Historic Leadership Milestone for California Naturopathic Association: Dr. Mark Marat Hay Elected President For the first time in the history of the California Naturopathic Association (CNA), a naturopath of Armenian descent has been elected president.
Congratulations to Dr. Mark Marat Hay, PhD, on this historic achievement.
Dr. Hay has been an active member of the CNA since 2019.
His leadership journey within the association began with his election to the Board in 2022, followed by his appointment as Vice President in 2023 under the presidency of Dr. Michael Salas.
Now, in a unanimous vote by the full board—including President Emeritus Dr. Michael Salas, Vice President Dr. Sharyn Wynters, Secretary Dr. Deenie Robins, Treasurer Naturopath Jose Rodriguez, Treasurer Emeritus Dr. Julianne Miller, and Dr. Ellen Tart Jensen—Dr. Hay has been elected President for a four-year term.
Dr. Hay is the Founder & CEO of The Guardian of Health clinic in Los Angeles and serves as an Arts & Culture Commissioner for the City of Glendale.
He holds multiple advanced academic degrees, including a PhD in Nutrition & Nutraceuticals, a Doctorate in Naturopathy, a PhD in Arts, and a Doctorate in Musical Composition.
He is a board-certified naturopath through the California Naturopathic Certification Board (CNCB), American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board (ANMCB), and the prestigious National Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NBNE). Dr. Hay has been recognized internationally for his contributions to health and wellness.
He is an academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences (RANS), the highest scientific title in the institution.
He has received numerous certificates of recognition from United States Congress, U.S. Department of Justice, California State Assembly, California State Senate, City of Los Angeles, City of Glendale, and Crescenta Valley. Notably, he is the first naturopath honored by Cedars-Sinai Medical Network at Cedars-Sinai Hospital.
He was also honored with the Higher Achievement Award, from the American Naturopathic Medical Association.
Dr. Hay is a recipient of two prestigious medals in the field of medicine and healthcare, that have never been presented to a naturopath before.
The Medal of the immunology & microbiome research pioneer, Nobel Prize winner in Medicine Dr. Elie Metchnikoff, from RANS, for his practical contribution towards strengthening the health of the nations, and the Medal of the experimental neurologist and psychologist, Nobel Prize winner in medicine Dr. Ivan Pavlov, from RANS, for his contribution to the development of medicine and healthcare.
Dr. Hay also received Distinguished Service Award from the Republic of Honduras, “Patriot Soldier” and "The Land Guard of Armenia” medals from his homeland Armenia as well as USA President Woodrow Wilson platinum medal from W.A.C.S.J.B.
As a visionary leader, Dr. Hay continues to bridge science, culture, and holistic healing. Upcoming CNA Convention & Gala The California Naturopathic Association will host its annual Convention & Symposium on December 5–7, 2025, in Los Angeles, followed by a Grand Gala & Award Ceremony.
The event will be attended by notable public officials, celebrities, and leaders in healthcare and wellness to celebrate the progress of naturopathy and honor outstanding contributions, including that of Dr. Hay.
