How We Lead

The Academy is committed to collaboration, innovation and respect — supporting an organizational culture where volunteer leaders, members and employees feel welcome, included and empowered to succeed.

Volunteer leaders work together with staff as partners to advance the Academy's vision through work aligned with our strategic plan and priorities. Together, these roles create a comprehensive leadership and governance ecosystem designed to implement strategic thinking and planning for concrete action and success metrics to move the organization and profession forward.

Legal Structure

The Academy Enterprise, which refers to entities of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is made up of three separate, legal designations.

• The Academy is a 501(c)6 organization, which includes the association's accreditation (ACEND) and certification (CDR) bodies, as well as practice and engagement groups. The Academy's Board of Directors are the fiduciaries of the 501(c)6 — meaning they are legally responsible to act in the best interest of the organization and prioritize the financial well-being of the association.
• The Academy Foundation is a 501C3 organization and is a separate legal entity from the rest of the Academy.
• The Academy's Political Action Committee, ANDPAC, is a 527 Group, which is a segregated fund earmarked especially for lobbying and other political activities.

(Note: No member dues support the Foundation or ANDPAC.)

Outside of the Academy enterprise, the Affiliates are separate legal entities that are connected to the Academy through affiliate agreements outlining terms and conditions that ensure a successful partnership.

Governance Structure

The Academy 501(c)6 is governed by the Board of Directors, and each governance group has a distinct set of responsibilities and charges.

• The Board of Directors is legally responsible for the affairs of the Academy — including its strategic direction, fiscal year priorities and budget.
• Academy staff are responsible for operational oversight and implementation under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer.
• Academy committees support the Academy's strategic priorities in the areas of policy and advocacy, research and evidence-based resources, organizational governance, ethics, equity and inclusion, practice excellence and the future of the profession.
• Led by a Council, ACEND is the Academy's accreditation arm that evaluates dietetics education programs seeking to demonstrate compliance with Accreditation Standards.
• Led by a Commission, CDR is the certification arm of the Academy responsible for administering entry-level, specialist and advanced practice credentials.
• The House of Delegates oversees the development of position statements and professional papers, identifying and escalating professional topics and trends for strategic recommendations, amending Academy Bylaws and other duties.
• Member Interest Groups reflect the many interests and characteristics of dietetics practitioners and the public they serve.
• Dietetic Practice Groups create professional resources and opportunities centered around specialty areas of practice.
• Affiliates: While legally separate entities from the Academy, Affiliates offer resources and connections with fellow practitioners, students and educators based on geographic location.
• Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors: The goal of NDEP is to optimize higher education for current and future nutrition and dietetics professionals.