Meet Our Spokespeople

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.

Academy spokespeople are skilled at speaking with the media and excel in translating nutrition science into information consumers can easily understand. To contact an Academy spokesperson, call Meghan Tisinger at 703-215-5761 or email the Media Relations team.

Recent Media Highlights: Our Experts in the News

Each week the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokespeople are interviewed for features in news articles about dietetics and nutrition. Sample published articles showcase this valuable knowledge:

• September 20, 2024, VeryWell Health, "This Micronutrient Might Hold the Secret to a Longer Life, Study Suggests"
  • Discusses benefits of selenium for healthy aging and protecting against heart disease risk, as well as daily intake recommendations and food sources; features Vanessa King, who offers insights and recommendations and says selenium helps with cell growth and thyroid function and is known to boost our immune function.
• August 28, 2024, Environmental Nutrition, "Are you living in a food desert or a food swamp?"
  • Discusses differences between a food desert and a food swamp and describes potential health risks of both, such as increased rates of obesity, stroke and some types of cancer; features Whitney Linsenmeyer, who says if food desert and food swamp residents can learn how to identify healthier, affordable food choices, they are better equipped to stock up as far as pantry space and budget allow; she also says that a little patch of yard or a windowsill with good light could be places to grow fresh food at home.
• August 1, 2024,AARP: “How to Spot Malnutrition Symptoms in Your Loved One”
  • Discusses malnutrition myths, consequences, symptoms, risk factors and corrective measures, such as working with an RDN; features Angel Planells, who says anyone — including those with obesity — can experience malnutrition if they don’t eat enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein, and provides other insights and recommendations.
• July 29, 2024,HuffPost: “The Best Type Of Milk To Drink, Depending On Your Health Goals”
  • Discusses best milk types for gut health, bone health, lower cholesterol, healthy weight loss, blood sugar management and acne, as well as price, taste and ingredient considerations; features Sandra Arévalo, Amy Kimberlain and Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes, who discuss the different qualities and potential benefits of cow’s milk, kefir, soy milk, almond milk and oat milk.
• July 17, 2024, TODAY: “What are the healthiest potatoes? These 2 types have the most nutrients, dietitians say”
  • Discusses nutritional value of potatoes and the unique nutrients of different colored potatoes, and names sweet potatoes and purple potatoes as the healthiest variations; features Theresa Gentile, who provides insights and recommendations throughout the article.
• July 15, 2024, Lose It!: “9 Ways to Jazz Up Your Eggs to Stay Full All Morning, According to RDs”
  • Discusses ways to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of egg-based meals, such as adding veggies or making breakfast tacos; features Grace Derocha, who provides insights and recommendations throughout the article; also references the Academy’s recommended daily fiber intake.
• July 12, 2024, Simply Recipes: “The Only Way You Should Store Cucumbers, According to an Expert”
  • Discusses signs that cucumbers have gone bad, the best way to store them to preserve freshness and tips for picking the best cucumbers; features Amy Reed, who explains why cucumbers get slimy and gives tips for storing and selecting cucumbers.
• July 11, 2024, USA Today: “Yes, seaweed is good for you – but you shouldn't eat too much. Why?”
  • Discusses beneficial nutrients in seaweed, such as antioxidants and potassium, but does not recommend consuming in large amounts due to potential heavy metal content; features Caroline Susie, who shares nutritional value of seaweed and ways to incorporate it into diets.
• July 3, 2024, Peloton’s The Output: “Can You ‘Optimize’ Muscle Protein Synthesis to Gain More Muscle? Experts Weigh In”
  • Discusses how diet and exercise affect muscle protein synthesis and tips for optimizing the process, such as timing protein intake properly and getting enough rest; features Yasi Ansari, who provides insights and recommendations throughout the article.
• June 16, 2024, Good Housekeeping: “Colostrum Supplements Are Going Viral on TikTok — Here's the Truth About Them”
  • Discusses health claims, potential benefits and side effects of increasingly popular colostrum supplements; features Amy Bragagnini, who references existing colostrum and research and says she would want to see much larger trials and more robust research before recommending it to her patients.