2010 Key Player Spotlight
NIE’s Key Player Spotlight serves as a “Who’s Who” of industry members, representing a sampling of the wealth of talent in the dietary supplement and nutrition industry. Manufacturers supplied the information in this section to facilitate networking among members of this fast-paced and vibrant industry.
ADH Health Products, Inc.
Name: Advani, Ashwin
Title: Director, Business Development
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Leads a cross-functional management team and is responsible for co-development and execution of innovative strategies across the functional areas of marketing/sales and new business development
Most Recent Prior Employment: Senior leadership role at a multinational technology firm
Education/Degree(s): BS, Management and Software Engineering; MS, Management
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, travel
Name: Advani, Balu
Title: Founder and President
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Leads continuing development of contract manufacturing operation
Awards/Distinctions: Founder of two charitable foundations and one multicultural organization; holds seats on the boards of directors of the Red Cross (Rockland County Chapter) and of the Rockland Economic Development Council; selected as a member of the 1997 Delegation to China for New York State Business Development; invited to the White House twice for NAFTA briefings
Education/Degree(s): BSc, Pharmacy
Hobbies/Interests: Yoga instructor
Aloecorp
Name: Barrie, Jeff
Title: Eastern Regional Sales Manager
E-Mail: jeff@aloecorp.com
Phone: (603) 352-0650
Years at Company: 12
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Sales
Professional Memberships: Society of Cosmetic Chemists; International Aloe Science Council Board
Education/Degree(s): BS; MS
DOB: 12/3/48
Name: Smith, Bob
Title: Western Sales Manager
E-Mail: bsmith@aloecorp.com
Phone: (303) 920-7414
Years at Company: 10
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: All sales in West
Most Recent Prior Employment: Scan Optics
Education/Degree(s): BSBA University of Denver
Hobbies/Interests: Photography
DOB: 11/24/43
Alpha Packaging
Name: Baily, Jack
Title: Vice President, Sales
Number of Years at Company: 4
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Responsible for sales and marketing of Alpha Packaging products in each of the industry segments it serves; identifies key sales opportunities with existing customers for Alpha’s new decorating capabilities
Most Recent Prior Employment: Seaquist Perfect Dispensing
Professional Memberships: NACD Advisory Council
Education/Degree(s): Iowa State University
Name: Creston, Dan
Title: Chief Operating Officer
Number of Years at Company: 23
Areas of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Responsible for daily business operations at all five Alpha manufacturing locations; evaluates a variety of growth opportunities, including acquisitions of new plants, machinery and product lines, to complement existing capabilities
Education/Degree(s): Grove City College
Name: Spence, Dave
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
Number of Years at Company: 25
Areas of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Oversees growth opportunities in new markets; evaluates new technologies and complementary services to meet customers’ needs; added container decorating services through the acquisition of Technigraph Corporation, which will help better serve key customers in the personal care industry
Professional Memberships: Young Presidents Organization; Regional Business Council (St. Louis, MO); board member of The Magic House, Legacy Packaging and Reliance Bank
Education/Degree(s): University of Missouri, Columbia
American Custom Drying
Name: McFarland, Paul
Title: General Manager
E-Mail: mcfarland@109elbow.com
Phone: (609) 387-3933
Years at Company: 14
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Spray drying
Noteworthy Project With Company: Scale-up of dozens of nutrition industry products
Most Recent Prior Employment: Process Research Products, Trenton, NJ
Professional Memberships: American Institute of Chemical Engineers
Education/Degree(s): BS, Chemical Engineering
Hobbies/Interests: Football, golf
DOB: 1/6/73
Name: Thomas, Neil
Title: Operations Manager
E-Mail: thomas@109elbow.com
Phone: (609) 326-6006
Years at Company: 3
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Coordinate with customers (existing and new) to schedule/design processes (both wet blending and spray drying)
Noteworthy Project With Company: Designed a new process and bought equipment to meet a customer’s requirement to change a process from batch to continuous
Most Recent Prior Employment: The Hartz Mountain Corporation
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering)
Hobbies/Interests: Reading on current events, spending time with his kids
DOB: 5/30/75
American International Chemical, Inc.
Name: Murray, Scott D.
Title: Nutritional Ingredients Development Manager
E-Mail: sdm@aicma.com
Phone: (800) 238-0001 x1837
Years at Company: 13
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Customer fortification recommendations of functional foods, beverages, and nutraceuticals; strongest in use of minerals in fortification projects
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Responsible for successful marketing and growth of various vitamin and mineral product lines
Education/Degree(s): BS, Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, College of Food & Natural Resources, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Hobbies/Interests: Science, parenting, scuba diving, motorcycles
DOB: 8/16/68
Name: Rodwin, Lisa
Title: Product Manager
E-Mail: lr@aicma.com
Phone: (800) 270-1800
Years at Company: Joined June 2010
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Vitamins and other functional ingredients
Most Recent Prior Employment: Tempo Canada Inc.
Name: Warnock, Sean
Title: Nutritional Ingredients Development Manager
E-Mail: sw@aicma.com
Phone: (800) 238-0001
Years at Company: 3
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Functional foods and nutraceuticals
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Managed the introduction of new ingredient lines at AIC resulting in sales increases in excess of $2.3M
Most Recent Prior Employment: Mitsubishi International Food Ingredients
Education/Degree(s): BS and MS, Food Science, Ohio State University
AnMar International Ltd.
Name: Griswold, Khrysty
Title: Customer Service Representative
E-Mail: griswold@anmarint.com
Phone: (203) 336-8330
Years at Company: 1
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Sales support and customer service
Most Recent Prior Employment: Red Bull North America
Awards/Distinctions: Phi Sigma and Tri Beta Biological Honor Societies
Education/Degree(s): BS, Biology, minor, Chemistry, Quinnipiac University
Hobbies/Interests: Cycling, running, volleyball
DOB: 11/1/87
Name: Pollard, Alan
Title: Vice President of Sales and Marketing
E-Mail: pollard@anmarint.com
Phone: (201) 924-9113
Years at Company: 5
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Sales and marketing
Education/Degree(s): BA, history
Hobbies/Interests: Golf, swimming, softball
DOB: 10/20/54
Name: Vasudevan, Gayathri
Title: Manager, Quality Assurance and Regulatory
E-Mail: vasuderan@anmarint.com
Phone: (203) 336-8330
Years at Company: 2
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Quality assurance, technical
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Standard operating procedures – training and implementation
Education/Degree(s): MS, Applied Physics, Columbia University
Hobbies/Interests: yoga, meditation, reading
DOB: 6/6/63
Ayush Herbs Inc.
