Olivia Igbokwe Esq. will work on growing the association’s presence on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies.

November 21, 2013

2 Min Read
NPA names director of government relations

The Natural Products Association (NPA), the nation’s largest and oldest nonprofit trade organization representing the entire natural products industry, has hired Olivia Igbokwe, Esq., to serve as its new director of government relations. Igbokwe most recently served as a legal fellow focusing on judiciary and Homeland Security issues in the office of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas.

At NPA, Igbokwe, who received her law degree from Howard University, will work on further growing the association’s presence on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies, educating lawmakers on the issues most important to the dietary supplement and natural products industry. Igbokwe will also oversee NPA’s grassroots outreach and manage the association’s political action committee.

“Olivia is joining NPA at a crucial time for the industry,” said NPA CEO and Executive Director John Shaw. “As 2013 comes to a close, we’re looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities that next year will bring. Olivia is well suited to tackle our legislative priorities, including cultivating new industry champions and preserving the core values of the natural products industry. I’m confident Olivia will do an excellent job of representing NPA, its members and the entire industry on Capitol Hill.”

In addition to Igbokwe’s hire, NPA has promoted Gabrielle Alahouzos to senior vice president of membership services, and Lauren Cohen to director of communications.

Prior to joining NPA in September 2012, Alahouzos served as the director of membership marketing for the National Association of Home Builders. As head of membership at NPA, Alahouzos has focused on redefining the value proposition for all members, and will continue to develop new tools and resources to better serve all membership categories.

“Gabrielle’s efforts to grow NPA and improve the membership experience have been invaluable to this association,” Shaw said. “She brings a personal passion and dedication to the job that has helped raise NPA’s profile among all segments of the industry, from concept to consumer.” 

Cohen, who joined NPA in October 2012, will continue to oversee the association’s communications and public relations strategy.

“Lauren has played a key role in bringing industry issues to the media forefront,” Shaw said. “She has helped to make NPA a prominent resource in the press, and I’m certain she will successfully lead our communications efforts at a time when the industry is under intense scrutiny.”

 

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