Who We Are
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation was established in 1966 and is the only charitable organization devoted exclusively to promoting nutrition and dietetics. The Foundation exists as the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Read the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics article “Advancing the Dietetics Profession through the Foundation’s Philanthropy” to learn more about the history of the Foundation.
The Foundation’s Mission
Through philanthropy, empower current and future food and nutrition practitioners to optimize global health.
The Foundation’s Vision
A world where all people thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition.
Principles
- Integration of research, professional development and practice to stimulate innovation and discovery
- Collaborations to solve the greatest food and nutrition challenges now and in the future
- System-wide impact throughout the food, well-being and health care sectors
- Elimination of all forms of malnutrition globally
- Expansion of workforce capacity, capability and the contribution of food and nutrition practitioners
- Accountability through transparency and fiduciary responsibility
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Board of Directors
- Martin M. Yadrick, MBI, MS, RDN, FAND; Chair
- Jean H. Ragalie-Carr, RDN, LDN, FAND; Past Chair
- Jo Jo Dantone-DeBarbieris, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, FAND; Financial Officer
- Kathy Wilson-Gold, MS, RDN, LD, FAND; Secretary
- Catherine Christie, PhD, RDN, LD/N, FAND, FADA; Director-at-Large
- Sylvia A. Escott-Stump, MA, RDN, LDN; Director-at-Large
- Camille Perrice Range, MPH, RD; Director-at-Large
- Lisa M. Hilmi, MPH, BSN, RN; Public Member
- Maha Tahiri, PhD; Public Member
- Sitoya Mansell, MPH, CHES; Student Member
- Mary K. Russell, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND; Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics President-Elect
- Patricia M. Babjak, GSLIS (Ex-Officio); Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Chief Executive Officer
View the full-size infographic to see an overview of the Foundation’s major initiatives and achievements.
View the guidelines and infographic to see the acceptance and review process for industry support.
Foundation Staff Contact Information
Chief Operating Officer, Academy Of Nutrition and Dietetics
Executive Director, Academy Foundation
Mary Beth Whalen
800/877-1600, Ext. 4820
mwhalen@eatright.org
Senior Director
Susie Burns
800/877-1600, Ext. 4752
sburns@eatright.org
Development Director
Beth Labrador
800/877-1600, Ext. 4821
blabrador@eatright.org
Foundation Manager
Paul Slomski
800/877-1600, Ext. 1746
pslomski@eatright.org
Senior Program Manager
Nicci Brown, MS, RDN, CD, LD
800/877-1600, Ext. 1748
nbrown@eatright.org
Executive Assistant
Martha Ontiveros
800/877-1600, Ext. 4773
montiveros@eatright.org
Foundation Coordinator
Deneen Taylor
800/877-1600, Ext. 4767
dtaylor@eatright.org
Foundation Program Coordinator
Laura Nitowski, RDN, LDN
800/877-1600, Ext. 4890
lnitowski@eatright.org
Governance
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is governed by a 13-member board of directors that includes the President-Elect, Financial Officer and CEO of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as up to five public members. Our Foundation Policy Manual, A Donor Bill of Rights and Privacy Policy and Guidelines for Industry Donors and Sponsors are always available for download.
Nominating Process
The selection process for the Foundation Board is completed by the Academy Foundation Nominating Committee. Read more about the Foundation Board of Directors nominating process.
Operating Budget
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation manages nearly $23 million in restricted funds for specific scholarships, awards, research, and public awareness initiatives with defined criteria. However, dollars are needed annually to support the Foundation’s innovative initiatives, implement programs, operations and sustain the mission of advancing public health and nutrition utilizing the expertise of RDNs. Additional financial information can be found at the Academy Foundation’s Charity Navigator page. Download the audit financial report and 990 form for FY2016.
Jean H. Ragalie-Carr, RDN, LDN, FAND; Chair
Rosemont, Illinois
Ragalie-Carr is the president of the National Dairy Council and treasurer/secretary for Action for Healthy Kids. In 30 years of working in the areas of nutrition, health, and wellness, she has worked in agencies, associations, corporations, and health care settings. Ragalie-Carr has worked for the National Dairy Council and dairy farm families since 1996. In partnership with the National Football League, Ragalie-Carr helped create and lead Fuel Up to Play 60, one of the nation’s largest proven school health and wellness programs, making a difference in more than 73,000 schools and in children’s lives.