Name: Sodhi, Shailinder
Title: President
E-Mail: shailinder@ayush.com
Phone: (425) 637-1400
Years at Company: 20+
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Herbal supplements
Professional Memberships: AANP, AHPA, NPA
Awards/Distinctions: 2009 Ministry of Commerce Award, India
Education/Degree(s): ND, Bastyr University
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, spending time with family
DOB: 10/25/63
Best Formulations
Name: Koon, Robin C.
Title: Senior Vice President
E-Mail: robin@bestformulations.com
Phone: (626) 912-9998
Years at Company: 8
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Sales, operations, formulation (R&D), quality
Noteworthy Project With Company: Development of vegetarian softgels; development of the best-absorbed CoQ10 softgel product
Most Recent Prior Employment: Puretek, Fedco Superstores, Merck
Professional Memberships: California Pharmacist Association (CPhA), CA Pharmacy License
Education/Degree(s): BS, MBA
Hobbies/Interests: Travel, music
DOB: 4/22/53
Name: Ung, Eugene
Title: CEO
E-Mail: eugene@bestformulations.com
Phone: (626) 912-9998
Years at Company: 13
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Strategic growth, finance, marketing, international opportunities
Education/Degree(s): BS, Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University
BI Nutraceuticals
Name: Das, Rupa
Title: Vice President, Global Quality & Compliance
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Responsible for all aspects of quality and regulatory systems across all BI facilities; more than 18 years of quality and regulatory compliance management experience in the dietary supplement and personal care product industries; is a certified GMP auditor
Education/Degree(s): Master’s degree, Chemistry, New Mexico Highlands University; Bachelor’s degree (with honors), Chemistry, Lady Brabourne College, Calcutta, India
Name: Pontiakos, George
Title: President and CEO
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Oversees all aspects of operations for BI’s West and East Coast offices, and the Zuellig Group Nutrition and Ingredients, China; has wide-ranging experience in scaling geographically-dispersed global companies to maximize their ability to successfully compete in the marketplace
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor’s degree, Business Management, Farleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey
Name: Postelwait, Walter
Title: Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Responsible for the sales and marketing portfolios across all of BI’s business in the nutraceutical, custom blend, food and beverage markets; has extensive sales, marketing and operational management experience in the natural products, food and beverage industries
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor’s degree, Business Administration, California State University, Northridge; Specialized Management Training, IMD and INSEAD Universities
Chemi Nutra
Name: Hagerman, Scott
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
Years at Company: 10
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Launching new business opportunities, strategic planning, sales and marketing management, human resource development
Most Recent Prior Employment: Vice President, Lucas Meyer (Decatur, IL)
Professional Memberships: CRN, IFT, AOCS, ISSN, ILPS, NSCA, ACSM, AOAC
Awards/Distinctions: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Education/Degree(s): BS, Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN; MBA, Marketing, Keller Graduate School of Management, Chicago, IL
Hobbies/Interests: Weight training, personal training, bicycling, art
DOB: 10/28/54
Name: Kraemer, Blake
Title: Sales Manager
Years at Company: 4
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Sales and marketing
Professional Memberships: CRN, IFT, AOCS, ISSN, ILPS, NSCA, ACSM, AOAC
Education/Degree(s): BA, Business Management, St. John’s University, MN
Hobbies/Interests: Athletics, outdoors, traveling, history
DOB: 10/5/83
Cyvex Nutrition, Inc.
Name: Gluck, Gilbert
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Years at Company: 26
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Food scientist responsible for business development and R&D
Professional Memberships: Institute of Food Technologists
Education/Degree(s): BS, Food Science, University of Toronto
Hobbies/Interests: Biking, reading, travel
DOB: 5/19/46
Name: Phillips, Matthew W.,
Title: President and Chief Operating Officer
Years at Company: 2
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Sales, marketing and operations
Most Recent Prior Employment: BI Nutraceuticals
Professional Memberships: NPA
Education/Degree(s): BA, International Business
Hobbies/Interests: Golf, snow skiing
DOB: 5/26
Deerland Enzymes, Inc.
Name: Burgess, Tod
Title: Vice President of Sales
E-Mail: todburgess@deerland-enzymes.com
Phone: (800) 697-8179
Years at Company: 11
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Build and supervise sales staff; assist in development of new products
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor’s of Science
Hobbies/Interests: Tennis, golf
DOB: 1/21/68
Name: Martin, Chris
Title: Vice President of Operations
Phone: (770) 919-8907
Years at Company: 2.5
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Manufacturing, demand planning, purchasing, transportation and logistics
Most Recent Prior Employment: Cytec Industries
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor’s, Chemistry; Bachelor’s, Biology; MBA
DOB: 11/15/72
Name: Ravech, Scott
Title: CEO
E-Mail: sravech@deerland-enzymes.com
Phone: (770) 919-8407
Years at Company: 3
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Global P&L/operations
Professional Memberships: ETA
Education/Degree(s): BS, Biology, University of Massachusetts; MBA, Case Western
Embria Health Sciences
Name:Faganel, Paul R.
Title: President
E-Mail: pfaganel@embriahealth.com
Phone: (877) 362-7421
Years at Company: 6
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Spearheads strategic planning and business development efforts and oversees financial, legal, sales and marketing functions
Most Recent Prior Employment: Has dedicated more than a decade to Embria’s parent company, Diamond V Mills, a raw material manufacturing and research company, wherein he contributed to the establishment of Diamond V as a world leader in the agricultural animal nutrition industry; also initiated the research efforts that proved Diamond V’s products have safe and beneficial applications for human health, which led to the development of Embria Health Sciences
Professional Memberships:UNPA, CRN, Iowa Biotech Association, Executive Forums, Coast Guard Auxiliary
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, Business Administration, University of Iowa
Name: Robinson, Larry E., PhD
Title: Vice President of Scientific Affairs
E-Mail:lrobinson@embriahealth.com
Phone: (877) 362-7421
Years at Company: 5
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Responsible for the ongoing research and scientific studies of existing products as well as the research and development of potential new products; ensures that all Embria products are backed by solid science, proven efficacious and adhere to the strict quality standards that the company is known for providing
Most Recent Prior Employment: Vice President of Scientific Affairs for Zila Nutraceuticals, Inc., where he led efforts developing Ester-E and conducted all phases of research for Ester products
Professional Memberships:UNPA, CRN (member of Senior Scientific Advisory Council), Iowa Biotech Association, American Society for Nutrition
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor’s degree, Biology and Psychology (double majors), Master’s degree, Microbiology with Biochemistry minor, Auburn University; PhD in microbiology, Rutgers University; post-doctoral studies, University of Minnesota
Name: Thornton, Greg
Title: Vice President of Sales
E-Mail: gthornton@embriahealth.com
Phone: (877) 362-7421
Years at Company: 4
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Grows both domestic and international sales, as well as maintaining the company’s existing relationships with distributors and customers; actively manages and assists in recruitment of distributors and sales agents; extensive knowledge and understanding of the human supplement and food industry has been key to his successful development of Embria’s relationships with new sales partners
Most Recent Prior Employment: North American Sales Manager at Kemin Health.
