In recognition of outstanding service and contributions to the nutrition and dietetics profession, the following individuals have been selected by the Honors Committee and Board of Directors to receive top Academy national honors and awards.
Congratulations go to the following recipients for outstanding leadership and contributions to the profession and practice of nutrition and dietetics.
2026 Honors and Awards
Lifetime Achievement Award
Melinda Manore, PhD RDN FACSM
Distinguished Lecture Award
Presented at FNCE® 2027)
Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS RDN CDE
Honorary Membership
Jaclyn Albin, MD, CCMS, DipABLM
Dr. Todd Rice, MD, MSc
Medallion Award
Linda Farr, RDN, LD, FAND
Joan Salge Blake, EDD, MS, RD, LDN, FAND
Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, LD
Stella Uzogara, PhD, MS, RDN, LDN, CFS, FAND
Denise Baird Schwartz, MS, RD, FADA, FAND
Sharon Cox, MA, RDN, LDN, FAND
Yvonne Greer, DRPH, RD, CDN
Media Excellence Award
Jill Castle, MS, RDN
Outstanding Interprofessional Practice Award
Madeline Hric, MS, RD, LD, FAND
Excellence in Practice Awards
Business and Industry Practice Award
Krystal Register, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND
Clinical Nutrition Practice Award
Stacy Pelekhaty, FASPEN, RD, LDN, CNSC, FAND
Community and Public Health Practice Award
Cicely Thomas, DCN, MEd, RD, LD, FAND
Education Practice Award
Veronica Oates, PhD, RDN, LDN
Entrepreneurial Practice Award
Fabiola Gaines, RD, LD
Executive Leadership Practice
Winona Bynum, RDN
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Promotion Award
Jill White, EDD, RD
Management Practice Award
Sara Perrone, RD
Policy Initiatives and Advocacy Award
Lesley L. McPhatter, MS, RDN, CSR
Research Practice Award
Rosa Hand, PhD, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
References
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