House of Delegates

The House of Delegates (HOD) serves as a voice of Academy members and identifies and develops solutions to some of the challenges facing the profession (critical issues). Delegates are trained to take a holistic approach towards addressing views, beliefs, values, and self-interests of fellow constituencies in meetings, to participate in a collective dialogue that collaborates with the perspectives of other constituencies. When addressing critical issues in this way, delegates can understand the entire issue so they can make decisions based on the best interests of the profession. The HOD also oversees Academy bylaws and establishes qualifications for membership and dues structure.

The House is presided by Speaker of the House Ainsley Malone, MS, RDN, LD, CNSC, FASPEN, FAND.

You have a voice in the Academy. Delegates are a key connection to the Academy's constituency. The House of Delegates supports and encourages proactive communication and continually seeks member input on issues affecting the profession. The work of the association relies on the contributions of members like you. Volunteer leaders are the mainstay of the organization.

All current delegates can be reached through the Leadership Directory.

The House of Delegates includes a total number of 113 delegates:

• 6 House Leadership Team Members: includes the Speaker, Speaker-elect, and immediate Past-Speaker, and 3 HOD Directors, elected by membership. They are also members of the Academy Board of Directors.
• 64 Affiliate Delegates: elected by members of the 53 affiliate dietetic associations.
• 27 Dietetic Practice Group Delegates: elected by DPG membership and represent the specific DPG from which they are elected.
• 8 Member Interest Group Delegates: elected by the MIG membership and represent the specific MIG from which they are elected.
• 7 At-Large Delegates:
  • one delegate representing NDEP, elected by NDEP members
  • one delegate representing student members, appointed by the Academy President-elect and Speaker-elect
  • one delegate representing NDTRs, elected by Academy members
  • one delegate representing retired members, elected by Academy members
  • one delegate representing members within the first 5 years of being credentialed, elected by Academy members
  • one delegate representing ACEND, appointed by ACEND, non-voting delegates
  • one delegate representing CDR, appointed by CDR, non-voting delegates

HOD Core Functions

• Strategic Thinking and Visioning
• Governance
• Member Engagement
• Advocacy and Public Policy

HOD Core Values and Guiding Principles

The House of Delegates has released its Final HOD Core Values and Guiding Principles, as part of the HOD's commitment to the Academy's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Action Plan.