Professional Memberships:UNPA, CRN, Iowa Biotech Association
EPAX AS
Name: Hjaltason, Baldur
Title: Business Development and Sales Director
Years at Company: 9
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Working in the omega-3 field for more than 20 years; responsible for B2B sales and business development within the Asian and American markets
Most Recent Prior Employment: MD of Lysihf, Reyjavik, Iceland
Professional Memberships: ISSFAL
Awards/Distinctions: Board member of several active committees including the Global Organization for EPA and DHA omega-3 (GOED); has written several papers related to the omega-3 field
Education/Degree(s): BSC, Honors in Chemistry
Name: Refsum, Bjorn
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Market and product development, management
Most Recent Prior Employment: Stokke Group
Education/Degree(s): MS, Chemical Engineering
Name: Traberg, Gunilla
Title: Head of Marketing
Years at Company: 6
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Global Marketing
Most Recent Prior Employment: Frionor A/S, Norway
Awards/Distinctions: Member of GOED Communications Committee and Vitafoods International Steering Committee
Education/Degree(s): MS, Business Administration, Université Aix-Marseille; Certificat de langue Francaise
Hobbies/Interests: Horse riding, golf
ESM Technologies
Name: Haynes, Chris
Title: Director of Sales
E-Mail: chaynes@esmingredients.com
Phone: (417) 823-0883
Years at Company: 5
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Management of sales team and customer connections
Noteworthy Project With Company With Company: Developed numerous new contracts and opened additional countries
Most Recent Prior Employment: Garden of Life, West Regional Sales Manager
Education/Degree(s): 20 years of nutritional industry experience
DOB: 1/26/64
Name: Osborne, Micha
Title: President
E-Mail: mosborne@esmingredients.com
Phone: (866) 804-8034
Years at Company: 7
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Management, new product development, customer connections
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor of Science, Computer Information Systems with studies in e-Business Marketing
DOB: 8/23/80
Name: Ruff, Kevin J., PhD, MBA
Title: Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs
E-Mail: kruff@esmingredients.com
Phone: (866) 804-8034
Years at company: 2+
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Pre-clinical and clinical research, quality, regulatory affairs
Noteworthy Project With Company: Obtained cGMP Certification from NSF International
Most Recent Prior Employment: Pharmaceutical industry
Professional Memberships: Society for Clinical Trials, American Chemical Society
Education/Degree(s): PhD, MBA
FrieslandCampina Domo
Name: Clark, David
Title: Director, Region Americas
E-Mail: Info.domo@frieslandcampina.com
Phone: (201) 655-7780
Years at Company: 15
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: General management of commercial and production activities in the Americas Region; expert in specialty dairy ingredients including protein hydrolysates, bioactive proteins and oligosaccharides
Noteworthy Project With Company: 2005: Creation of Innovium, the Innovation Center for DMV International, University of Wageningen, Netherlands; 2009: Managed and led the integration of DMV International Nutritionals with Friesland Foods Domo after merger; 2010: Directed the completion and opening of the regional office for FrieslandCampina Domo Americas in Paramus, NJ
Most Recent Prior Employment: Head, Dept. of Food Biophysics, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK
Professional Memberships: Member, American Chemical Society; Member, Royal Society of Chemistry (Chartered Chemist); Editorial Board, Food Hydrocolloids, International Dairy Journal
Awards/Distinctions: FIE 2003: Most Innovative Food Ingredient with Textrion Gel, a gelatin replacer
Education/Degree(s): BSc, Biochemistry; PhD, Biophysics
Hobbies/Interests: Fly fishing, automobilia, malt whisky
DOB: 6/19/57
Name: Fox, Frank
Title: Commercial Director, Americas
E-Mail: info.domo@frieslandcampina.com
Phone: (201) 655-7780
Years at Company: 20
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Sales and marketing
Noteworthy Project With Company: Managed team which developed Vivinal™ GOS, a leading product in the FrieslandCampina Domo portfolio; managed and directed the change transition processes in the US after the merger; currently manages and leads the Americas sales and commercial organization
Education/Degree(s): MS, Food Technology and Management
Hobbies/Interests: Tennis, running, music, travel
DOB: 5/6/65
Name: van Schijndel, Joost
Title:Director, Business Development
E-Mail: Info.domo@frieslandcampina.com
Phone: (201) 655-7780
Years at Company: 4
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Strategy, M&A
Noteworthy Project With Company: 2009: Managed the Campina DMV Friesland Foods Domo merger; new strategy development
Most Recent Prior Employment: DSM
Education/Degree(s): MS, Economics
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, books, sports
DOB: 11/5/68
HerbaKraft, Inc.
Name: Trainor, Tara
Title: Director of Sales and Marketing
E-Mail: ttainor@herbakraftinc.com
Phone: (732) 463-1000
Years at Company: 1
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Directing sales force campaign focused on communicating and nurturing relationships with customers, while maximizing sales volume and profit from all segments of the market; conducting market analysis and devising strategies for generating new business; working with senior staff in marketing strategy, advertising, promotion, pricing, product development and public relations
Most Recent Prior Employment: Industry consultant
innoVactiv INC.
Name: Bérubé, Jocelyn
Title: Scientific Director, Health and Nutrition
Years at Company: 4
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Product development, regulatory affairs, technical and commercial support
Most Recent Prior Employment: Atrium Innovations Inc.