With the Academy and Feeding America, her current work revolves around educating people about a healthy, sustainable food supply to feed the world. One of the four principal architects of Action for Healthy Kids, Ragalie-Carr has served on its board of directors since 2002. She has worked with organizations including the White House’s Let’s Move! program and in partnerships with the School Nutrition Association; President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition; and World Wildlife Fund.
Ragalie-Carr is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Jean H. Ragalie-Carr, RDN, LDN, FAND; Past-Chair
Rosemont, Illinois
Ragalie-Carr is the president of the National Dairy Council and treasurer/secretary for Action for Healthy Kids. In 30 years of working in the areas of nutrition, health, and wellness, she has worked in agencies, associations, corporations and health care settings. Ragalie-Carr has worked for the National Dairy Council and dairy farm families since 1996. In partnership with the National Football League, Ragalie-Carr helped create and lead Fuel Up to Play 60, one of the nation’s largest proven school health and wellness programs, making a difference in more than 73,000 schools and in children’s lives.
With the Academy and Feeding America, her current work revolves around educating people about a healthy, sustainable food supply to feed the world. One of the four principal architects of Action for Healthy Kids, Ragalie-Carr has served on its board of directors since 2002. She has worked with organizations including the White House’s Let’s Move! program and in partnerships with the School Nutrition Association; President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition; and World Wildlife Fund.
Ragalie-Carr is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Martin M. Yadrick, MBI, MS, RDN, FAND; Chair-Elect
Kansas City, Missouri
Yadrick is Director of Nutrition Informatics for Computrition, Inc., a Los Angeles-based provider of software solutions to the nutrition and foodservice industry. He was Academy President in 2008-09 and Chair of ANDPAC, the Academy’s Political Action Committee, in 2012. He has previously served as the Chair of the Nutrition Informatics Committee, Academy Treasurer, House of Delegates Director, Delegate, Academy media spokesperson and Chair of the SCAN DPG.
He received his Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, a Master of Science from the University of Kansas, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a Master of Biomedical Informatics from Oregon Health & Science University.
Martin M. Yadrick, MBI, MS, RDN, FAND; Chair
Kansas City, Missouri
Yadrick is Director of Nutrition Informatics for Computrition, Inc., a Los Angeles-based provider of software solutions to the nutrition and foodservice industry. He was Academy President in 2008-09 and Chair of ANDPAC, the Academy’s Political Action Committee, in 2012. He has previously served as the Chair of the Nutrition Informatics Committee, Academy Treasurer, House of Delegates Director, Delegate, Academy media spokesperson and Chair of the SCAN DPG.
He received his Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, a Master of Science from the University of Kansas, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a Master of Biomedical Informatics from Oregon Health & Science University.
Terri J. Raymond, MA, RDN, CD, FAND; Past Chair
Mercer Island, Washington
Raymond has worked in dietetics and business for over 30 years. Currently she owns and operates a consulting business in the Pacific Northwest serving healthcare and business. Previously she worked in contract food service as president for a regional corporation with clients in five western states.
Active in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Raymond has served as state president, delegate and on several committees including strategic planning, professional development, and CDR appeals panel.
Margaret Garner, MS, RDN, LD, CIC, FAND; Financial Officer
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Garner is an associate professor of family medicine at the University of Alabama and the executive director of the student health center, where she also serves as the director of the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness. Garner helped establish and was the first chair of the Alabama Food and Nutrition Exposition, a unique partnership of the Alabama Dietetic Association, Alabama Dietary Managers Association and Alabama School Nutrition Association.
In 2011, she received the Academy’s highest honor, the Marjorie Hulsizer Copher Award. Garner has served in many leadership roles in the Academy, including as a member of the Board of Directors and Commission on Dietetic Registration. She was a member and chair of the Academy’s Legislative and Public Policy Committee, Political Action Committee, Coding and Coverage Committee, Council on Education and Strategic Planning Task Force. Garner is a past president of the Tuscaloosa District Dietetic Association and the Alabama Dietetic Association.
