Tim Avila possesses a strong understanding of natural products marketing, communications and the integration of science and marketing in product development. A major focus for his consulting firm is the identification and development of natural bioactives with large scale market potential. His integration of nutritional technology and science marketing has resulted in the development and launch of products generating millions of dollars in sales. Tim brings exceptional technology transfer and market strategy skills to the think tank.

Marci Boothe brings almost 20 years of natural foods industry experience to the think tank. Her emphasis on retail sales, marketing and educational training was developed in a successful family-owned store and honed in key managerial positions with leading supplement manufacturers. Marci provides tremendous dietary supplement market experience, with a real world perspective on what sells and why.

Lyn Ciocca brings 20 years of marketing, managerial and entrepreneurial experience to the group, ranging from OTC drugs to natural products and nutraceuticals. Her background includes consulting in the natural products industry to develop product marketing and assisting OTC companies in identifying natural product candidates. Lyn’s multi-disciplinary experience in several nutritional industries lends broad developmental resources to the think tank.

Conrad Earnest, Ph.D. is an exercise physiologist from the world-renowned Cooper Clinic who has also served as fitness consultant to the U.S.World Cup soccer team. His scientific record includes several notable discoveries and many original research papers. Dr. Earnest contributes a solid reputation as a scientist who can expedite research results out of the lab and into the public sector.

Trish Flaster is the CEO of a consulting firm supporting international botanical ingredient sourcing, with a focus on sustainable methods, quality assurance and product development. Her past experience includes positions as botanist for leading herbal products companies, and she instituted the industry's first herbarium. Trish utilizes an extensive international botanical network providing quality botanical ingredients, both common and unique, with an emphasis on long-term supply.

Daniel L. Gwartney, M.D. has consulted for numerous companies within the sports nutrition field. He has aided in product design, raw materials sourcing and technical writing for several dietary supplement manufacturers. Additionally, he excels in novel product applications for proprietary and patented materials. Dr. Gwartney brings his knowledge and skill as a clinical pathologist and competitive athlete, along with a broad information base, which allows for strong problem solving skills and creative applications.

Richard B. Kreider, Ph.D. has a primary research focus on optimizing human performance and body composition through nutrition. He has conducted studies on carbohydrate, amino acid, phosphate, creatine, HMB, conjugated linoleic acid, and pyruvate supplementation. He also serves as Research Digest Editor for the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr. Kreider's exceptional scientific research design and performance skills provide hands-on technical expertise to the think tank.

Guy Langer has nearly a decade of experience as a cosmetic and personal care specialist, and is a respected authority in cosmeceutical product development, ingredient technology, sourcing, formulation and marketing. He brings extensive natural products sales and merchandising experience, from both retail and wholesale perspectives. Guy offers a keen awareness of novel and innovative natural ingredients and their applications for personal care products.

Alan E. Lewis is a consultant to the natural pharmaceuticals industry, providing product development and technical support services to marketing and distribution firms. With over 15 years of study and activity in the field, he is a meticulous researcher, authoring numerous technical reports on nutritional pharmacology and medicine, nutritional product formulation and metabolism. Alan contributes outstanding information resources, including an exhaustive natural raw materials sourcing database and excellent information retrieval and management skills.

Dana C. Lipp has been solving tough technical problems in food chemistry for over 10 years. He has a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Food Science from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. While holding the position of Principal Scientist at Ocean Spray Cranberries, he developed expertise in the areas of shelf life, antioxidants, vitamin C and the health benefits of fruits. His experience is firmly grounded in technical problem-solving and scientific communication to non-technical audiences. Actively bridging the gap between research and marketing, Dana also brings special skill in using the health benefits of functional foods to drive strategic marketing plans.

Jeff Nedelman is a career communications executive with more than 25 years of experience. He helps clients manage the issues surrounding the marketing of value-added health benefits of new dietary ingredients, medical foods/nutraceuticals, dietary supplements and traditional food products. He brings a strong science understanding to marketing communications, issue management and crisis communications. Jeff has been quoted in hundreds of major newspaper reports and broadcast stories, including being featured on the news programs of all three major television networks.

Dimitri Papadimitriou, Ph.D., has worked in a number of pharmaceutical and nutritional supplement companies over the past 20 years. He has held such diverse positions as Director of Product Development at both Nature's Way and Nature's Sunshine, and Research Scientist at Procter and Gamble. A specialist in product formulation incorporating novel delivery systems, Dr. Papadimitriou contributes a substantial technical background with a history of successful market applications.

Bernie Wooster is a graphic designer whose expertise lies in creating corporate identity systems, literature and package design. During the past 10 years, she has been the recipient of multiple awards and served as design consultant on the first edition of the Physician's Guide to Nutraceuticals (1998). In developing a company's visual identity, Bernie imparts exceptional creative design insight, guiding companies in building brand recognition and a dynamic corporate image.