2021 NYSAND Elections

For the Office of President-Elect

The office of President-Elect is held for a one [1] year term, at the end of this term, the elected will assume the office of President. The President-Elect will: support the President in leading the Association towards its strategic direction and values; serve as a member of the Board of Directors; present a written proposal for the strategic plan and budget for term as President for approval by the Board; and perform the functions of the office of President in the absence or disability of the President.

Michelle Easterly Barber, MA, RDN, CDN
District: CNYDA

Statement to voting members: I am  honored to be nominated at the President-Elect of NYSAND. I promise to listen to members and fellow board members to fulfill the strategic plan and optimize the value of your membership. With my experience in communications, I will help spread the word to members, non-members, and the community about the breadth of work we do under all areas of Nutrition and the diversified community we have in dietetics.

Personal Statement

• What do you see as opportunities for the future of the food, nutrition, and dietetics profession?
• The opportunities for the future of food, nutrition, and the dietetics profession are endless and lies within each and every single one of us RDNs and NDTRs. Let's band together to expand knowledge, create leaders, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. With those fundamentals we will be able to promote licensure, be the go-to Nutrition Expert, and dominate the work (just joking on the last point).

AND or Affiliate Committee, Office, or Chair Positions Held/DPG Positions

Recent Employment History

For the Office of Delegate - Region 2 (GNYDA, LIAND)

The position of Delegate is a three [3] year term and may be re-elected for one [1] additional term of office.  The Delegates will: represent and act on behalf of NYSAND at all meetings of the Academy's House of Delegates; communicate all business and current issues of the House of Delegates to and from the Board of Directors and the membership; communicate pertinent professional and practice issues to the District Association Presidents; and introduce member issues in the House of Delegates on behalf of the members of NYSAND. 

Rita K. Batheja, MS, RDN, CDN, FAND, AFMCP
District: GNYDA & LIAND

Statement to voting members: I seek support, passion, and service from students, interns, NDTRs, and RDNs. Advocate for policies to support safe, nutrition food and water. Communication and collaboration with second century leaders. Increase and embrace diversity. Each member to be familiar with standard of practice (SOP) and Standard of Professional Performance (SOPP). Your voice to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Inspire non-academy New York Dietitians to join Academy explaining membership value and bring reverence to NYSAND.

Personal Statement

• What do you see as opportunities for the future of the food, nutrition, and dietetics profession?
• I am passionate about empowering members to create new opportunities within our profession and through collaboration with other professionals and professional organizations nationally and internationally.
• How can RDNs secure influential positions in government bodies and licensing board
• RDNs to apply for quality management positions in hospital setting and with Insurance companies to increase reimbursement
• Championing Nutrition and Dietetic Leaders in public health positions
• Out members to be leaders in our profession providing Quality Nutrition protecting the public.

AND or Affiliate Committee, Office or Chair Positions Held/DPG Positions

Recent Employment History

For the Office of Delegate - Region 4 (CNYDA, MRDA)

The position of Delegate is a three [3] year term and may be re-elected for one [1] additional term of office.  The Delegates will: represent and act on behalf of NYSAND at all meetings of the Academy's House of Delegates; communicate all business and current issues of the House of Delegates to and from the Board of Directors and the membership; communicate pertinent professional and practice issues to the District Association Presidents; and introduce member issues in the House of Delegates on behalf of the members of NYSAND. 

Maria C. Mahar, MA, RD, CDN
District: MRDA

Statement to voting members: As a delegate I will be an effective communicator and represent NYSAND member equally and in an unbiased manner. I also understand that it is important for the delegate to interact with NYSAND members to identify issues that are important to the membership, issues such as federal and state public policies, as well as trends that may affect the future of the dietetics profession.

Personal Statement

• What do you see as opportunities for the future of the food, nutrition, and dietetics profession?
• Future opportunities I see for registered dietitians include the following: Increased consumer demand to know where their food is grown and if it is sustainable. Food service companies will need our expertise to guide them on how to be transparent to meet consumer demands. Another opportunity is for clinical dietitians to work with the health care sector to create disease coding standards to receive financial reimbursement for medical nutrition therapy. Other future opportunities also include RDs using teleconference and mobile applications for nutrition counseling/coaching.

AND or Affiliate Committee, Office or Chair Positions Held/DPG Positions

Recent Employment History