NPA hires gov't relations, communications staffers

The Natural Products Association (NPA), the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the natural products industry, announced the hire of Aimee Nichols as director of government affairs and Melinda Price as communications coordinator. The two will join a committed Washington, D.C., staff of government affairs and communications experts to further increase NPA’s presence in front of Congress and the federal government and assist with the day-to-day needs of its growing membership. 

Nichols comes to NPA from the Pontifical North American College, with a diverse background in political fundraising and advocacy representation. Throughout her extensive career in government affairs, she has promoted a wide range of legislative issues to members of Congress and the Executive Branch.  She is also a seasoned fundraiser, previously serving as account manager for Keelen Communications, a political fundraising firm representing more than 60 candidates for Congress.

In her new role as director of government relations at NPA, Nichols will be responsible for increasing the presence of NPA’s Political Action Committee among its core supporters and representing the interests of the association in front of Congress and the federal government.

Prior to joining NPA, Price served as the community outreach and marketing coordinator for Autism Community Network, where she played an active role in advancing the mission of the nonprofit through the development of social media strategy, traditional media relations, direct email marketing and website content management.

In her new role as communications coordinator, Price will provide general communications support for NPA and its public relations efforts, including expanding NPA’s mobile and social outreach to further engage younger members.

These new hires come just a few months after NPA CEO Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., named former FDA official Corey Hilmas, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs, and promoted NPA’s Lauren Cohen to vice president of public relations and communications.

“We are thrilled to welcome Aimee and Melinda as the newest members of our talented staff here in Washington, D.C.,” said Dr. Fabricant. “We are looking forward to leveraging their extensive background in government relations and communications to advance the interests of NPA while providing top-notch service to our member companies. I’m focused on building a team of experts who perform at the highest-level possible, and these additions to our staff help to solidify NPA as the premier association representing the natural products industry.”