On Feb. 17, 2025, longtime American Natural Merchandise Affiliation (AHPA) President Michael McGuffin died at age 73.
In response to a memorial posted on the AHPA web site, for 25 years, McGuffin served because the affiliation’s president, forsaking an indelible mark on the pure merchandise trade by means of his steadfast advocacy for cheap laws and proactive self-governance. Past his skilled contributions, he was a trusted mentor, a cherished pal and a pillar of the natural neighborhood.
McGuffin served as AHPA president since 1999 and led the affiliation by means of a interval of outstanding development in membership and has been a driving pressure behind AHPA’s file of trailblazing advocacy on behalf of its members and the broader natural product and dietary complement industries. Beneath his management, AHPA secured vital legislative victories—together with the enactment of the Dietary Complement and Nonprescription Drug Client Safety Act, a critical opposed occasion reporting regulation for dietary dietary supplements—and produced invaluable trade assets, such because the Botanical Security Handbook, Herbs of Commerce and quite a few steering insurance policies and paperwork.
He was a number one skilled on dietary complement regulation who regularly spoke on dietary complement laws in the USA and overseas. He was printed in quite a few scholarly and scientific journals and made appearances in numerous information publications, comparable to The New York Occasions, The Washington Submit, U.S. Information & World Report, and Newsweek.
He additionally held positions at different organizations, such because the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA), California Workplace of Environmental Well being Hazard Evaluation, the College of Southern California (USC) College of Pharmacy, the American Natural Pharmacopeia, the American Affiliation of Acupuncture and Oriental Medication, and United Plant Savers.
“Michael had a no-nonsense method and a pointy wit, however those that knew him properly additionally noticed his kindness, generosity, and deep dedication to the natural merchandise trade,” mentioned trade guide Asa Waldstein. “Michael was like a magnolia tree, sturdy and rooted in deep ideas. He was significantly revered, and whereas his exterior may appear powerful, those that obtained to know him found his kindness, intelligence and humor that made him actually particular.”
AHPA mentioned it’s going to deeply miss McGuffin’s humor, encyclopedic information of natural merchandise, his clever counsel and his skilled tomato-growing abilities. The affiliation mourns his passing, but additionally celebrates his outstanding legacy, which can proceed to form each AHPA and the trade to come back.
“Our relationship was distinctive. We entered one another’s lives after I was simply 17 years previous, beginning Alkemist Labs and navigating AHPA committee conferences and trade specialists with collections of superior levels. Due to this, a father-son dynamic developed, characterised by countless studying, powerful love, and typically harsh mentorship. I’m the trade advocate I’m right this moment, primarily on account of Michael’s steering,” mentioned Elan Sudberg, CEO of California-based Alkemist Labs.
In January 2025, McGuffin stepped down as AHPA president and introduced his plans to transition to a senior advisory position following the appointment of his successor. AHPA’s Director of Program Improvement Jane Wilson turned the interim government director on Feb. 14.
“Michael’s management and fervour had been unparalleled, and his affect on AHPA and the natural neighborhood can’t be overstated. Whereas we grieve this large loss, AHPA stays absolutely dedicated to serving our members and carrying ahead the imaginative and prescient and values that Michael championed,” Wilson mentioned.