Education/Degree(s): MS, Experimental Medicine
Name: Dionne, Patrice
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Years at Company: 6
Most Recent Prior Employment: Fonds d’investissement bioalimentaire, VC Fund
Education/Degree(s): MS, Agricultural Economics
Name: Masella, Robert
Title: Director, Business Development
Years at Company: 5
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: In-licensing new products, distribution agreement, commercial development, acquisitions
Most Recent Prior Employment: Venture Capital Biotech Fund
Education/Degree(s): BS, Microbiology; DA, Business Administration
Jiaherb Inc.
Name: Chen, Scott
Title: Sales and Purchasing Manager
E-Mail: sc@jiaherbinc.com
Phone: (973) 439-6869
Years at Company: 2
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Dietary supplements and cosmetics
Noteworthy Project With Company:Assist in company development
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts
Hobbies: Photography, traveling, sports
DOB: 9/9/79
Name: Oesterheld, Chris
Title: Sales and Marketing
E-Mail: co@jiaherbinc.com
Phone: (973) 439-6869
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Responsible for nationwide business development and marketing in the dietary supplement, food/beverage and pharmaceutical industries
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor’s degree, Business Administration and Finance, Springfield College
Hobbies: Fitness, traveling, sports, golf, photography
Name: Silverman, Saul Skipp
Title: Sales Manager
E-Mail: sss@jiaherbinc.com
Phone: (973) 439-6869
Years at Company: 1.5
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Sports, beverage, antioxidants
Noteworthy Project With Company:Expanding company growth
Education/Degree(s): BFA Visual Communications
Hobbies: Photography, surfing, golfing
DOB: 3/15/56
Jost Chemical Co.
Name: Jost, Jerry
Title: President
Years at Company: 25
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Leadership and development of manufacturing processes and the raw material supply
Most Recent Prior Employment: Mallinekrodt Chemical
Education/Degree(s): BS, Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia
Hobbies/Interests: Cycling
Name: Lenger, Jeff
Title: Sales and Marketing Director
Years at Company: 14
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Global sales/marketing responsibilities
Most Recent Prior Employment: 13 years with Monsanto Chemical Co.
Education/Degree(s): BS, Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia
Kyowa Hakko USA
Name: Cullen, Leo
Title: Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Bio-Chemicals Group
Phone: (212) 792-9445
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Focused on expansion of Kyowa Hakko USA business, including organizing sales and marketing activities and focusing on specialty business areas in the dietary supplement, food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical marketplaces
Name: Kamiya, Toshikazu
Title: President and CEO
Phone: (212) 319-5353
Years at Company: 13
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Head of the Nutraceuticals Research Group, devoting himself to healthcare research to clarify how amino acids and other nutritional molecules relate to aging, disease, skin disorders, obesity and other health issues
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Worked on pharmaceutical and nutraceutical research for more than 20 years at Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd.
Most Recent Prior Employment: Director of Kyowa Hakko Bio, Healthcare Products Development Center (Tsukuba, Japan)
Education/Degree(s): PhD, Agricultural Chemistry, University of Tokyo
Kelatron Corporation
Name: Davis, Ryan
Title: Vice President, Technical Services
E-Mail: rdavis@kelatroncorp.com
Phone: (801) 394-4558
Years at Company: 3
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: R&D, quality, lab, technical product support
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Implementation of GMP’s and NSF Certification; overhaul of upgraded equipment in lab; implementation of a spray dryer
Most Recent Prior Employment: Nutraceutical International Corporation
Education/Degree(s): MS, Biochemistry
Hobbies/Interests: Sports, travel, skiing, racquetball
DOB: 12/21/75
Macromark, Inc.
Name: Keats, Steven
Title: Executive Vice President
Years at Company: 12
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Business opportunity, financial, health seminars; list sales and marketing list acquisitions, new business development, strategic marketing, broker presentations
Most Recent Prior Employment: Venture Direct Worldwide (8 years)
Professional Memberships: DMA member
Awards/Distinctions: Who’s Who, Manhattan Achievement Brokerage Award, Broker of the Month
Education/Degree(s): Marketing, St. John’s College; Art History, Pratt Institute
Hobbies/Interests: Bowling, baseball, chess, interactive video, family outings
DOB: 12/14/56
Name: Klein, David
Title: Chief Executive Officer and President
Years at Company: 6
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Oversees management and brokerage of large supplement direct marketing programs
Professional Memberships: DMA, NY Marketing Club, NPA, ERA
Education/Degree(s): BA, Marketing; MA, Marketing Communications
Hobbies/Interests: Boating, golfing, spending time with family
DOB: 4/11/66
Mushroom Wisdom, Inc.
Name: Kaylor, Mark
Title: Vice President of Education and Research
E-Mail: mjk@mushroomwisdom.com
Phone: (973) 470-0010
Years at Company: 1
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Holistic healing, nutrition, herbs, diet, medicinal mushrooms
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Study on benefits of Maitake SX on type 1 diabetes; company re-branding; product reformulating
Most Recent Prior Employment: Consultant and private practice
Education/Degree(s): BA, MA, PhD, CN, MH
Hobbies/Interests: health, healing, fitness, longevity
Name: Noda, Masahiro
Title: Sales Coordinator
E-Mail: m.noda@mushroomwisdom.com
Phone: (973) 470-0010
Years at Company: 5
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Raw materials and private label sales for Asia, Oceania, Africa
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Mushroom powders; mushroom extract powders (D-fraction for immune boosting; SX-fraction for metabolic syndrome)
Most Recent Prior Employment: Sun Medica, Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor’s degree
Hobbies/Interests: Rock climbing
DOB: 3/18/75
Name: Zwingil, Randy
Title: Assistant Sales Manager
E-Mail: randy.z@mushroomwisdom.com
Phone: (973) 470-0010
Years at Company: 4
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Raw material and private label sales for North America, South America and Europe
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Recently promoted to Raw Material Sales Manager from Customer Service
Most Recent Prior Employment: Prior sales experience with Solgar Vitamins
Professional Memberships: NPA, ABC, AHPA
Education/Degree(s): BA, Health Science
Hobbies/Interests: Running, mountain biking, reading, the outdoors
DOB: 3/22/76
National Enzyme Company
Name: Bledsoe, Demetrius
Title: Director of Marketing
E-Mail: dbledsoe@nationalenzyme.com
Phone: (417) 546-8060
Years at Company: Started June 1, 2010
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Marketing, strategic planning
Most Recent Prior Employment: Purac America
Education/Degree(s): BS, Agricultural Business (emphasis in marketing and economics), Iowa State University; MS, Quality Management, Webster University; MBA, Webster University
Hobbies/Interests: Outdoors, sports, reading
DOB: 12/20/73
Name: Cleary, Michael
Title: Vice President of Innovation & Development
E-Mail: mfcleary@nationalenzyme.com
Phone: (417) 546-8013
Years at Company: New in 2010
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Product development
Most Recent Prior Employment: Nutrition Now, Inc. (Vancouver, WA)
Professional Memberships: American Chemical Society, American Bar Association
Awards/Distinctions: USPTO Registered Patent Agent, Oregon Bar
Education/Degree(s): BS, UCLA; PhD, Oregon State; JD, Lewis & Clark Law School
DOB: 9/3
Name: Fox, Harold
Title: Director of Sales
E-Mail: mail@nationalenzyme.com
Phone: (417) 546-4796
Years at Company: 5
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Direct domestic and international sales departments to achieve or exceed forecasted sales
Most Recent Prior Employment: Branch Manager, Hiland Dairy
Hobbies/Interests: Fishing, camping, spending time with my family, very involved in church
DOB: 11/26/66
NP Nutra Corp.