A graduate of Georgia Southern College, Garner earned a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee, where she also did postgraduate work in nutrition and mental retardation.
Jo Jo Dantone-DeBarbieris, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, FAND; Financial Officer
LaPlace, LA
Dantone-DeBarbieris is the president, chief executive officer and owner of Nutrition Education Resources, Inc., providing registered dietitian nutritionists’ services since 1977 to medical institutions; long-term care facilities, home health agencies, assisted-living facilities and hospitals; educational institutions and corporations.
She has served on the Academy’s Political Action Committee and the Legislative and Public Policy Committee and chaired two Academy dietetic practice groups – Diabetes Care and Education and Dietitians in Health Care Communities. Dantone-DeBarbieris is a past president of the Louisiana Dietetic Association and chaired several committees of the Mississippi Dietetic Association.
She received the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year Award from the Mississippi Dietetic Association in 2000 and from the Louisiana Dietetic Association in 2010. A certified diabetes educator, Dantone-DeBarbieris is the author and publisher of five editions of Bridging the Gap: Simple Diets for Complex Nutritional Demands.
She earned undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Constance J. Geiger, PhD, RDN, LD; Secretary
Fort Bridger, Wyoming
Geiger is president of Geiger & Associates, LLC, and a research associate professor in the Division of Foods and Nutrition at the University of Utah. She is a past member of the Academy’s Board of Directors and chairs the Nutrition Division of the Institute of Food Technologists, where she promotes nutrition, food science and food safety.
Sylvia A. Escott-Stump, MA, RDN, LDN; Director-at-Large
Winterville, North Carolina
Escott-Stump has directed the dietetic internship and didactic program at East Carolina University since 1998. She is an internationally-known speaker and consultant to physicians, groups, long-term care facilities, businesses and educational organizations. Escott-Stump is the author of seven editions of Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, forthcoming 2011) and five editions of Krause’s Food and Nutrition Therapy (Elsevier 2011). Previously, she worked in Pittsburgh, Pa., as director of dietetic services at Forbes Health System; director of the dietetic internship and clinical nutrition manager at Shadyside Hospital; a consulting dietitian at Wexford House Nursing Center; and associate director of nutrition services and WIC for the Family Health Council of Western Pennsylvania. At ADA, she has served as Speaker of the House of Delegates; chair of the Standardized Language task force; a House of Delegates Director; chair of the Council on Professional Issues; first chair of the Issues Management Committee; a member of the Alliance Task Force; and a member of the Association Positions, Quality Management, Legislative and Public Policy, Strategic Planning, External Governance and Finance committees. Escott-Stump is a past president of the Pennsylvania Dietetic Association and past-treasurer of the North Carolina Dietetic Association.
Her honors include ADA’s Medallion Award, the North Carolina Dietetic Association’s Member of the Year and Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Dietitian. She received ADA’s first Margene Wagstaff Fellowship for Innovation in Dietetics Education. Escott-Stump is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she also earned a master’s degree in adult/community education and received the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Sylvia A. Escott-Stump, MA, RDN, LDN; Director-at-Large
Winterville, North Carolina
Escott-Stump is the Assistant Professor and Dietetic of the Internship Director at East Carolina University.
She has authored eight editions of Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care; five editions of Krause’s Food and the Nutrition Care Process; and the second edition of Nutritional Foundations and Clinical Applications: A Nursing Approach. At the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
She has served as President; representative to the International Confederation of Dietetic Associations; Speaker of the House; Chair of the Standardized Language task force, Nutrition Educators and Preceptors Council, and the Clinical Nutrition Management practice group. She is currently on the Board of Directors for the Academy Foundation.
Her honors include the Academy’s Medallion Award, Fellow, Lenna Frances Cooper Lecturer, recognition from North Carolina and Pennsylvania as Outstanding Dietitian, Distinguished Alumni Award from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and an honorary doctorate.
