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

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

Articles

ARTICLES

The word Vitamin D with a small cup of Vitamin D3 capsules on it. Close up.
Trade Secrets

Geek Squads Unite “All 4 Vitamin D”

October 17, 2023
Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association

Organic & Natural Health Association offers an update on the collaborative and ongoing “All 4 Vitamin D” campaign, and is issuing a call to action to request that vitamin D3 be added into SNAP. 


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Wooden signpost showing value, vision, and mission.

Strategic Planning and a Path to a Sustainable Future

June 30, 2023
Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association

The Organic & Natural Health Association (O&N Health) has always prioritized strategic planning; our focus lies in identifying the key issues that act as standard bearers within our supply chain. By delving deep into these concerns, we uncover underlying threats and forge new pathways to achieve different outcomes.


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Cooperation between communities. Volunteer concept and advocacy

Advocacy: Both Work and a Lifestyle

April 19, 2023
Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association
What does it take to be an effective advocate? Karen Howard, Organic & Natural Health Association, shares her go-to toolbox...and explains why it matters.

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Online compliance regularoty getty 1252248484

2023: It’s the Amazon Jungle Out There 

February 13, 2023
Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association
Those of you who follow the Organic & Natural Health Association know that we are often referred to as a boutique organization. To me that means we are designed to be elite and unique, representing only the best of the supply chain, and engaging all its stakeholders, including independent retailers...
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Synbio gmos
Trade Secrets

True Transparency a Must with SynBio

November 22, 2022
Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association
Call it GMO 2.0, synthetic biology, or precision fermentation used to create novel ingredients or “Franken Foods”...we are now watching the rise of the second generation...
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Gettyimages 1205911465

Can Civics + Politics = Progress?

August 16, 2022
Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association
Civics and politics. The mere mention of the words can shut people down. We live in complicated times, requiring thoughtful consideration, respectful debate, and the active intention to improve the health of our planet and its people. Instead, our 24/7 election cycle often breeds a massive "word" war. People are...
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Omega 3

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

February 13, 2019
Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and contributor(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher and editors of WholeFoods Magazine.   When Organic & Natural Health Association initiated its omega-3 nutrient field trial two years ago, in collaboration with our research partner GrassrootsHealth, our primary...
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Glyphosate

A 'Roundup' on Glyphosate

October 7, 2018
Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association
By Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association @OrgNatHealth In 2017, the Organic & Natural Health Association initiated a 3-year testing program to determine if glyphosate residue is threatening the dietary supplement supply chain. Our overarching objective is to support our members who seek to...
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Gettyimages 505820296

Study: Vitamin Supplements Don't Provide Health Benefits ... Excuse Me?

July 6, 2018
Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association
From the Organic & Natural Health Association @OrgNatHealth This U.S. News & World Report headline might have grabbed your attention. It’s a great example of how these reports can generate confusion on research and the impact on vitamins and minerals have on health conditions. Here are some tips for critically...
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Womenincircle

Now We Know Vitamin D Reduces Risk of Preterm Birth, What Next?

March 28, 2018
Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association
The Organic & Natural Health Association (@OrgNatHealth) is committed to research, especially when it’s designed to demonstrate how the supplements we take favorably impact nutrient deficiency.  We also believe it’s essential this evidence gets into the hands of our health care practitioners. Why? Moving research outcomes into the practitioner’s office...
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View All Articles by Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health Association
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