This award was presented to Heather at UNPA’s semiannual members’ meeting during SupplySide West in Las Vegas on 25 October 2023.
“UNPA is so pleased to recognise the substantial contributions Heather has made to the growth of our industry during the last three decades,” said Loren Israelsen, President of UNPA.
“We have all benefited from her talent for seeing the big picture and creating connections to make positive things happen.”
Heather joined the natural products industry in 1992 as a reporter with New Hope Natural Media after graduating from the University of Richmond with a BA in journalism.
After 6 years there and being promoted to Managing Editor of Natural Foods Merchandiser, she moved from Colorado to Phoenix to join Virgo Publishing.
During the next 14 years her responsibilities increased as her contributions to the company, and the industry, played a material role in significant growth.
After Informa purchased Virgo Publishing, and a few years later New Hope Natural Media, Heather’s area of responsibility expanded further as Informa harnessed her magic touch for growing editorial coverage for their London office as VP of content, health and nutrition.
Now, as VP of Partnerships and Sustainability, she uses her enviable talents for creating connections and seeing the big picture to crating and facilitating global partnerships.
As if that was not enough, during the past 2 years she has brought together a group of industry leaders to create Women In Nutraceuticals,(WIN), a 501c3 non-profit organisation focused on unlocking the professional and personal potential of women.
The organisation is igniting a movement to build support for women across the nutraceutical supply chain to help increase the percentage of women holding leadership roles, funding for female-led businesses, and women’s participation in research.
Heather serves as President of WIN, which has already had a substantial impact on the nutraceuticals industry.
“All of us involved in WIN are thrilled to see Heather’s many contributions to the industry’s success recognised by UNPA, including her vision and hard work to make WIN a reality,” said Karen Todd, WIN Board Chair. “WIN’s tag line is “unlocking potential,” but that is what Heather has done her whole career.”
“This recognition from UNPA is a tremendous honour, as Loren Israelsen has been an inspiration in igniting my own journey,” Heather said. “I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to foster connections and collaborate with amazing colleagues through the years to grow our industry."
"And Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN) has given me the chance to do even more to give back and ensure the continued vibrance and innovation that comes when we recognise the possibilities in all of us.”