Meet Our Executive Leaders
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Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CAE
Wylecia Wiggs Harris has oversight of all entities under the Academy’s umbrella, including management of approximately 170 employees. She has responsibility for managing nearly $55 million in revenue (including investment returns), $34 million in operating expense and nearly $97 million in total assets; and directing the Academy’s extensive and influential national and international initiatives in consumer education, nutrition science research, and advocacy and public policy. Harris also serves as the CEO of the Academy’s Foundation. |
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Rayane AbuSabha, PhD, RD
As Executive Director of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, Rayane AbuSabha oversees the processes and policies related to the accreditation of dietetics education programs that prepare students to begin careers as registered dietitian nutritionists or nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered. Key areas include education models and standards, program review and accreditation decisions, and the collection, interpretation and dissemination of data pertaining to student entry, program completion and future needs for quality of nutrition and dietetics education. |
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Doris Acosta
Doris Acosta leads strategic communication initiatives that support Academy members and the profession through impactful storytelling and meaningful engagement. Key areas include the Academy’s media relations and national spokesperson programs, Eat Right Weekly, social media presence and online content strategy for eatright.org for consumers, eatrightPRO.org for practitioners, and eatrightSTORE.org for books and CPE products. |
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Jeanne Blankenship, MS, RDN
Jeanne Blankenship oversees the Academy’s public policy strategy — leading staff and volunteers in advocacy, promoting public health initiatives, and collaborating with legislators and policy leaders at every level of government to promote health and reduce the burden of chronic disease through nutrition services and interventions. Key areas include nutrition policy and legislation, professional licensure, payment and reimbursement, Academy alliances and the Academy's political action committee (ANDPAC). |
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Sharon McCauley, MS, MBA, RDN, FADA, FAND
As Executive Director of the Commission on Dietetic Registration, Sharon McCauley oversees all matters pertaining to certification, recertification and related professional assessment and development activities, including standard setting for CPE learners and providers, the establishment of certification fees and administering credentialing programs. Key areas include national RD/RDN and DTR/NDTR examinations, board certifications, scope of practice and quality management. |
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Paul Mifsud, MBA
Paul Mifsud is responsible for the planning, budgeting and reporting of Academy financial activities to ensure the financial health and sustainability of the organization and its organizational units. Key areas include finance and administration, books and product development, the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, information technology and database administration. |
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Carrolyn Patterson, MBA
Carrolyn Patterson leads the Academy's human resources efforts — including staff recruitment and performance management, coaching and development, employee recognition and reward, diversity and inclusion, and implementing ideas that expand existing efforts related to attracting and retaining new diverse talent while supporting and developing existing staff. |
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Alison Steiber, PhD, RDN
Alison Steiber oversees the Academy's research, international and scientific affairs, including the development of systematic reviews, position statements, nutrition related research, evidenced-based nutrition practice guidelines and standardized language resources, as well as the research fellowship program. |
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Barbara Visocan, MS, RDN, FAND
Barbara Visocan oversees member recruitment and retention, Academy groups (affiliates, dietetic practice groups and member interest groups), and a number of member benefits programs. Key areas include the Member Service Center, Academy national honors and awards, Nutrition Information Services and the Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession. |
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Mary Beth Whalen
As Chief Operating Officer, Mary Beth Whalen is responsible for day-to-day operations and ensuring efficient business functions. Key areas include marketing, corporate relations, meetings services and lifelong learning. She also serves as the Executive Director of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation. |
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!