Name: Carter, Andrew
Title: Quality Control Manager
E-Mail: acarter@npnutra.com
Phone: (310) 844-7377
Years at Company: 10
Name: Linsley, Marina
Title: Marketing Director
E-Mail: marketing@npnutra.com
Phone: (310) 844-7377
Years at Company: 2 mos.
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Marketing, advertising, internet marketing, social media
Noteworthy Project With Company: Developing a fresh, innovative marketing approach; currently overseeing the redevelopment of NP Nutra’s website, making it modern and user friendly (look out for the launch in July this year)
Hobbies/Interests: Well-being, nutrition, health, fitness, IT
Name: Walton, Thomas
Title: Managing Director
E-Mail: twalton@npnutra.com
Phone: (310) 844-7377
Years at Company: 7
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Growing company’s organic product line
Noteworthy Project With Company: Launched superfruits product line; established production sites in Brazil and Thailand; environmental stewardship
Professional Memberships: LinkedIn
Hobbies/Interests: Outdoor sports, community service, meditation
DOB: 12/25/66
NSF International
Name: Wyszumiala, Edward
Title: General Manager, Dietary Supplements, Functional Foods and Athletic Banned Substance Program
E-Mail: wyszumiala@nsf.org
Phone: (734) 769-8010 x5706
Years at Company: 4
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Regulatory guidance, GMP regulations, product and ingredient certifications, global supply chain management and athletic banned substance contamination
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Helped lead NSF’s participation in the developing of global GMP guidance with IADSA and working with US associations in the SIDI working group
Most Recent Prior Employment: Chief Operating Officer, Graminex
Professional Memberships: AHPA, CRN, IADSA, UNPA
Education/Degree(s): BA, Ohio State University
Hobbies/Interests: Fly fishing, golf, skiing
Nulab Inc.
Name: Antoshechkin, Anatoly
Title: Scientific Director
E-Mail: antoshechkin@earthlink.net
Phone: (727) 446-1126
Years at Company: 10
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Clinical research and product development
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Has conducted two clinical studies with adaptogen product, Admax
Most Recent Prior Employment: Russian Olympic Committee
Professional Memberships: NY Academy of Sciences
Education/Degree(s): Medical Doctor and PhD in Molecular Biology
Hobbies/Interests: Fishing, gardening
Name: Miranda, Sergio
Title: Quality Control Director
E-Mail: qcdirector@nulabinc.com
Phone: (727) 446-1126
Years at Company: 7
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Supervises a team of QC inspectors who monitor all aspects of in-house production from raw material to final product SU
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: With team of inspectors, has assured that the quality of the Nulab products adhere to all GMPs and FDA regulations and are of a high quality
Awards/Distinctions: Co-authored an article for International Scientific Magazine on “Pillared Clays with Minerals for Cracking of Oil”
Education/Degree(s): BA. Chemical Engineer
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, swimming
DOB: 2/13/70
Name: Ordonez, Catalina
Title: Quality Assurance Director
E-Mail: qu@nulabinc.com
Phone: (727) 446-1126
Years at Company: 4
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Quality assurance and implementation of FDA regulations
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Wrote and implemented the program and SOPs needed to ensure Nulab’s compliance with all FDA regulations; set up and established Nulab’s in-house laboratory to handle all analysis and finished products
Professional Memberships: Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, Golden Key National Honor Society, Sigma Xi The Scientific Research Society
Education/Degree(s): MS, Biology
Hobbies/Interests: Interacting with friends/family, going to the beach.
DOB: 12/7/79
Nutraceuticals International LLC
Name: De Block, Nichole
Title: Marketing
Years at Company: 3+
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Marketing and product development
Professional Memberships: AHPA, CHFA, NPA
Hobbies/Interests: Painting, wine tasting, cooking, salsa dancing, traveling, singing, art galleries
DOB: 7/1/85
Nutraceutix, Inc.
Name: Gamble, Tim
Title: Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Years at Company: 7
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Marketing, sales and information technology
Most Recent Prior Employment: Consultant/Director of Sales
Education/Degree(s): Business Administration, Administrative Theory and Organizational Behavior
Hobbies/Interests: Golf, family activities
Name: Moger, Steve
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
Years at Company: 26
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Owner, finance, senior leadership
Most Recent Prior Employment: Entire professional career with Nutraceutix
Education/Degree(s): Accounting, CPA
Hobbies/Interests: Golf, sports memorabilia, family activities
Name: Schoenfeldt, Randy
Title: Vice President of Business Development
Years at Company: 10
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Strategic business development
Education/Degree(s): Business administration
Hobbies/Interests: Golf, sports memorabilia, travel
Nutricap Labs
Name: Provenzano, Jason
Title: Executive Vice President, Sales and Operations
E-Mail: jay@nutricaplabs.com
Phone: (800) 494-6154
Years at Company: 7
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Oversees all company operations including sales, marketing, graphic design and order fulfillment
Noteworthy Project With Company:Despite a global economic recession, Nutricap Labs was able to achieve 2,900 percent growth in a four-year period of time; as a result of this growth, Nutricap was named the 42nd fastest-growing company in America by Inc. Magazine in August of 2009
Most Recent Prior Employment: COO of NAC Marketing
Professional Memberships: Member of Vistage Executive Leadership Program, NPA, Vitamin Angels
Awards/Distinctions: Named the 42nd fastest-growing company in America by Inc. Magazine in August of 2009; finalist for 2010 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award; American Business Awards Finalist – Executive of the Year; American Business Awards Finalist – Company of the Year; Nutrition Industry Executive Supplier of the Month – October 2009; Print Excellence and Knowledge (PEAK) awards winner – 2007 – 2009
Hobbies/Interests: Family, horse racing, sports
DOB: 12/7/69
Nutri-Force Nutrition
Name: Alfonso, Anthony
Title: CEO
E-Mail: aa@nutriforce.com
Phone: (305) 468-1600
Years at Company: 10
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: President and CEO
Education/Degree(s): MBA; Registered Pharmacist
Hobbies/Interests: Deep sea fishing
Name: Alhadeff, Dan
Title: Senior Vice President
E-Mail: da@nutriforce.com
Phone: (305) 468-1600
Years at Company: 3
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Business development, sales, marketing
Most Recent Prior Employment: President, Sourced Nutrition
Education/Degree(s): MBA
Name: Diaz, Gilberto
Title: Vice President Operations
E-Mail: gd@nutriforce.com
Phone: (305) 468-1600
Years at Company: 8
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Operations
Education/Degree(s): Chemical Engineer
Nutrition Formulators Inc.
