine."

Jane Wilson, Vice President of Association Programs for the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA).

“My time at AHPA has been filled with such a wide range of valuable experiences and memorable relationships, such as working with the legendary Michael McGuffin,” said Wilson. “I'm blessed to continue contributing to this dynamic herbal products community, as well as working with the AHPA Board of Trustees and my amazing AHPA colleagues.”

Wade Sirny, Director of Foodservice at Butter Buds Inc.

After graduating from Concordia College with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Advertising, Sirny's work experiences included National Sales Manager for ReadyWise, Regional Chain Account Manager for Red Gold, as well as seven years at Kraft Heinz, where he spearheaded sales with distributors and Restaurant Depot. “Butter Buds is an industry leader that has built a remarkable reputation for the quality of its ingredients, while remaining grounded in its strong Midwestern values as a family-owned company,” said the new Director of Foodservice, Butter Buds Inc. “I’m excited to join the team and look forward to contributing to the strong foodservice foundation that’s already in place here.”

Lonza Global Head of Communications, Senior Vice President and member of the Extended Executive committee, Hans Trees.

"I am very pleased to welcome Hans to our One Lonza team," stated Wolfgang Wienand, Chief Executive Officer, Lonza. "Hans combines communications expertise, strategic insight, financial acumen and deep pharmaceutical industry experience. He has a strong track record of building high-performing teams, navigating complex and fast-changing environments, and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders. I am confident he will make important contributions as we continue to execute our One Lonza strategy and further strengthen Lonza's position as the market leader in our industry, while also reinforcing connection and alignment across the One Lonza team."

Saanroo CFO, Bhargav Srinivasan.

"Saanroo has built an impressive reputation by combining scientific integrity, innovation, and a long-term vision to improve health and wellness," said Srinivasan. "I'm excited to join the company at such an important stage of growth and help build the financial and operational foundation needed to support continued investment in research, global expansion, and customer success."

Lisa Myrseth Hemmingsen, Head of Science, Human Health and Nutrition at Zooca.

“Zooca has a strong foundation in marine science and ingredient innovation. I look forward to helping strengthen the scientific basis for Zooca Calanus Oil and translating research into relevant applications and clear communication,” shared Hemmingsen.

Elopak CEO, Håkon Volldal.

"I am excited to be joining Elopak, a company with a strong purpose, a proud heritage, and a clear vision for the future," said Volldal. "Throughou t its history, Elopak has demonstrated how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand to deliver value for customers, shareholders, and society. I look forward to listening, learning, and working closely with colleagues, customers, and partners around the world. My top priorities will be to accelerate the implementation of Elopak’s ‘Repackaging tomorrow’ strategy and continue to drive positive change in the packaging industry."

Senior Sales Manager - Bakery, Chad Mulcahy.

Kaylie Semler, Technical Sales Manager, Southwest territory.

Abigail Buckwalter, President and CEO of Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.

A recipient of the University of Wisconsin School of Journalism and Mass Communication's 2026 Distinguished Service Award, Buckwalter holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from Columbia University in New York. "Our industry finds itself at an incredibly dynamic tipping point in consumer behavior and buying habits. I believe Ocean Spray, with its iconic brand and global platform, is uniquely positioned to deliver against those expectations around taste and health benefits," said the new President and CEO. "In my two decades working in consumer-packaged goods, I've learned what's possible when consumer obsession and operational excellence come together. That is what we will strive for, every day, here at Ocean Spray."

Sam McBride has joined the leadership collective at Kettle & Fire as its new Chief Executive Officer. A member of the company's board for the last eight years, McBride is the former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of RXBAR and founder of Colter Ventures. As CEO, McBride will look to usher in the company's next phase of growth, drive demand, expand household penetration, and scale its manufacturing capacity. 

"From the beginning, I was drawn to Kettle & Fire’s commitment to quality and its mission to change the food system,” said McBride. “What’s been built since then—clear category leadership, real momentum, and a team deeply committed to that mission—gives us a strong foundation for what comes next. We’re not changing direction—we’re scaling what’s already working, and I’m excited to step into this role to accelerate growth and expand our impact even faster from here.”

Mo Lababidi has returned to Alkemist Labs as its new Director of Botanical Identity. An MBA graduate from the University of Redlands with a degree in Chemistry from California State University, Long Beach, Lababidi spent 11 years will the company working his way through laboratory and leadership positions. In this new role, he will focus on enhancing laboratory efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, upholding Alkemist’s rigorous standards of scientific integrity and help drive continued innovation and operational excellence as demand for scientifically valid botanical testing continues to grow.

“Alkemist Labs has always set the standard for integrity in botanical testing, and my foundational years here helped shape my career as a scientist and leader,” said Lababidi. “Returning as Director of Botanical Identity is an incredible full-circle moment. I’m excited to combine my technical roots with strategic leadership to ensure we continue delivering trusted results and dependable service for our clients.”

Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, Chancellor of Bastyr University.

Assuming the role as President will be Randy Frisch, becoming the university's seventh president in its 48-year history. The former president of City University (CityU) Seattle from 2013 to 2024, Frisch also served as general counsel for CityU's parent organization, National University, a private, non-profit system of higher education with 25,000 students and 3,000 employees.

“Today, Bastyr University is on the brink of something new, with interest soaring for our kind of medicine,” shared Dr. Pizzorno. “My role as chancellor empowers me to expand our vision, elevate the conversation about naturopathic medicine, and welcome new partners into our healing community. The conversation about the development of the Bastyr Healing Village, as an international destination, right here in Kenmore is just beginning.”

Amy Errett, Founder and CEO of hair color brand Madison Reed, is now a member of the Pendulum Board of Directors. A dedicated philanthropist and public service advocate, Errett is a known entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and consumer brand leader that has served on the board of GLIDE for more than two decades and has also been on the boards of the University of Connecticut Foundation and Common Sense Media. Prior to starting Madison Reed, the CEO was a General Partner at the venutre capital firm Maveron and previously served as Chief Asset Gathering Officer at E*TRADE. She is currently a Venture Partner at True Ventures. 

"The most transformative companies are the ones that fundamentally change how people think about an important part of their lives,” said Errett. “Pendulum is doing exactly that for human health. The company's scientific rigor, groundbreaking work in the microbiome, and commitment to making cutting-edge innovation accessible to consumers are what drew me to the opportunity. I'm excited to join the Board and help Pendulum continue expanding its impact as awareness of the microbiome's role in health continues to grow."

Awards & Honors

United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) Founder and President, Loren Israelsen.

"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Sonoran University," stated Israelsen. "Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside dedicated colleagues, industry leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers who share a commitment to improving public health through natural products. This honor reflects the collective efforts of an industry that continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions of consumers."