Become an Academy Media Spokesperson

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

The application period for the 2024 to 2027 term has closed.

Open Expertise Areas

Academy Spokesperson Qualifications

• Be an Academy member and a registered dietitian nutritionist.
• Demonstrate strong communications skills and a positive demeanor. Prior experience in working with the news media (television, radio, print, online) is preferred.
• Be knowledgeable in evidence-based nutrition and health research, trending food and nutrition topics, and Academy messaging, positions and evidence-based guidelines.
• Be free of conflicts of interest (see Conflicts of Interest).
• Have sufficient flexibility in schedule for required media training, interviews, preparation and occasional travel and other assignments.
• Promote and/or attend local or national Academy events and activities.
• Maintain a working computer, mobile device with video capability and a private email address (work, school, government or public agency addresses are not permitted).
• Be proficient in social media best practices and be professionally active on at least two platforms.

Policy Information

• Media and Spokesperson Policy
• Sponsored Meetings for Academy Media Spokespeople Policy

Email the Academy's Media Relations Team to request more information.