Welch promoted to VP scientific and regulatory affairs at NPA

WASHINGTON — The Natural Products Association on Wednesday announced the promotion of Cara Welch to VP scientific and regulatory affairs.

“Welch has been a major contributor to achieving the success of both our Natural Seal and GMP certification programs, and she is the perfect choice to lead this department,” stated John Gay, NPA executive director and CEO. “The NPA Natural Seal has been a huge success, with nearly 600 certifications since its launch in 2008.”

In her new role, Welch will oversee the NPA’s quality assurance programs, including good manufacturing practices certification and the NPA Natural Seal. She also will advise NPA members on regulatory, safety, nutrition and health issues, and will be responsible for assisting natural product industry members to implement policies in response to government initiatives in the regulatory arena and for working with officials in the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies whose actions have a direct impact on the natural products industry.

Prior to joining the NPA, Welch studied at the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at Rutgers University. Welch earned her M.S. in chemistry from the University of Iowa and her B.A. in chemistry from Dordt College. She is a member of the American Chemical Society and the American Society of Pharmacognosy, and serves as a peer-reviewer for editorial boards.