 Chair
Andrea McDonald, Ph.D., CHES, is a dynamic and engaging Assistant Director and Professor in the School of Public and Allied Health at Prairie View A&M University. She received her Ph.D. in Health Education and Promotion from Texas A&M University and her Master of Science in Human Sciences, with a concentration in Dietetics, from Prairie View A&M University. In her current position, she led the development of the Master of Public Health degree, oversaw the school's curriculum, and assisted with curriculum mapping. Dr. McDonald has a deep-rooted passion for community well-being and has been heavily involved in community health strategic planning and assessment. Her research vision is anchored in the belief that food preparation literacy is fundamental to preventing chronic diseases, and educating youths is essential. She has contributed to impactful work within her local community and the Caribbean, leading to the publication of multiple manuscripts and conference presentations. Her aim is to advocate and implement innovative strategies to address food literacy and mental health in maternal mothers and children in underserved areas. During her free time, she enjoys cooking and eating with friends and family.
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 Chair-Elect
Bennett Pope, MS, RD, LD, completed his Master of Science in Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion and dietetic internship at Mississippi State University in 2024. He works as a dietitian at Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Choctaw Food Distribution program doing nutrition education for FDPIR and CSFP clients. His hobbies include dancing, language learning, studying social sciences, and playing board games with friends. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve other dietetics professionals.
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Past-Chair
Beth Cordova, MPA, RDN, received both her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and her Master of Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach. She has been employed at the PHFE WIC Program since 2002, serving as a Supervising Nutritionist, Area Manager, and currently as the Dietetic Internship Director. She is currently serves as the Scholarship Chair of the California Academy of Nutrition, Nominating Committee Member of the Public Health Community Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, and a member of the National WIC Association’s RD Recruitment and Retention Task Force. In addition, Beth is a preceptor for visiting dietetic interns, who are completing their community rotation at PHFE WIC. Beth considers it an honor and a privilege to serve future dietetic professionals.
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 Treasurer
Susan Sawchuk, MS, RD brings a diverse background to her role as Treasurer combining her analytical skills with expertise in dietetics. She holds a M.S. in Nutrition and Food Science from Montclair State University and a B.S. in Mathematics from Manhattan College. After a corporate career in project and data management, Susan shifted her focus to the field of Nutrition and Dietetics. Susan currently works as a Dietician Nutritionist in a hospital setting. Susan also serves as a member on the Mahwah Board of Health.
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 Secretary
Sarah works with the Education and Membership Engagement team to support NWA members by answering questions and assisting with WIC staff education and networking opportunities, as well as working on event and conference planning and ensuring CEU standards are met for all qualifying programming. She joined NWA in January 2024. She is passionate about public health nutrition and has dedicated three and a half years to working with WIC. Volunteering holds great importance for her, and she has served as the secretary for the Northern Indiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics chapter, contributed to the Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics board focusing on public policy, participated in several NWA committees, and conducted precepting with nursing and dietetics students and interns. Sarah works with the National WIC Association as the Manager of Membership and Events. Before joining NWA, Sarah worked at local WIC offices in Indiana and Michigan, Andrews University as a nutrition professor, and worked as a clinical dietitian in long-term care. She thoroughly enjoys educating people on the significance of nutrition and mentoring new health professionals.
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 HOD Delegate
Cindy Davis, MPH, RDN, is the Employee Health and Wellness Promotion Specialist for Life & Work Connections at the University of Arizona for 7 years and teaches Public Health Nutrition. Her past employer includes Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, where she implemented several nutrition fitness programs. Cindy is a certified Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Gatekeeper instructor through the QPR Institute. Although she is ready to discuss nutrition, she also likes to focus on other elements of wellbeing for better health outcomes.
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 Nominating Committee Chair
Lourdes Chew, MS, RDN, LDN, is a Nutrition Specialist at AgeGuide in Northeastern Illinois working with Grants Administration. As the Community Liaison for Grundy County, her service specialties include Congregate and Home Delivered Meals and Farmer's Market. Lourdes is a lifelong learner and has completed a Certificate in Long Term Care Administration, Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management and Nutrition, and Healthy Living. Lourdes has competed in multiple 5K races, Chicago half Marathon and a Triathlon.
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Nominating Committee Chair-Elect
Stephanie Alsbrook, MS, RDN, LD is a Clinical Instructor at the University of Central Arkansas and a doctoral student in Human Resource and Workforce Development. She has extensive experience in school nutrition policy, federal program implementation, and community health initiatives. Stephanie is passionate about advancing equitable access to nutrition services through education, leadership, and advocacy. She also enjoys mentoring students and contributing to workforce development in public health nutrition.
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Nominating Committee Member
Jingyi Wang, PhD, MPH, RD, is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian as well as a Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition. Jingyi is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Indiana University's Applied Health Science department. She worked as an RD in Alaska in the areas of geriatric nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, and community health. Jingyi's research interests include food insecurity, its impact on health and wellness, and the mechanisms of these associations.
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 IDEA Liaison
Deborah Ann-Lee Davis, MPH, BS, C-EP, FNS, CHC: I have a passion for learning and a goal to use my education and experience to make a difference in as many people's lives as possible. My time in ROTC as well as my health coordinator roles in both clinical and military settings allowed me to develop strong leadership and communication skills. I have degrees in public health, health promotion and exercise science as well as multiple certifications to complement those. I am currently pursuing a degree in nutrition to become an RD with deep interests in health equity and community education. I aim to be well versed in every facet of wellness to provide the most up-to-date resources for the public.
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 Awards Committee Chair
Carol Sloan, RDN, FAND, is a registered dietitian/nutritionist and consultant with expertise in food and nutrition communications and food service management. Carol retired in February 2023 from the position of Health Research Director for the California Walnut Commission where she led project implementation and oversaw active research studies internationally and domestically since 2000. Carol collaborated with the public relations and marketing departments to translate this scientific research for broader audiences, including consumers and health professionals. She is a freelance journalist specializing in delivering scientifically sound, realistic information all about food, nutrition and health and is nutrition consultant to several healthcare facilities in southern California. Carol currently serves as a delegate to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has also served on the Executive Board for the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is an active member of many Academy Dietetic Practice Groups. She is currently the editor of the Nutrition Education for the Public (NEP) DPG newsletter.
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Awards Committee Member
VACANT
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Awards Committee Member
VACANT
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 Strategic Communications Chair
Sophia Medinsky MS, RDN, CDN, FAND, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Fellow of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, certified in Obesity and Weight Management in Pediatrics and Adults with more than 18+ years of experience in Nutrition and Dietetics. With a passion for Healthy Living/Weight Management/Mindfulness, Ms. Medinsky has dedicated her career to Health & Wellness, Public Health, and Clinical Nutrition. As a Dietitian 2 at OMH Kirby PC, she shares her nutrition expertise with patients and health professionals. Sophia Medinsky received Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from New York University in Nutrition and Dietetics and completed her dietetic internship at The New York Presbyterian Hospital Dietetic Internship Program at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Weight Management DPG, Public Health/Community Nutrition DPG, Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors (NDEP), Global Member Interest Group (MIG), and Cultures of Gender and Age (COGA). Throughout her academic journey, Ms. Medinsky has developed a voracious appetite for learning and professional growth. In her professional life, she embraces challenges as opportunities for growth and development.
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E-blast Coordinator
VACANT
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Website Discussion Board Administrator
VACANT
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Social Media Coordinator
VACANT
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Website Editor: position open
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Awards Chair: position open
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DPG Manager: Adriana Legreid
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