Michael McGuffin was appointed president of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) effective August 1, 1999. AHPA is the trade association representing over 200 manufacturers and marketers of herbs and herbal products. McGuffin is a co-founder of McZand Herbal, Inc., where he was president for 17 years. He has been involved in the botanical and natural products industries since 1974. He has served continuously on the AHPA Board of Trustees for the past nine years, including 2 1/2 years as board chair.

He has had many opportunities during this tenure to interact with state and federal legislatures and agencies. He is familiar with the laws and regulatory processes affecting dietary supplements and is well versed in many of the issues pertaining to botanical products. McGuffin has been an active member of various industry groups, serving as a board member of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and United Plant Savers. He was the Managing Editor of AHPA's Botanical Safety Handbook (1997) and is the project manager for the revision of Herbs of Commerce. The AHPA offices can be reached at 301/588-1171 or <AHPA@ix.netcom.com>.

Article copyright American Botanical Council.

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By Barbara A. Johnston