Name: Davidson, John G.
Title: Product Dev./Technical Sales
E-Mail: jdavidson@nutritionformulators.com
Phone: (305) 592-2111
Years at Company: 1
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: New product development/formulation
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Fast melt digestive chewables
Most Recent Prior Employment: Manager, Product Development with National Enzyme Company
Professional Memberships: IFT
Education/Degree(s): BS, Bio/Chem
Hobbies/Interests: Private pilot, scuba, fishing
DOB: 2/1/55
Name: O’Neill, Brian M.
Title: Business Development Manager
E-Mail: boneill@nutritionformulators.com
Phone: (417) 251-2728
Years at Company: 1
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Digestive health and wellness
Most Recent Prior Employment: National Enzyme Company
Awards/Distinctions: (2) Consecutive Ad Q award winner
DOB: 8/13/72
Name: Palumbo, Rhus
Title: Product Development Manager/Technical Sales
E-Mail: rfpalumbo@nutritionformulators.com
Phone: (305) 592-2111
Years at Company: 1
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Nutritional science
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: New account development
Most Recent Prior Employment: Amet Pharmaceutical
Professional Memberships: NPI
Awards/Distinctions: Best dressed (December)
Education/Degree(s): BA/MA
Hobbies/Interests: Current events, science news, golf
DOB: 10/13/50
OmniActive Health Technologies
Name:Bhattacharya, Abhijit
Title:Chief Operating Officer
E-Mail: a.bhattacharya@omniactives.com
Phone: (866) 588-3629
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Manages OmniActive’s India-based operations; has more than 20 years of product management and development experience within the health, nutrition, flavor and personal care industries
Most Recent Prior Employment: Spent 15 years with OmniActive’s parent company, Kancor Ingredients, and has played a key role in the formation of OmniActive, defining its business strategy and establishing its international presence
Professional Memberships:Member of industry forums such as Confederation of Indian Industry, Protein Foods & Nutrition Development Association of India (PFNDAI).
Education/Degree(s):Bachelor’s degree, Chemistry, India’s Fergusson College; Master’s degree, Business Administration, Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA)
Name: Doshi, Hiren Mahesh
Title: Vice President
E-Mail:h.doshi@omniactives.com
Phone: (866) 588-3629
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Played an essential role in cementing the company’s presence in the North American nutritional ingredients market; has experience in creating successful business ventures between the US and India
Most Recent Prior Employment: VP at Boston-based Focus Infomatics, Inc., a medical transcription management company with divisions throughout the US, as well as Bangalore, India.
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor’s degree, Finance, University of Texas, Austin
Name: Mariwala, Sanjaya
Title: Managing Director
E-Mail: s.mariwala@omniactives.com
Phone: (866) 588-3629
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Has nearly 30 years of executive experience in the natural ingredients industry
Most Recent Prior Employment: Held management and executive positions with OmniActive’s parent company, Kancor Ingredients, and prior to that was chief executive of botanicals for Bombay Oil Industries, Ltd.
Professional Memberships:Involved in professional organizations and industry bodies including the India Pepper & Spice Trade Association and the All India Spices Exporters Forum; currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Kerala.
Education/Degree(s): Holds a degree in tax management, The Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS); completed executive education programs at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) and Stanford University Business School
OptiPure Brand/Kenko Intenational Inc.
Name: Udell, Ron
Title: President and CEO
E-Mail: ronu@kenko-intl.com
Phone: (323) 721-8300; (800) 934-3040
Years at Company: 16
Education/Degree(s): University of Southern California
Hobbies/Interests: Photography, family
Pacific Nutritional, Inc.
Name: Galloway, Mary, ND
Title: Product Development Manager
E-Mail: MaryG@pacnut.com
Phone: (360) 253-3197
Name: Rosentangle, Rich
Title: National Sales Manager
E-Mail: Richard@pacnut.com
Phone: (360) 253-3197
Name: Schaeffer, Michael
Title: President
E-Mail: Michael@pacnut.com
Phone: (360) 253-3197
Years at Company: 9
Noteworthy Project With Company at Company: 25 years in dietary supplement industry
Professional Memberships: ACS (American Chemical Society); ADAC
PINES International, Inc.
Name: Allmon, Kevin
Title: Director of Quality Control
E-Mail: kallmon@wheatgrass.com
Phone: (785) 841-6016 x212
Years at Company: 1
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: QC/QA
Professional Memberships: Green Belt Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor’s degree, Business Administration, University of Kansas
DOB: 3/22/64
Proliant Health and Biologicals
Name: Lauridsen, Aage
Title: Sales Manager
E-Mail: aage.lauridsen@proliantinc.com
Phone: (515) 289-7669
Years at Company: 1
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Sales and marketing
Noteworthy Project With Company: Managed the design and launch or Proliant’s new website, www.ImmunoLin.com
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor’s, Business Law
DOB: 9/17/85
Name: Torvik, Jim
Title: Director of Sales and Marketing
E-Mail: james.torvik@proliantinc.com
Phone: (515) 289-5142
Years at Company: 6 months
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Manage sales function and develop new market opportunities
Noteworthy Project With Company: Helped to manage the transition with a new distributor partner for company’s flagship product
Most Recent Prior Employment: 14 years in pharmaceutical sales and management
Professional Memberships: American Marketing Association, American Management Association
Awards/Distinctions: Presidents Club Winner, National Sales Leader and Salesperson of the Year
Education/Degree(s): BA, Public Relations-Communications
Hobbies/Interests: Golf, wrestling, USSSA softball and baseball
DOB: 5/31/65
Name: Weaver, Eric, PhD
Title: Chief Science Officer
E-Mail: eric.weaver@proliantinc.com
Phone: (515) 289-7665
Years at Company: 15
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Research, product development, new business opportunities
Noteworthy Project With Company: Launch of ImmunoLin
Most Recent Prior Employment: APC, Inc.