Eileen T. Kennedy, DSc, RD; Director-at-Large
Great Falls, Virginia
Kennedy is the dean of the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. Her extensive global research on the causes of poor nutrition has led to improvements in food, agriculture and economic policies. With colleagues primarily in Latin America, Kennedy explores community-based strategies for good nutrition and prevention of chronic disease.
Catherine Christie, PhD, RDN, LD/N, FAND, FADA; Director-at-Large
Jacksonville, Florida
Christie is the Associate Dean and Professor in the Brooks College of Health at the University of North Florida.
She is a past president of the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and co-author of four books including The Latino Food Lover’s Glossary, Fat is Not Your Fate, Eat to Stay Young and I’d Kill for a Cookie. Dr. Christie is also Editor of the Manual of Medical Nutrition Therapy, which is updated and published by the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics each year.
A registered dietitian, Fellow of the Preventative Cardiovascular Nurses Association and Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr. Christie earned her Ph.D. from Florida State University and served for six years as the Chairman of the Dietetics and Nutrition Council which regulates the nutrition profession in the state of Florida.
Dr. Christie is the recipient of several awards and/or certifications including Florida’s Distinguished Dietitian, Florida Dietetic Association Outstanding Service Award, Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management, Certificate of Training in Child and Adolescent Weight Management, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Outstanding Dietetic Educator Award, and most recently the Excellence in Practice Award for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. She was recently selected as the 2017 Distinguished Professor at the University of North Florida.
Camille Perrice Range, MPH, RD; Director-at-Large
Houston, Texas
Range graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Food Science and Human Nutrition and minor in Communications. Following, she moved to Houston, TX to completed the dietetic internship and received a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Texas School of Public Health. While in Houston, Range acted as the Nutrition Coordinator, and later Program Manager for the BOUNCE Health Lifestyle Program at the University of Houston. This obesity prevention and research initiative combined nutrition, physical activity and psychological interventions to promote positive health changes in low-income Hispanic and African American children and families.
In the Summer 2015, Range served the Office of the First Lady Michelle Obama and the Let’s Move! initiative during the 5th year anniversary celebration. Range has been an active young member in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics leadership. Range served as a 2017-2017 Diversity Leader, providing recommendations on how to implement programs aligning with the Academy’s Diversity Strategic Plan. In June 2016, Range was appointed to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Board. This appointment came at in exciting time as the Academy celebrates the centennial anniversary of the dietetics profession. Currently, Range the Programming & Operations Manager for ISCOPES at the George Washington University Milken School of Public Health. ISCOPES is a health-focused interprofessional service-learning program for GW medical, nursing, graduate students and DC Metro community partners to address public health issues through smarter service.
Kathy Wilson-Gold, MS, RDN, LD, FAND; Director-at-Large
Edmond, Oklahoma
Kathy Wilson-Gold, a registered and licensed dietitian, has built her career in the healthcare and education industry. She has a proven record of success leading executive teams to deliver innovative and customized business solutions that achieve strong market penetration, industry recognition and incremental economic value.
Kathy is currently employed by The CORE Group as Vice President of Non-Commercial and Culinary. She is responsible for three critical areas of business including K-12, healthcare and culinary. In her role, Kathy leads a national sales specialist and culinarian team to deliver unique value propositions for The CORE Group clients.
Prior to joining The CORE Group, Kathy was employed at the Campbell Soup Company where she was responsible for healthcare and education sales planning and strategy for the Away From Home division. Kathy has held other positions with a variety of food, nutrition and tech companies including Abbott Laboratories, Nova Services, US Foodservice (previously White Swan) and INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center.
A familiar face in the dietetics profession, Kathy is a Fellow and Member of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. She currently serves on the Academy’s Foundation Board of Directors and has held various national and state offices, including Chair of the Academy’s Nominating Committee, Chair of the Dietitians in Business and Communications Practice Group and President of the Texas Dietetic Association. She is a former member of the National Meals on Wheels Association of America Foundation Board and currently serves as a board member of Edmond Mobile Meals.
Kathy earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nutrition from the University of Oklahoma. She completed her dietetic practicum at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City.
