Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association

Karen Howard has served as CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association since its inception in 2014. Her bold leadership has catalyzed pivotal discussions and actions. She has championed causes such as defining "natural," promoting quality manufacturing, ensuring traceable sourcing, advancing regenerative farming, advocating for sustainable practices, addressing nutrient deficiencies, and propelling vitamin D research and education. Karen has also dedicated her efforts to amplifying the consumer voice and advocating for diversity within the natural products industry. Under her leadership and strategic direction, Organic & Natural Health has rapidly risen to become one of the most esteemed trade associations in the industry in less than a decade. As a visionary leader with four decades of experience in healthcare policy, government relations, and organizational leadership, her career has been defined by her unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare initiatives and driving change through strategic advocacy and collaboration. Karen is the author of Upset is Optional: Say Goodbye to Unnecessary Suffering (March 2024).

www.organicandnatural.org

DSHEA Re-Invented

The goal: to strengthen consumer trust, improve FDA oversight, preserve national uniformity, modernize the treatment of ingredients and claims and support responsible innovation.

June 17, 2026

Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association

DSHEA transformed the dietary supplement industry in 1994. Today, Organic & Natural Health's Karen Howard calls for modernization to improve transparency, strengthen oversight, create national regulatory consistency, and support innovation. Here's what's being proposed.

The Stakes Are Higher for Consumers Right Now

As health coverage costs climb, the natural products industry has a key role to play in prevention.

April 24, 2026

Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association

Smart self-care, science-backed supplements, and testing: Organic & Natural Health outlines a prevention playbook for 2026.

The United States of Health

Building Bridges to Opportunity

February 1, 2026

Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association

The interconnection of our issues in the natural products industry, whether you are a retailer, consumer, supplement manufacturer, or a farmer, requires conversation.

A stethoscope on an American flag symbolizing healthcare in the USA.

An Opportunity Awaits: Redefining Healthy Before It’s Too Late

How must an industry committed to wellness through a healthy diet, clean air and water, and dietary supplementation respond to 50+ disparate strategies being imposed on more than 341 million citizens?

November 5, 2025

Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association

Members of the natural products industry can, and must, support legislators in their efforts to improve health outcomes in measurable and meaningful ways. Read on for key insights.

Fresh fruits and vegetables from United States of America.

Make America Healthy, Forever

What has changed so dramatically that a commitment to increased utilization of dietary supplements would be deemed too much, or “too MAHA”?

August 6, 2025

Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association

What exactly are we as a society arguing about when it comes to health care? Karen Howard outlines the issues...and the opportunity.

3D illustration of pawns over black backgound with circles. Concept of influencer marketing and spheres of influence.

The Case for Collective Leadership

Our collective message to Senators and Congress must speak to the health and welfare of the citizens of the United States.

May 15, 2025

Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association

Karen Howard issues a call to action to the natural products industry.

Evolution instead of revolution. Hand turns a dice and changes the word "revolution" to "evolution".

Living in a “Revolution of Common Sense”

What does the Trump administration mean for our industry?

February 4, 2025

Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association

In the age of the Make American Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, we have the power to spark a “revolution of change” in how things are done, shares Karen Howard, Organic and Natural Health Association.

Classic red barn and silo set in a field of green corn and under a blue sky.

“Agriculture is Destroying the Planet” (Say What?)

October 16, 2024

Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association

The challenges we face regarding the potential proliferation of SynBio products and their infiltration into finished products are many.

Flat and isolated vector illustration on blue round icon with modern design and long shadow

Trade Secrets

Political Upset is Optional

What can we do to effectively engage in our democratic process and at the same time ensure our emotional health?

July 24, 2024

Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association

Our strength resides in our collective commitment to natural and organic consumers.

Trade Secrets

There is Too Much at Stake to Tune Out

April 12, 2024

Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association

Abandoning our role as advocates for the natural products industry is not an option. There is too much at stake. Here are some ways you can take action now.