Devon Powell sent a message out on LinkedIn.

“As many of you have read or will, I’ve resigned as COO/SVP Membership at Natural Products Association (NPA),” wrote Powell in a messaged dated July 23.

The short message goes on, reading “given my eight-year tenure at American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), I imagine departing NPA after only 6 weeks is even more of a shock than my leaving my former employer, and several have already asked the same, somewhat obvious question, ‘What happened?’”

In his own words Powell continued, “All I can say is this: I did not resign because of any performance-related issues; this was solely my decision and was not one in which I was asked or encouraged to resign.”

After thanking those who have reached out to wish him well during the transition, he wrote, “What I’ll appreciate even more is your support as my professional, and in many cases personal, network as I take some time to plan my next career move.”

Update:

Since Powell’s resignation, NPA CEO Daniel Fabricant, PhD released a statement: “Devon Powell has resigned from the Natural Products Association, and we wish him well in his future endeavors. We are beginning the search immediately for a replacement. NPA will continue its dedication to the highest level of service for our members. As the largest and oldest trade association representing the natural products industry, we’ll continue to serve an important role in the issues that matter most to our members and the industry as a whole.”