NNFA Executive Director and CEO Michael Ford Dies

NEWPORT BEACH, CA—Michael Q. Ford, executive director and CEO of the National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA), based here, died unexpectedly of a dissecting aorta while in Denver on Sept. 23. He was 49.

Ford was executive director and CEO of NNFA from 1994 through 1999. His efforts helped pass the industry’s groundbreaking Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994. He also served on a special working group of FDA in 1995 that developed recommended guidelines that included stronger, more explicit labeling for the use of ephedra in dietary supplements.

Most recently, Ford led NNFA’s introduction of a mandatory Good Manufacturing Practices accreditation program for all NNFA members (see related story, pg. 17) and presented to FDA the association’s recommendations for labeling on all genetically modified (GMO) foods. Additionally, he was on the executive committee of the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA).

Earlier in his career Ford served as the executive director for the Coalition for Health Funding and as director of the National Council on Alcoholism’s Public Policy office in Washington. He also served for 13 years as president of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers.

Ford earned his Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Ohio University in 1971. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of Laguna Beach, CA, and his parents Milton and Jeanne, who reside in Memphis, TN. Ford was buried in Memphis on Sept. 27. At press time, plans for a memorial to be held in the Laguna Beach area and one to be held at Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore were being finalized.

Ford’s passing was mourned by industry members and policy makers alike.

“Michael and I formed a warm personal and professional relationship and frequently cooperated on matters of concern to the dietary supplements industry in the U.S. and around the world,” Council for Responsible Nutrition CEO and Executive Director John Cordaro said. “Michael’s insights, humor and support will be greatly missed.”

Sens. Tom Harkin, D-IA, and Orrin Hatch, R-UT, and Rep. Dan Burton, R-IN, all issued statements on the news.

“Michael was a tremendous force within the dietary supplements industry and an effective leader of his leading trade association. His expertise will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this trying time,” Hatch said.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of my good friend, Michael Ford. Michael was a true leader in helping Americans take control of their health. My thoughts and prayers are with his family,” Harkin said.

Natural Business echoes those sentiments.