Kathy Wilson-Gold, MS, RDN, LD, FAND; Secretary
Edmond, Oklahoma
Kathy Wilson-Gold, a registered and licensed dietitian, has built her career in the healthcare and education industry. She has a proven record of success leading executive teams to deliver innovative and customized business solutions that achieve strong market penetration, industry recognition and incremental economic value.
Kathy is currently employed by The CORE Group as Vice President of Non-Commercial and Culinary. She is responsible for three critical areas of business including K-12, healthcare and culinary. In her role, Kathy leads a national sales specialist and culinarian team to deliver unique value propositions for The CORE Group clients.
Prior to joining The CORE Group, Kathy was employed at the Campbell Soup Company where she was responsible for healthcare and education sales planning and strategy for the Away From Home division. Kathy has held other positions with a variety of food, nutrition and tech companies including Abbott Laboratories, Nova Services, US Foodservice (previously White Swan) and INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center.
A familiar face in the dietetics profession, Kathy is a Fellow and Member of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. She currently serves on the Academy’s Foundation Board of Directors and has held various national and state offices, including Chair of the Academy’s Nominating Committee, Chair of the Dietitians in Business and Communications Practice Group and President of the Texas Dietetic Association. She is a former member of the National Meals on Wheels Association of America Foundation Board and currently serves as a board member of Edmond Mobile Meals.
Kathy earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nutrition from the University of Oklahoma. She completed her dietetic practicum at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City.
Maha Tahiri, PhD; Public Member
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Maha Tahiri is Chief Health and Wellness Officer at General Mills Inc. where she has been head of the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition since February 2012. Tahiri leads a group of dedicated nutrition and food scientists, dietitians and public health professionals. The Bell Institute integrates nutrition science, regulatory expertise and communications skills to deliver strategic innovation in health and nutrition for all of General Mills businesses globally. Prior to General Mills Inc., she was Global Innovation and New Benefits Director for Danone Research Dairy Division. In this role, Tahiri reorganized and defined a long-term worldwide innovation strategy while building an innovation pipeline. Prior to her role at Danone, she was the Nutrition Director for Coca-Cola, France from 2005-2008. In this role, she defined a health and nutrition strategy and delivered an action plan including sugar reduction and responsible marketing to children.
Tahiri held the roles of Nutrition Innovation Manager and Nutrition Communication Manager at Mars for Europe, Middle East, and North Africa. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Nutrition on dietary fibers and mineral bioavailability. Her PhD was performed at the Human Nutrition Research Center at the National Institute of Agricultural Research, Clermont-Ferrand-Theix, France. Tahiri serves on the executive board of IFIC and EUFIC board of directors. She is a member of the IOM Food Forum and the newly formed IOM collaborative roundtable on obesity solutions. She is an active member of ILSI North America and participated in multiples taskforces at ILSI Europe. In her previous roles, she also served on the Board of Directors of the French Nutrition Institute.
Maha Tahiri, PhD; Public Member
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Maha Tahiri is Chief Health and Wellness Officer at General Mills Inc. where she has been head of the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition since February 2012. Tahiri leads a group of dedicated nutrition and food scientists, dietitians and public health professionals. The Bell Institute integrates nutrition science, regulatory expertise and communications skills to deliver strategic innovation in health and nutrition for all of General Mills businesses globally.
Prior to General Mills Inc., she was Global Innovation and New Benefits Director for Danone Research Dairy Division. In this role, Tahiri reorganized and defined a long-term worldwide innovation strategy while building an innovation pipeline. Prior to her role at Danone, she was the Nutrition Director for Coca-Cola, France from 2005-2008. In this role, she defined a health and nutrition strategy and delivered an action plan including sugar reduction and responsible marketing to children.
Tahiri held the roles of Nutrition Innovation Manager and Nutrition Communication Manager at Mars for Europe, Middle East and North Africa. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Nutrition on dietary fibers and mineral bioavailability. Her PhD was performed at the Human Nutrition Research Center at the National Institute of Agricultural Research, Clermont-Ferrand-Theix, France. Tahiri serves on the executive board of IFIC and EUFIC board of directors. She is a member of the IOM Food Forum and the newly formed IOM collaborative roundtable on obesity solutions. She is an active member of ILSI North America and participated in multiples taskforces at ILSI Europe. In her previous roles, she also served on the Board of Directors of the French Nutrition Institute.
