The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) Board of Trustees appointed José Gonzalez (Tadin Herb & Tea) and Mark Jost (Gemini Pharmaceuticals) to the Board as Assigned Trustees. The appointments are effective as of April 12, 2021 for one-year terms.

The AHPA bylaws assign to the AHPA Board of Trustees authority to appoint, at its discretion, up to two Assigned Trustees to one-year terms. The bylaws advise these positions should be filled when needed “to fill perceived gaps with regard to representation of all segments of AHPA’s Active membership, or to provide other needed expertise not met by the composition of the Board.” At its March 16, 2021 meeting, the AHPA Board authorized the Executive Committee to select candidates from AHPA’s members to fill these one-year positions.

“On behalf of the entire membership, I want to commend the Board and Executive Committee for their quick action to expand the Board to broaden representation and more accurately reflect the interests of all members,” commented AHPA President Michael McGuffin. “Both men demonstrate impressive business acumen and their specific areas of expertise will add depth to our Board.”

“I am deeply honored by this appointment,” said Gonzalez, “and I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to strengthen the impact and outreach of AHPA, an association which is already held in high esteem throughout and beyond the herbal products industry.” Tadin Herb & Tea has been an AHPA member for five years.

Gemini’s Jost, whose company has been an AHPA member since 2002 stated, “I have been personally involved with AHPA both directly and indirectly for over 20 years. It is a tremendous organization and I am excited to serve as a Trustee. We value the impact AHPA has had over the years and will continue to have on the industry, and, as a contract manufacturer, I look forward to adding our perspective to the Board and to the Association.”

McGuffin added, “We thank José and Mark for stepping up their level of service on behalf of AHPA. Our Association and membership will benefit from their increased involvement.”