On Feb. 17, 2025, longtime American Natural Merchandise Affiliation (AHPA) President Michael McGuffin died at age 73.
In line with a memorial posted on the AHPA web site, for 25 years, McGuffin served because the affiliation’s president, abandoning an indelible mark on the pure merchandise trade by way of his steadfast advocacy for affordable laws and proactive self-governance. Past his skilled contributions, he was a trusted mentor, a cherished good friend and a pillar of the natural neighborhood.
McGuffin served as AHPA president since 1999 and led the affiliation by way of a interval of exceptional progress in membership and has been a driving power behind AHPA’s file of trailblazing advocacy on behalf of its members and the broader natural product and dietary complement industries. Below his management, AHPA secured important legislative victories—together with the enactment of the Dietary Complement and Nonprescription Drug Client Safety Act, a critical opposed occasion reporting legislation for dietary dietary supplements—and produced invaluable trade sources, 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 ceaselessly spoke on dietary complement laws in the USA and overseas. He was revealed in quite a few scholarly and scientific journals and made appearances in numerous information publications, equivalent to The New York Instances, The Washington Put up, 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,” stated trade advisor Asa Waldstein. “Michael was like a magnolia tree, sturdy and rooted in deep rules. He was significantly revered, and whereas his exterior might appear powerful, those that acquired to know him found his kindness, intelligence and humor that made him really particular.”
AHPA stated it can deeply miss McGuffin’s humor, encyclopedic data of natural merchandise, his sensible counsel and his skilled tomato-growing abilities. The affiliation mourns his passing, but additionally celebrates his exceptional legacy, which is able to proceed to form each AHPA and the trade to return.
“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 consultants with collections of superior levels. Due to this, a father-son dynamic advanced, characterised by infinite studying, powerful love, and typically harsh mentorship. I’m the trade advocate I’m at this time, primarily as a result of Michael’s steering,” stated 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 govt director on Feb. 14.
“Michael’s management and keenness had been unparalleled, and his impression on AHPA and the natural neighborhood can’t be overstated. Whereas we grieve this super loss, AHPA stays absolutely dedicated to serving our members and carrying ahead the imaginative and prescient and values that Michael championed,” Wilson stated.
