Sheldon Baker08.05.11
John Gay, CAE, is the executive director and CEO of the Natural Products Association (NPA), which represents more than 1900 members, accounting for over 10,000 retail, manufacturing, wholesale and distribution locations of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements and health/beauty aids. Mr. Gay supervises a staff of 14 in offices in Washington D.C. and Beijing, China, and oversees a $4 million budget. He was most recently senior vice president, government affairs and public policy for the National Restaurant Association. While there he was 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, who was recently recognized by The Hill newspaper as one of the "best in the business for America's business sectors," has worked in Washington on policy issues for nearly 25 years. He has led government affairs activities for the International Franchise Association and served on the staff of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. In addition to his non-profit experience, he spent 10 years representing international trade interests with Arthur Andersen. Mr. Gay has also worked on Capitol Hill for a U.S. Senator, where he began his government relations career. A graduate of the University of Virginia, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in American Government. He has also earned the IOM designation from the Institute for Organization Management. Mr. Gay is originally from Atlanta, GA, and now lives in Arlington, VA, with his wife and two children.
Health E-Insights: Is the NDI guidance issue keeping you up at night?
Mr. Gay: NPA said this would be a potential game-changer, and it is. We’re taking it very seriously and the industry should as well.
Health E-Insights: Any words of wisdom for industry manufacturers regarding the NDI guidelines?
Mr. Gay: NPA is submitting comments by October 3 to FDA. We encourage NPA manufacturer members to let us know their concerns, so we can incorporate them into the comments.
Health E-Insights: Any words of wisdom for our friends in the Senate?
Mr. Gay: On the NDI draft guidance, we’re working with industry champions Senator Orrin Hatch and Senator Tom Harkin as the process moves forward. They’re in a position to get the FDA’s attention. On Senator Durbin’s bill, which would take the regulation of supplements well beyond the current, effective rules governing the industry, our message is oppose it. On Senator Hatch’s and Representative Paulsen’s bill, which would allow Americans to use their Health Spending Account and Flex Spending Arrangement dollars on dietary supplements, our message is support it.
Health E-Insights: What one thing do you want to accomplish by the end of 2011?
Mr. Gay: We plan to continue to protect the industry from over-regulation.
Health E-Insights: The NDI matter could be driving you to drink. What’s your drink of choice?
Mr. Gay: As I get older, I seem to be drinking water more than anything else, but I also like beer.
Health E-Insights: And if I opened your refrigerator right now, what comfort food might I find?
Mr. Gay: Ice cream in the freezer.
Sheldon Baker wants to interview you. For more information contact Sheldon at sbaker@bakerdillon.com. And visit his website at www.bakerdillon.com and blog at www.NutraInk.com.
Health E-Insights: Is the NDI guidance issue keeping you up at night?
Mr. Gay: NPA said this would be a potential game-changer, and it is. We’re taking it very seriously and the industry should as well.
Health E-Insights: Any words of wisdom for industry manufacturers regarding the NDI guidelines?
Mr. Gay: NPA is submitting comments by October 3 to FDA. We encourage NPA manufacturer members to let us know their concerns, so we can incorporate them into the comments.
Health E-Insights: Any words of wisdom for our friends in the Senate?
Mr. Gay: On the NDI draft guidance, we’re working with industry champions Senator Orrin Hatch and Senator Tom Harkin as the process moves forward. They’re in a position to get the FDA’s attention. On Senator Durbin’s bill, which would take the regulation of supplements well beyond the current, effective rules governing the industry, our message is oppose it. On Senator Hatch’s and Representative Paulsen’s bill, which would allow Americans to use their Health Spending Account and Flex Spending Arrangement dollars on dietary supplements, our message is support it.
Health E-Insights: What one thing do you want to accomplish by the end of 2011?
Mr. Gay: We plan to continue to protect the industry from over-regulation.
Health E-Insights: The NDI matter could be driving you to drink. What’s your drink of choice?
Mr. Gay: As I get older, I seem to be drinking water more than anything else, but I also like beer.
Health E-Insights: And if I opened your refrigerator right now, what comfort food might I find?
Mr. Gay: Ice cream in the freezer.
Sheldon Baker wants to interview you. For more information contact Sheldon at sbaker@bakerdillon.com. And visit his website at www.bakerdillon.com and blog at www.NutraInk.com.