Lisa M. Hilmi, MPH, BSN, RN; Public Member
Washington, D.C.
Lisa Hilmi has over 30 years of global health experience in over 20-plus countries, employing both human rights and community-based participatory approaches to addressing health disparities for women, children and communities. As a nurse, researcher, and public health expert, Hilmi has worked at multiple levels of global health, in policy, research, emergency relief and response, development, workforce development, health systems strengthening; from local to global levels. She has worked in development settings, led response to HIV/AIDS/STIs/GBV in refugee and conflict settings, and developed policy for outbreaks, disasters, and epidemics in multiple countries. She has led over $180 Million of development, relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Clinically, Hilmi has worked in pediatric hospital, community, academic, and crisis settings, and has held leadership positions in the UN, Sigma Theta Tau International, INGOs, and foundations. Her research focuses on geographical health disparities for adolescents in urban settings. She has a strong history of partnership and coordination with UN, INGOs, CSOs, and other stakeholders. She sits on the WHO PMNCH Board, the Steering Committee of the Child Health Task Force, Global Health Council’s Presidential Advisory Committee, as well as other review committees. She holds an MPH from Columbia University, a BSN and completing her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, was a Jonas Nurse Scholar, and holds a BA in Communications and Political Science from Villanova University.
August Schumacher, Jr; Public Member
Washington, D.C.
Schumacher is the Founding Board Chair at Wholesome Wave.
From 1997 to 2001, he served as President Clinton’s Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services at USDA. Prior this, Schumacher served as Administrator of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, worked as a senior Agri-lender for the World Bank, and served as Commissioner of Food and Agriculture for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
After Harvard College, he studied at the London School of Economics and was a research associate in agribusiness at the Harvard Business School, working with Professor Ray A. Goldberg. Schumacher was a member of the 21st National Academy of Sciences whose report was published in 2010. In 2007, Schumacher jointly oversaw the preparation of the Task Force Report of the Chicago Council of Global Affairs, titled “Modernizing America’s Food and Farm Policy: Vision for a New Direction” (2008).
He has received leadership awards from the James Beard Foundation and the EOS Foundation.
Sitoya Mansell, MPH, CHES; Student Member
San Bernardino, California
Mansell is currently a student finishing up a second Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences at California State University, San Bernardino and will begin her Dietetic Internship there this fall. She will also begin working on her second Master’s degree in Nutrition from the University of North Dakota.
She has 12 years of experience in the area of nutrition, health and wellness and has worked as a Health Education Assistant for Riverside County Department of Public Health, Nutrition Services and Health Promotion Department and a Health Coach for United Health Group, Optum Health Wellness. Mansell has been a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) for eight years and has helped thousands of clients adopt healthy lifestyles.
As an active member in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, she has served as a Student Liaison. She is also a past recipient of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarship (ANDF), California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarship (CAND) and the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics- Inland District Achievement Award/Scholarship (CAND-ID).
Mansell currently holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education from Morris Brown College in Atlanta Georgia, and Master’s Degree in Public Health from California State University, San Bernardino.
Sitoya Mansell, MPH, CHES; Student Member
San Bernardino, California
Mansell is currently a student completing her dietetic internship at California State University, San Bernardino and also a Graduate student at the University of North Dakota, completing her Master’s degree in Nutrition.
She has 13 years of experience in the area of nutrition, health and wellness and has worked as a Health Education Assistant for Riverside County Department of Public Health, Nutrition Services and Health Promotion Department and a Health Coach for United Health Group, Optum Health Wellness. Mansell has been a Certified Health Education Specialist for eight years and has helped thousands of clients adopt healthy lifestyles.
As an active member in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, she has served as a Student Liaison. She is also a past recipient of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarship, California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarship and the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics- Inland District Achievement Award/Scholarship.
