The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is pleased to announce that Haley Chitty has joined the organization as its new director of communications. In this position, Chitty will manage AHPA's communications, public relations and marketing initiatives.

"We are excited to welcome Haley to AHPA and where he will help us continue our communications and public relations efforts to increase and strengthen the reputation of the herbal products industry," says AHPA President Michael McGuffin. "I am confident that Haley's extensive experience will have an immediate, positive impact by helping AHPA serve all of its diverse members and ensuring that AHPA remains 'the voice of the herbal products industry.'"

Chitty brings more than 10 years of nonprofit communications and public relations experience to AHPA. Most recently, Chitty served as director of communications at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) where he used online and traditional media to keep members informed about the latest student aid news, legislation and regulations. He also implemented innovative communications strategies to inform and influence policymakers and the media to further NASFAA's advocacy goals. Before joining NASFAA in 2005, Chitty produced two online publications and managed a website that focused on higher education and the federal student loan program.

"I'm eager to work at the oldest and most influential organization serving the herbal and botanical products industry," Chitty says. "The growing interest in a more holistic approach to healthcare and wellness among consumers and healthcare professionals makes the work of AHPA on behalf of its members more important than ever. I look forward to working with AHPA members, staff and the board of directors to improve the tone of the public dialogue on herbs, which will lead to more accurate information for consumers who use herbs to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

Chitty replaces Frank Lampe, who served as AHPA's director of communications since January 2011. Lampe is now serving the United Natural Products Alliance in a similar capacity.