Professional Memberships: ASPEN, ASN
Education/Degree(s): PhD
Hobbies/Interests: Outdoor recreation, farming, reading, sports
Sabinsa Corporation
Name: Fox, Darrin
Title: Plant Manager
E-Mail: darrin@sabinsa.com
Phone: (801) 465-8400
Years at Company: 8 months
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Overseeing all manufacturing, packaging and warehouse processes
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Overall efficiency improvement
Most Recent Prior Employment: Was a Production Manager with Innovative Flexpack for two years and has worked for Wing Enterprises for five years as a Vice President of Manufacturing
Awards/Distinctions: Works well with all people and likes to spend as much time as possible out on the floor looking for ways to improve processes
Education/Degree(s): Business Management, Snow College, Utah
Hobbies/Interests: Hunting, fishing, outdoor activities
DOB: 5/3/69
Name: Philippe-Auguste, Deborah
Title: Manager, Cosmeceutical Sales
E-Mail: Deborah@sabinsa.com
Phone: (732) 777-1111
Years at Company: 5 (member of Sabinsa Cosmetic team)
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Overseeing details of cosmetic-related activities worldwide
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Gaining tenure as Manager of Cosmeceutical Sales
Most Recent Prior Employment: Numerous years of previous sales experience working for an HPLC Manufacturing Company
Awards/Distinctions: Strives to provide the best customer service to all her cosmetic accounts and is constantly researching the cosmetic market worldwide
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry, Concordia University; speaks fluent French and Haitian Creole
Hobbies/Interests: Loves music and plays a few instruments including guitar, piano and clarinet
DOB: 8/1/78
Name: Shetty, Vinay
Title: Manager, Quality Assurance
E-Mail: vinayshetty@sabinsa.com
Phone: (801) 465-8400
Years at Company: 3
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Oversees production, formulation and quality assurance
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Successfully establishing production area
Most Recent Prior Employment: Over 20 years experience in the Pharmaceutical area
Awards/Distinctions: Having good manufacturing skills (Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical; studying various regulating bodies like MHRA, TGA and MCC related to the Pharmaceutical industry and being able to implement them successfully
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor degree, Pharmacy
Hobbies/Interests: Music, sightseeing, cricket, badminton
DOB: 9/4/67
SEPPIC, Inc.
Name: Guillaume, Lamy
Title: Manager Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Divisions
E-Mail: guillaume.lamy@airliquide.com
Phone: (973) 882-5597
Years at Company: 8
Soft Gel Technologies, Inc.
Name: Holtby, Steve
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
E-Mail: sales@soft-gel.com
Phone: (323) 726-0700; (800) 360-7484
Years at Company: 12
Most Recent Prior Employment: Nature’s Way
Name: Kishimoto, Hiroshi
Title: Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President
E-Mail: sales@soft-gel.com
Phone: (323) 726-0700; (800) 360-7484
Years at Company: 18
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Accounting and planning
Most Recent Prior Employment: Kenko Group
Hobbies/Interests: Baseball, family
Specialty Enzymes & Biotechnologies
Name: Rathi, Vic
Title: President
Phone: (909) 613-1660
Years at Company: 25
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Enzymologist
TSI Health Sciences, Inc.
Name: Kolb, Larry
Title: President, US Operations
E-Mail: lkolb@tsiinc.com
Phone: (406) 549-6078
Years at Company: 14
Professional Memberships: NBJ Advisory Board, UNPA Member
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Arizona State University
DOB: 6/13/65
Name: Tiffney, David
Title: Director, International Sales and Marketing
E-Mail: davidtiffney@tsichina.com
Phone: (406) 549-9123
Years at Company: 6
DOB: 12/20/76
Name: Zhou, Joe
Title: CEO
E-Mail: joezhou@tsichina.com
Phone: (406) 549-9123
Years at Company: 14
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Corporate business development
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor of Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology; Master of Sciences
DOB: 11/10/62
UAS Laboratories, Inc.
Name: Dash, Dr. S.K.
Title: President and Director of Research
E-Mail: Dash@uaslabs.com
Phone: (952) 935-1707
Years at Company: 30+
Areas of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Chief technical on probiotic product development; company top management; strategic partnerships; Chairman APN Laboratories
Noteworthy Project With Company: Maintained company leadership in probiotics, launched new ingredients products, private label business; launched new products: Probiotic blends, Cran-Gyn DDS; helped establish International Probiotics Association; supported research and clinical trials in probiotics
Most Recent Prior Employment: Food and Drug Administration of South Dakota State
Professional Memberships: VP and Scientific Advisor, International Probiotics Assoc.; Adjunct Professor, South Dakota State University; Sigma Xi, Scientific Res. Society, IFT, Amer Dairy Sci.
Awards/Distinctions: Honored by Minnesota State Senate in 2007, 2009 Achievement Award Minnesota Indo-Amer Assoc., Probiotic Prophet by Healthy Living Magazine in 2009
Education/Degree(s): PhD, nutrition and biochemistry, South Dakota State; MS, nutrition, South Dakota State; DVM (Veterinary Science), Orissa Veterinary College
Hobbies/Interests: Chairman of Kalinga Hospital Foundation, Orissa India; Founder of Hindu Temple in Minneapolis; Regional Blood Bank in Orissa India; speaking and writing on probiotics; helped establish Kalinga Hospital, Orissa India; helped establish four Orissa-America Resource centers in India to assist students for higher studies in USA and Canada; provides scholarship at South Dakota State University and South Dakota School of Mines.
