New Hope Network is saddened to learn of the passing of longtime herbal products industry champion Michael McGuffin, who recently stepped down as American Herbal Products Association president after 25 years at the helm. In the weeks preceding his death, we had been working on story to commemorate his immeasurable impact on AHPA and the entire herbal products trade in the U.S. and worldwide.

For that story, we solicited input from a spectrum of industry voices, each sharing their thoughts on McGuffin’s leadership, laudable characteristics and greatest achievements. Since we hadn’t yet published that piece at the time of his passing, we repurposed their remarks into a retrospective on his remarkable legacy in this industry and beyond.

Here, a grateful herbal products community commemorates Michael McGuffin for …

Amber Bennett, vice president of marketing and engagement at AHPA

His dynamic leadership

“Michael’s leadership is defined by his unwavering commitment, deep industry knowledge and ability to bring people together. One of his greatest strengths is his passion for advocacy. He doesn’t just defend the industry; he proactively works to shape policies that support responsible commerce and consumer access to safe, high-quality herbal products. He is a consensus builder, ensuring that diverse voices across the industry are heard and represented, and he is willing to take a stand when necessary.

Related:Michael McGuffin, herbal products champion, dies at 73

“Michael is not just a leader—he’s a true champion for the herbal industry. His work has set the foundation for the future, and his legacy will be one of dedication, strategic vision and unwavering advocacy.” —Amber Bennett, vice president of marketing and engagement at AHPA

Jim Emme, CEO of NOW Health Group

His vast knowledge and experience

“Michael has been involved in the natural products industry for many decades, including retailing, product development and regulatory changes. He has witnessed numerous significant changes in how products are brought to market, and even the changes in how and where products are sold to consumers. These experiences have given Michael insight and knowledge that few possess. Michael has had a direct impact in helping to establish product standards that have helped our industry comply and gain acceptance in the face of everchanging expectations of consumers and regulators alike.” —Jim Emme, CEO of NOW Health Group

Roy Upton, founder, president and executive director of American Herbal Pharmacopeia

His mastery of herbal products

“Michael has a remarkable ability to completely digest and retain minute details about virtually every aspect of an issue that affects the natural products industry. This is most evident in his understanding of all aspects of supplement GMPs. He knows all-out every line and verse verbatim; knows where the ambiguities, deficiencies and key points of contention are; and can articulate each clearly and with a logical rationale.” —Roy Upton, founder, president and executive director of American Herbal Pharmacopeia

Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council

His historic impact

“I’ve said this many times: All companies that sell herbs and botanical ingredients owe a debt of gratitude to Michael (and AHPA)—and they should be supporting AHPA and Michael’s work and unparalleled legacy. When the history of the herb industry in the U.S. is written—50 or perhaps 100 years from now—Michael will be at the top of the list of people who have been instrumental in building the modern herb industry.” —Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council

Bill Chioffi, chief operating officer at Nammex and AHPA board member

His integrity

“Great leaders are often said to have similar qualities, integrity being at the top of the list. In my personal experience as a member and board member of AHPA, as well as sitting with Michael on the board of United Plant Savers for many years, I learned that Michael is honest, transparent and consistent in his actions. This kind of leadership builds trust within an organization—and trust is one of the greatest achievements Michael has engendered in individuals and the herbal community.” —Bill Chioffi, chief operating officer at Nammex and AHPA board member

Shaheen Majeed, global CEO and managing director, Sabinsa Corp.

His support of the little guys

“Michael has been an outstanding leader because he consistently championed the underrepresented voices in the herbal products industry. Often in trade groups, the very small companies and their specific needs have no champion, but defending those differences to regulatory agencies and others is one of the things that has set AHPA apart under Michael’s leadership. He stood firm on principles that prioritized integrity and best practices, ensuring that the industry not only upheld high standards but also remained accountable to its community. —Shaheen Majeed, global CEO and managing director, Sabinsa Corp.

Wilson Lau, CEO of Nuherbs and AHPA board member

His passion

“Michael’s passion for herbs and herbal products is unparalleled, and people are drawn to it and try to match that enthusiasm. He is always engaged and has an answer ready to fire off, no matter what the question is. There isn’t a situation that he hasn’t seen or experienced personally whether it was when he was running his own company or AHPA. He is my herbal hero and role model.” —Wilson Lau, CEO of Nuherbs and AHPA board member

Elan Sudberg, CEO of Alkemist Labs and AHPA board member

His mentorship

“I am deeply grateful to my incredible friend, colleague, mentor and leader, Michael McGuffin, for shaping a big part of my professional journey. Early in my career, I bravely spoke out against many adulterated products, which unfortunately made me an instant target for those involved. Back in my early 20s, while still navigating my chemistry studies in college, I faced some tough challenges at industry committee meetings where I shared our troubling findings. I was met with fierce pushback from seasoned entrepreneurs, Ph.D.’s and lawyers defending their products.

“Realizing my struggle to find my voice, Michael advised me to take my proverbial shoe off and bang it on the table until I was truly heard. Since then, I've been walking around barefoot, except in the lab! Thanks to Michael, who recognized the industry advocate within me and encouraged it to shine, I’m still passionately fighting for our industry and for global access to safe and effective natural medicines, nearly 30 years later. A heartfelt thank you to Michael McGuffin for your unwavering mentorship, love and support!” —Elan Sudberg, CEO of Alkemist Labs and AHPA board member

Suzanne Shelton, founder of The Shelton Group

His friendship

“My dear friend Michael and I first met in the early 1990s when the herb company he co-founded, McZand Herbal, was a client and he gave me a tour of their manufacturing facility … Through the decades, we became close friends, often texting each other clips of songs, pictures of food or our gardens, editorial comments on current events, [check-ins] after a rough patch or a reminder of a fun memory.

“One of my favorite surprises has been his voice on the other end of the phone calling to just to catch up on everything. It’s very Michael to be spiky at times, like all of us, but he deeply loves his friends, even when they disagree. When I think of the people I met through this industry who have enhanced my life in the last 35 years, his is one of the first faces I see in my memory. —Suzanne Shelton, founder of The Shelton Group