Natural Products Association Names New Executive Director

2009-10-22 | 06:01

John F. Gay of National Restaurant Association to start Nov. 2

The Natural Products Association (NPA) has named John F. Gay executive director and chief executive officer.Mr. Gay was most recently recently senior vice president, government affairs and public policy, for the National Restaurant Association.

Mr. Gay takes over from Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., who was appointed interim executive director and CEO in August when David Seckman, who had headed the association for more than nine years, left to take a post at the Food Processing Suppliers Association.

While at the National Restaurant Association, Mr. Gay responsible for creating 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.

"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."

While at the National Restaurant Association, Mr. Gay 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.

Mr. Gay will begin his duties on Nov. 2.