Name: Falkenstein, Connie
Title: Director of Marketing & Education
E-Mail: marketing@uaslabs.com
Phone: (952) 935-1707
Years at Company: 1.5
Areas of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Marketing, public relations, clinical trials, technical articles, key customer management, education for industry and consumers
Noteworthy Project With Company: Developed and presented Probiotics for Women’s Health; established new customers; consumer article on selecting probiotics; established new professional distributor; developed public relations program; researched and wrote Probiotics for Gastrointestinal Conditions; numerous education projects in natural products industry
Most Recent Prior Employment: F&A Nutrition Strategies
Professional Memberships: American Dietetic Association, International Probiotics Association
Awards/Distinctions: Registered Dietitian and licensed nutritionist
Education/Degree(s): BS, Nutrition; MS, Microbiology; Master of Public Health
Hobbies/Interests: Writing and speaking on probiotics, nutrition for consumers, culinary nutrition
Uckele Health & Nutrition
Name: Grogan, Jack
Title: CSO
E-Mail: jack@uckele.com
Phone: (800) 248-0330
Years at Company: 25
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Development of unique nutritional formulations and programs to address every nutritional need
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Developing personal, custom nutritional programs for professional athletes, such as players in the NFL, NHL, NBA and professional boxing
Professional Memberships: Institute for Functional Medicine, American Oil Chemist Society, American College for Advancement in Medicine, International Society of Sports Nutrition
Awards/Distinctions: 2009 Inc 500/5000 List; 2009 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics; NOW; 2008 winner of the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor’s in Public Health; Certified Nutritionist
DOB: 2/70
Name: Isley, Kevin
Title: Vice President of Sales and Marketing
E-Mail: kevin@uckele.com
Phone: (800) 248-0330 x117
Years at Company: 10
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Oversees sales and marketing teams
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Worked with key accounts in Contract Manufacturing, which has seen growth of 21 percent annually
Awards/Distinctions: 2009 Inc. 500/5000 List; 2009 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics NOW; 2008 Winner of the Business Excellence Award
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor’s of Science, Michigan State University
Name: Uckele, Mike
Title: President and CEO
E-Mail: mike@uckele.com
Phone: (800) 248-0330
Years at Company: 25
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Development of hundreds of unique nutritional formulations and programs to address every nutritional need
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Developing personal, custom nutritional programs for professional athletes, such as players in the NFL, NHL, NBA and professional boxing
Professional Memberships: American College of Sports Medicine, American Oil Chemist Society, International Society of Sports Nutrition, American College for Advancement in Medicine, American Naturopathic Medical Association, Institute for Functional Med.
Awards/Distinctions: 2009 Inc. 500/5000 List; 2009 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics; NOW; 2008 winner of the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor’s, Business Administration, Michigan State University
Valensa International
Name: Cielensky, Michael
Title: Vice President, Director of Sales
E-Mail: m.cielensky@valensa.com
Phone: (954) 895-4505
Years at Company: 2
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Management of sales team, large account management
Most Recent Prior Employment: Pal Labs
Professional Memberships: LinkedIn
Education/Degree(s): BA, Criminology, University of Maryland
Hobbies/Interests: Golf
DOB: 5/30/54
Name: Minatelli, John A., PhD
Title: Senior Vice President, Business Development
E-Mail: j.minatelli@valensa.com
Phone: (352) 357-2004 x715
Years at Company: 3
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Strategic focus and implementation of commercial development plan
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Development of company strategy, tactics, new product development programs, in-licensing and out-licensing activities
Most Recent Prior Employment: Catalytica Pharmaceuticals, Ferro Pfanstiehl Labs
Education/Degree(s): PhD, organic chemistry, Lehigh University; Postdoctoral Fellowship, Ohio State University of Pharmacy & Medicinal Chemistry
Hobbies/Interests: Flying
Name: Moerck, Rudi E., PhD
Title: President & CEO
E-Mail: rmoerck@aol.com
Phone: (352) 357-2004 x701
Years at Company: 5
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Day-to-day operations, strategic planning, marketing
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Transformation of Valensa into a science-based developer of botanically sourced products for human health and well-being
Most Recent Prior Employment: Altair Nanotechnologies
Professional Memberships: American Chemical Society
Awards/Distinctions: Valensa Frost & Sullivan North American Eye Health Market Award (2009)
Education/Degree(s): BS, Biology, Florida Southern College; PhD, Organic Chemistry, University of Florida
Hobbies/Interests: Bicycling, photography, botany
DOB: 9/22/46
Vita-Tech International, Inc.
Name: Tierney, Thomas T.
Title: President and CEO
E-Mail: triplet@vitatech.com
Phone: (714) 832-9700
Years at Company: 39
Areas of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Strategic relationships, marketing, product formulation
Professional Memberships: NPA, DCAT, AFA, SOLE
Awards/Distinctions: Trustee, University of California – Irvine Foundation; Co-Chair UCI Medical Center Campaign, Regent, Bastyr University, Seattle; Leadership Councils – Regenerative medicine, Clinical Transactional Sciences and Stem Cell Research; Philanthropist, Arts and Civic Leader in Orange County, CA with numerous awards.
Education/Degree(s): Air Force Institute of Technology, Dayton, OH; Master of Science, Logistics Management, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; Bachelor of Science, Business Management; Board Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), MacKenzie Honor Society, Arnold Air Society. Graduate Credentials: Industrial College of the Armed Forces; Air War College; Air Command and Staff College; Squadron Officers School.
Hobbies/Interests: Life sciences, arts, hiking, travel, dogs, grandkids
Name: Williford, Greg
Title: Vice President of Sales and Client Services
E-Mail: gregw@vitatech.com
Phone: (714) 832-9700
Years at Company: 34
Areas of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Business developments, product design/marketing assistance, packaging options, product innovation
Professional Memberships: NPA, DCAT
Awards/Distinctions: Pharmaceutical Exemption, State of California
Education/Degree(s): BS, Tarleton State University, Stephensville, TX
Hobbies/Interests: Outdoors, hiking, fishing
ZMC-USA
Name: Steinford, Scott
Title: President
E-Mail: ssteinford@zmc-usa.com
Phone: (281) 419-6050
Years at Company: 4
Area of Expertise/Primary Responsibilities: Organizational management
Noteworthy Accomplishment With Company: Acting as a liaison between two culturally different markets to provide a more trustworthy and efficient business model of distribution.
Professional Memberships: NBJ Editorial Advisory Board; UNPA
Awards/Distinctions: 2008 Frost & Sullivan Emerging Company Award; 2007 NBJ Emerging Company Award
Education/Degree(s): BA, Pre-Law, UT Arlington; MS, Law, Champlain College
Hobbies/Interests: Landscaping yard and golf courses
DOB: 3/25
