Country Choice Naturals, an Eden Prairie, Minn.-based producer of organic cookies, cocoa and oatmeal, has hired John DePaolis to lead its marketing team. DePaolis comes to his new assignment from Small Planet Foods, where he was in charge of marketing for the Cascadian Farm and Muir Glen brands.

Bio-Botanica Inc., a Hauppauge, N.Y.-based manufacturer of botanical extracts, has appointed Debra Berman as bulk ingredients sales manager. Berman joins Bio-Botanica with over 15 years of sales experience in both private-label manufacturing and bulk raw material sales.

Louis Mancini, president and chief executive officer of GNC Corp., a Pittsburgh-based nutritional supplements retailer, announced his resignation in order to pursue personal interests. Executive Chairman of the Board Robert J. Nicola will assume the position of interim CEO.

Planet Dog, a Portland, Maine-based manufacturer of products for dogs and their owners, has hired Bill Franklin as chief executive officer. Franklin brings more than 30 years of business experience in sales and marketing, operations and customer service and support to Planet Dog.

Soquel, Calif.- based Albert?s Organics has hired Steve Janidis as national accounts manager. Janidis was a former district sales manager for Del Monte in Los Angeles. The company has also promoted Joe Stepka to the position of sales manager for Albert?s New England, and has hired Marl Zeller, formerly with Wild Oats, as a project manager for its Denver division.

Seattle-based Botanical Laboratories, a manufacturer of herbal and food supplements products and homeopathic preparations, has appointed Mark Sharp as its director of operations. Sharp has 15 years of experience in FDA-compliant industries spanning pharmaceuticals, medical devices and food supplements.

National Nutritional Foods Association West has hired Dot Boyd as executive director. Boyd has 10 years of experience in the natural products industry.

Award-winning writer, director and producer Morgan Spurlock, best known for his feature film ?Super Size Me,? will be a keynote speaker at the Organic Trade Association?s 2005 All Things Organic Conference and Trade Show, slated for April 30-May 3, 2005, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The National Cooperative Grocers Association has named Don McLemore as chief executive officer. McLemore has more than 25 years of experience in cooperative grocery, general merchandise, and specialty and natural foods. Jodie Larson was named chief financial officer, succeeding Steve Wolfe.

Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market Inc. promoted Mark Dixon to president of the Southwest region. Whole Foods also announced the promotions of Patrick Bradley to president of the Midwest region and Scott Allshouse to president of the South region.

Bryce Lundberg, the director of organic certification for Lundberg Family Farms, was recognized by the Organic Farming Research Foundation at its 12th Annual Fall Organic Harvest Benefit Reception and Dinner. The recognition came in honor of Lundberg?s significant and longstanding volunteer contribution to the organic farming community.

Wellness Lifestyle Guru Terra Wellington has signed with DS Simon Productions in New York City to produce and host ongoing satellite media tours. Each tour books Wellington in 15 to 20 local television markets across the U.S., PAX-TV?s Newswatch program, the Health Club Network Feed and syndicated programs. She interviews live with morning television show anchors and reporters to present products, how-tos and ideas.

Ron Nolan, former national sales manager of Atkins Nutritionals, has been named chief executive officer of HydroCharge, a newly acquired subsidiary of Compound Natural Foods Inc. The Beverly Hills, Calif.-based HydroCharge produces naturally formulated lower-sugar, lower-carbohydrate and lower-calorie sports drinks. Nolan served as the national sales manager for Atkins Nutritionals since 1997.

Natural Alternatives International Inc., a San Marcos, Calif.-based formulator and manufacturer of customized nutritional supplements, announced the appointment of Alan G. Dunn to its board of directors. Dunn is the founder and president of GDI Consulting & Training Co.

Natural Foods Merchandiser volume XXVI/number 2/p. 56