Tara Falsani – Nature’s Way Brands, LLC

For more than 50 years, Nature’s Way Brands has been committed to a single, vital mission: helping people everywhere live healthy lives. As a trusted name in dietary supplements, the company has consistently stood out in a competitive industry with its dedication to quality and innovation. Behind the scenes, Tara Falsani plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this mission to bring high-quality products backed by science to consumers. As vice president of legal and human resources, general counsel, and secretary, she brings leadership and balance to two demanding and critical functions at the organization’s heart.

Falsani’s position uniquely integrates her expertise in legal matters with a strong focus on human resources. Balancing these roles requires skill, experience, and an unwavering commitment to the company and its employees.

“In both departments, it’s about supporting the business and the team,” she says.

On the legal side, Falsani oversees a department that helps uphold the integrity of the company’s products and processes. This includes everything from ensuring that all claims about Nature’s Way supplements are substantiated and accurate, which is crucial for maintaining customer trust, to advocating for favorable terms in key agreements across all business areas.

A legal framework for innovation

With over a decade in private practice and years of in-house experience, Falsani’s legal expertise is integral to Nature’s Way’s operations. Her legal team of three—a legal director, a paralegal, and a contract administrator—works closely with other departments to protect the company’s commercial position and intellectual property. Whether safeguarding a first-to-market advantage or navigating changes across the legal and regulatory landscape, Falsani’s is energized by the ability to have an impact.

“When you’re in-house, you deal with a wider array of topics, especially in a smaller legal department,” Falsani explains. “It’s an opportunity to get to know many aspects of the business. Often, you have to make the best decision with the information you have at that time.”

This adaptability has served her well in her journey from private practice to her current leadership role.

Falsani’s legal team also plays a critical role in supporting Nature’s Way’s commercialization efforts. From ensuring that dietary supplement claims meet rigorous advertising standards to protecting intellectual property, the legal department serves the broader mission of bringing products consumers trust to the market. Falsani emphasizes the importance of collaboration across departments, noting that teamwork is essential in achieving the company’s goals.

Advancing sustainability

Nature’s Way is focused on supporting personal health and committed to environmental stewardship. One of the company’s major initiatives is converting a primary manufacturing plant to geothermal energy, which underscores its dedication to sustainability.

“With ‘Nature’ in our name, we’re committed to giving back to the environment and reducing our footprint,” Falsani says.

This project will replace traditional energy sources with geothermal heating and cooling, significantly enhancing energy efficiency at a facility that produces many of the company’s products.

Falsani notes that sustainability efforts are not limited to one facility.

“A recent expansion at another of our plants was completed with energy efficiencies in mind, including seeking LEED certification,” she explains.

The company takes its aim to reduce emissions seriously. This commitment goes beyond compliance because it is a value.  Nature’s Way proactively seeks to reduce its environmental impact by investing in cutting-edge technologies like geothermal energy.

These efforts reflect a broader sustainability commitment permeating the company’s operations. Nature’s Way continually seeks to align its practices with its values. For Falsani, this dedication is a natural extension of the company’s mission to promote health and wellness on a global scale.

A leadership journey

Born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota, Falsani’s path to leadership was shaped by her academic and professional experiences. After earning an English degree from Colby College in Maine, she pursued her JD at the University of Wisconsin School of Law. Following a successful stint in private practice, Falsani transitioned to in-house roles, where she found a perfect blend of variety and leadership opportunities.

Falsani joined Nature’s Way as its general counsel in 2017 and, in 2023, assumed leadership for the human resources function as well. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “I don’t think I’m a lawyer-first anymore, but in my heart, I always will be.”

Her evolution into a management and leadership role reflects her commitment to guiding her teams and the organization toward long-term success.

Falsani’s career trajectory also highlights her adaptability and drive. From handling complex litigation cases in private practice to managing a multifaceted role at Nature’s Way, she has consistently embraced challenges. Her passion for leadership stems from a desire to influence organizational direction and foster a culture of excellence.

Falsani’s leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

“Collaboration is important,” she says. “When thoughtful coworkers raise important considerations, you make better decisions.”

She also stresses the importance of effective hiring and interviewing processes, ensuring that employees are placed in roles where they can succeed and grow.

Within HR and Legal, there is always an intersection of big-picture strategy work and essential daily operations. That tension can be challenging to reconcile, but she navigates a balance with poise, drawing on her extensive experience and passion for fostering a positive workplace culture.

Falsani understands the importance of employee development and engagement. “We conduct an engagement survey annually to learn from our employees and gain valuable insight into how we can support them and be an employer of choice in our communities.”

In addition, one recent priority has been launching a learning and development program at Nature’s Way.

“Offering these opportunities is the right thing to do for the organization and the team. Everyone wants to work somewhere that makes them feel valued.”  Her focus on mentorship and collaboration has helped build a cohesive, high-performing team that is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of a competitive industry.

As Nature’s Way continues to innovate in the dietary supplement space, Falsani’s guidance and leadership play a crucial role in the company’s ongoing success. Whether advancing sustainability initiatives, protecting intellectual property, or nurturing employee development, she exemplifies the company’s mission to help people live healthier lives—both within and outside the organization.

Looking to the future, Falsani envisions a continued focus on innovation, environmental and social stewardship, and employee growth. By aligning the company’s practices with its values, she aims to strengthen Nature’s Way’s position as an industry leader while positively impacting customers, employees, communities and the environment.