Mansell currently holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education from Morris Brown College in Atlanta Georgia, a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences from California State University, San Bernardino, and Master’s Degree in Public Health from California State University, San Bernardino.
Donna S. Martin, EdS, RDN, LD, SNS, FAND; Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics President-Elect
Augusta, Georgia
Martin is director of the Burke County (Georgia) school nutrition program, which has 4,500 students in five schools, serving breakfast, lunch, after-school snacks and supper. Four of the schools have been acknowledged as Healthier US School Challenge Gold winners.
She has received honors and awards including Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year and the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year from the Georgia Dietetic Association; the Excellence in Practice Award from the School Nutrition Services Dietetic Practice Group; and the Academy Foundation’s 2007 Judy Ford Stokes Award for Innovation in Administrative Dietetics.
An active member of the Academy’s School Nutrition Services DPG, Martin was the group’s electronic communications chair and newsletter editor. She represented the Georgia Dietetic Association in the Academy’s House of Delegates; is a member of the School Nutrition Association Foundation’s board of directors; and served on the Georgia Department of Education’s Task Force on Nutrition Standards for School Nutrition Programs. She served as the Academy’s treasurer-elect in 2012-2013 and the Academy’s Treasurer in 2013-2015.
Martin is a graduate of the University of Georgia, and earned a master’s degree from the University of Alabama–Birmingham and an education specialist degree from Augusta State University.
Mary K. Russell, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND; Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics President-Elect
Chicago, Illinois
Russell is senior manager, US nutrition medical affairs, at Baxter Healthcare and a lecturer at the Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine and Science. Previously, she was director of the department of clinical nutrition at the University of Chicago Medical Center and worked at Duke University Hospital in positions including director of nutrition services, trauma/surgery dietitian clinician and adult nutrition support team dietitian clinician.
Russell will serve as the Academy’s president in 2018-2019. A past member of the Academy’s House of Delegates, Russell served on the Board of Directors for five years as treasurer-elect, treasurer and immediate past treasurer. She was a member of the Academy’s Honors, Finance and Audit, Nutrition Care Process/Standardized Language, and International Dietetics and Nutrition Terminology Review committees, and the Code of Ethics Review Task Force. Russell chaired the Ethics, Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo Program Planning Advisory and Foundation Scholarship committees. She is a past member of the Academy Foundation’s Board, past chair of the Dietitians in Nutrition Support dietetic practice group and past president of the North Carolina Dietetic Association. Russell was co-chair of the Academy/A.S.P.E.N. Task Force for the Revision of Standards of Practice and Professional Performance for Nutrition Support Dietitians. She received the 2011 Nutrition Support Dietitian Service Award from the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and the Academy’s Medallion Award in 2009.
Russell is the author or co-author of numerous papers in the area of nutrition support. She co-authored a chapter in the Academy’s Pocket Guide to Nutrition Assessment (2nd ed) and co-authored the Academy’s Critical Illness Toolkit (2010).
Russell is a graduate of Marquette University and earned a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Patricia M. Babjak, GSLIS (Ex-Officio); Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Chief Executive Officer
Chicago, Illinois
Babjak joined the Academy in 1975 and became director of the Commission on Dietetic Registration in 1978, serving until 1998 when she became executive vice president for Strategic Management and Governance. As executive vice president, she was responsible for overseeing development and implementation of the Academy’s strategic plan and for developing mechanisms to measure the Academy’s progress toward goals and objectives. Babjak facilitated the reorganization of the Academy’s governance structure, including new roles for the Board of Directors and House of Delegates and the transformation of the Academy’s Nominating Committee into a force for leadership development and diversity within the Academy. Babjak served as the Academy’s interim chief executive officer in 1997.
In 2004, in recognition of her service to the Academy and to the dietetics profession, Babjak became just the fourth staff member to be awarded honorary Academy membership.
Babjak served on the Advisory Committee of the Harvard University Leadership Institute and the Pew Health Professions Commission on Educating Health Care Workforce Task Force. She chaired the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and served on the Leadership Council for the National Organization for Competency Assurance.
Babjak is a graduate of the University of Illinois-Chicago and earned a master’s degree in library science from Dominican University.
