WASHINGTON — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association has named Julie Aker, former chief executive officer of Concentrics Research, the 2026 recipient of its William Cooley Regulatory & Scientific Affairs Career Achievement Award.
The award recognizes Aker’s work on prescription-to-over-the-counter medicine switches and the consumer research used to assess whether people can use those products safely without a prescription.
Over her career, Aker has designed and conducted label comprehension, self-selection and actual-use studies. Such research helps regulators evaluate whether consumers understand a product’s instructions, can determine if it is appropriate for them and can use it as directed. Aker has also been active in CHPA committees, workshops and conferences focused on regulatory and scientific issues.
“Julie has been at the center of some of the most important OTC switches of the past several decades, helping shape the science that gives regulators confidence and consumers greater access to self-care products,” said Scott Furness, CHPA’s senior vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs.
Erin Oliver, Haleon’s vice president and head of U.S. regulatory affairs and chair of CHPA’s 2026 Regulatory, Scientific & Quality Conference planning committee, presented the award to Aker at the conference Sept. 29 in Bethesda, Md.
Named for longtime industry leader William Cooley, the award honors career contributions to public health and self-care. CHPA represents manufacturers and marketers of OTC medicines, dietary supplements and consumer medical devices.
