Since its inception in 1982, the Academy's Spokesperson program has been instrumental in bringing the Academy's messages of healthful eating and nutrition to millions of Americans each year via every form of news media — print, broadcast and digital.
The Academy's landmark volunteer Spokesperson program advances the Academy's mission and goals; increases the public's knowledge of food, nutrition and health; establishes the registered dietitian nutritionist as the public's best source for nutrition information; and increases the overall visibility of the dietetics profession and the Academy.
Spokespersons Testimonials
“The Academy Spokesperson program taught me how to translate scientific evidence into consumer-friendly language to educate the public about the valuable role of good nutrition. Academy Spokespeople are trained to serve as the “face” of the Academy to promote the profession and registered dietitian nutritionists as the food and nutrition experts. I am grateful for the leadership and communication skills I developed from serving as an Academy Spokesperson.”
-Lauri Wright, PhD, RDN, LDN, FAND, 2023-2024 Academy President (2014–2023)
“My six years with the Academy’s Spokesperson program have been some of the most rewarding of my personal and professional life. The spokesperson family is the most supportive, smart and savvy group, and the skills I've learned in this program are useful every day. From work to volunteering, I've fine-tuned my communications toolkit thanks to the training I received as an Academy Spokesperson.”
-Melissa Majumdar, MS, RD, CSOWM, LDN (2017–2023)Apply to Become a Spokesperson
Applications for the 2024 to 2027 term will be accepted through February 2, 2024.
Open Expertise Areas
Eating Disorders
Food Allergies/Intolerances/Celiac Disease
Infant Nutrition
Microbiome
Osteoporosis
Probiotics/Prebiotics
Academy Spokesperson Qualifications
- Be an Academy member.
- Have been an RD or RDN for at least five years. Advanced degree is preferred. Specialty credentials are desirable, but not required.
- Have a minimum of two years of media experience (this includes working with the news media in television, radio, print and/or electronic forms).
- Demonstrate strong communication skills and a positive demeanor.
- Be knowledgeable in food and nutrition science with two or three areas of expertise, current food and nutrition trends and Academy positions.
- Have volunteered with, been active with or held an Academy position at the district, state or national level.
- Be free of conflicts of interest. (See Academy Conflict of Interest Policy.)
- Have sufficient flexibility in your work schedule to permit media training, interviews (often on short notice), preparation time, occasional travel and other assignments.
- Promote, support and attend state, district or national Academy activities.
- Maintain an email address and have reliable internet access.
- Be proficient in electronic and social media communications.
Policy Information
Email the Academy's Media Relations Team to request more information.
Join the Academy
Members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics receive exciting benefits including complimentary continuing professional education opportunities, discounts on events and products in eatrightSTORE.org, invitations to exclusive members-only events and more!