What inspired you to join Vitaquest, and how does your role align with the company’s broader mission of advancing wellness through quality and innovation?
I was drawn VitaQuest because of its clear commitment to building quality into the product lifecycle—from formulation and supplier qualification through manufacturing and release—it’s a strategic driver. VitaQuest’s mission to advance wellness through science, innovation, and integrity closely aligns with how I view quality: as the foundation that enables trust, innovation, and long-term growth. My role allows me to help ensure that every product we make reflects our commitment to consumers, partners, and the communities we serve.
How have your previous experiences across different industries shaped the way you lead and think about quality today?
Working across multiple industries has reinforced that while regulations may differ, the principles of quality do not. Strong quality systems are built on discipline, transparency, and accountability—but they also require adaptability. Systems, data integrity, and risk-based decision-making are crucial elements. While regulatory frameworks vary, the fundamentals—clear procedures, well-trained teams, and effective CAPAs remain consistent. Those experiences taught me how to balance rigor with practicality and how to lead teams through change while keeping quality standards uncompromised.
Vitaquest emphasizes both operational excellence and community impact through programs like VQ Cares. How do you see that sense of purpose influencing company culture?
A strong sense of purpose elevates how people show up to work. When teams understand that their efforts extend beyond metrics and translate into real-world impact—supporting health, wellness, and communities—it fosters pride, ownership, and accountability. Programs like VQ Cares reinforce that quality is not just about compliance; it is about responsibility and doing the right thing.
At Vitaquest, we are extremely proud of VQ Cares and its mission to provide free, high-quality dietary supplements—such as multivitamins—to adults and children in underserved communities. Through partnerships with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) and the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) Foundation, this initiative helps combat nutrition insecurity and improve community health.
Key Aspects of VQ Cares include:
- Mission: Expanding access to essential nutrition for vulnerable populations
- Donations: Providing free multivitamins and dietary supplements to clinics serving uninsured and underserved families
- Partnerships: Collaborating with NAFC and the CRN Foundation’s Access Initiative
- Impact: Supporting improved overall health, immune function, and well-being in communities with limited nutritional resources
- Call to Action: Encouraging other leaders within the dietary supplement industry to join the effort
As a leader within VitaQuest and the broader dietary supplement industry, it is deeply meaningful to contribute to initiatives that give back and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
How do you motivate teams to see quality as more than a regulatory requirement and instead as a shared commitment to integrity and consumer trust?
True quality is achieved when teams understand the intent behind requirements such as 21 CFR Part 111 and apply them consistently. By involving teams in investigations, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement, quality becomes a shared responsibility tied to integrity and consumer confidence. Regulations set the baseline, but trust is earned through consistency and transparency. By explaining the “why” behind our processes and involving teams in problem-solving, quality becomes something they own—not something imposed. Recognition and open dialogue also go a long way in reinforcing that mindset.
How do partnerships and initiatives across the industry help strengthen the connection between quality, innovation, and access to wellness?
Collaboration across the industry raises the bar for everyone. Partnerships with suppliers, customers, and industry organizations like CRN help drive innovation while maintaining high quality standards. Partnerships are essential to maintain compliance, traceability, and product consistency. When we share best practices and align on expectations, we create better access to safe, effective products and reinforce consumer confidence in the industry.
What does a “culture of quality” mean to you, and how do you bring that to life at Vitaquest?
A culture of quality means quality is embedded in decision-making at every level—not just within the Quality organization. It’s reflected in how issues are escalated, how data is used, and how accountability is shared. At VitaQuest, we bring this to life through clear expectations, consistent communication, and empowering teams to speak up and take ownership. We strive to be audit ready everyday while following “Total Q”. TotalQ™ at VitaQuest means a comprehensive, company-wide commitment to the highest quality in developing and manufacturing nutraceuticals, going beyond basic cGMP by focusing on every aspect from raw material sourcing and ingredient integrity to product design, internal QA, and final product assurance to ensure safety, efficacy, and consumer trust. It's a holistic approach to quality, aiming to set the industry's next standard in supplement manufacturing.
When competing priorities arise—speed, cost, or innovation—how do you make sure quality stays at the center of decision-making?
Quality should never be a trade-off; it’s a prerequisite. I rely on risk-based assessments and data-driven discussions. Speed and innovation are important, but they must be supported by validated processes, qualified suppliers, and compliant systems. When priorities compete, I encourage teams to slow down just enough to assess risk, data, and long-term impact. Decisions made in haste often cost more later. By positioning quality as a business enabler rather than a constraint, it naturally stays central to the conversation.
Where do you see the biggest opportunities for the dietary supplement and functional food industries to lead on transparency and consumer confidence?
Transparency around sourcing, testing, and manufacturing practices is a major opportunity. Consumers are more informed than ever and want to understand what they’re putting into their bodies. There is significant opportunity in strengthening traceability, enhancing testing transparency, and clearly communicating quality standards to consumers. Leveraging digital quality systems and robust supplier oversight can further improve data integrity and regulatory confidence. Companies that invest in transparency will set themselves apart in a crowded market. Companies that proactively share data, embrace traceability, and communicate clearly will be the ones that earn lasting trust.
What keeps you inspired and grounded in a role that demands such precision and accountability?
The responsibility to protect consumers is what keeps me grounded. Precision and accountability are essential in this industry, and I’m inspired by teams who take pride in getting the details right. Continuous improvement, even in mature systems, keeps the work engaging and meaningful.
What advice would you give to emerging leaders who want to make a meaningful impact in the nutrition and wellness industry?
Develop a strong foundation in regulatory requirements, GMPs, and quality systems, but don’t lose sight of the human impact behind the work. Ask questions, understand the science, and lead with integrity. In this industry, credibility is built over time through consistency. Stay curious, stay ethical, and never lose sight of the consumer. Most importantly, lead with integrity—because in this industry, trust is everything, and once it’s lost, it’s very hard to regain.