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Meet Our Executive Leaders


Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
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With oversight of all 501 (c)(6) and 501(c)(3) entities in the Academy  Enterprise, Wylecia Wiggs Harris is responsible for managing approximately $48 million in revenue including investment returns, $41 million in operating expense and nearly $107 million in total assets, and directing the Academy’s extensive and influential initiatives in consumer education, nutrition science research, and advocacy and public policy. Harris also serves as the CEO of the Academy’s Foundation.




Rayane AbuSabha, PhD, RD
Executive Director, ACEND
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Rayane AbuSabha oversees the processes and policies related to the accreditation of education programs that prepare students to begin careers as RDNs or NDTRs. 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.



Kelly Horton

Kelly Horton, MS, RDN
Senior Vice President, Public Policy and Government Relations
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Kelly Horton oversees the Academy’s public policy agenda, advocacy efforts and strategic partnerships that promote health and reduce the burden of chronic disease through evidence-based nutrition services and interventions. Her role supports the pursuit of legislative and regulatory policies that expand access to nutrition care. In collaboration with her department staff and member committees, her portfolio of programs includes those that impact consumer protection and licensure and healthcare policy and payment.



Stephanie Kowalski

Stephanie Kowalski
(Interim) Chief Communications, Marketing and Membership Officer

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Stephanie Kowalski leads communications, marketing and membership initiatives that support our community through media relations, member engagement, integrated marketing and social media programs, brand identity and public outreach. She also oversees eatright.org for consumers, eatrightPRO.org for practitioners, and eatrightSTORE.org for publications and CPE products.

 



portrait of Sharon McCauley

Sharon McCauley, MS, MBA, RDN, FADA, FAND
‪Executive Director, CDR
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Sharon McCauley oversees certification, recertification and related professional assessment and development activities, including national RD/RDN and DTR/NDTR examinations, board certifications, standard setting for CPE learners and providers, the establishment of certification fees and administering credentialing programs.




portrait of Sharon McCauley

Carrolyn Patterson, MBA
‪Vice President, Human Resources
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 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 talent while supporting and developing existing staff. In addition, she is responsible for facilities management and office services.



portrait of Sharon McCauley

Liz Spittler
‪Chief of Staff and Special Projects Officer
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Liz Spittler oversees the implementation of the Academy's strategic priorities and key executive governance and leadership activities. She drives a portfolio of special projects that advance the Academy’s future state vision and priorities — assigning ownership across teams or organizational units to ensure deliverables are met and serving as a key liaison for the Chief Executive Officer with the Academy's Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team.




portrait of Sharon McCauley

Alison Steiber, PhD, RDN
‪Chief Impact Officer
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Through mission-centric activities aligned to strategic priorities including position statements and professional papers, practice guidelines and the Academy’s data registry, Alison Steiber oversees the Academy's Practice Excellence Center, research and scientific affairs, quality management, interoperability and standards.



portrait of Sharon McCauley

Mary Beth Whalen
‪Chief Revenue and Growth Officer
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As Chief Revenue and Growth Officer, Mary Beth Whalen is responsible for developing and executing strategies to drive revenue and sustainable growth through sales and business development efforts that maximize current and new revenue streams. She is responsible for aligning and supporting key areas of the organization, including corporate relations, meetings services, Academy membership, continuing education and professional development products, and books and publications.


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!