I advanced sustainable diets through advocacy by • commenting to proposals affecting federal policy nutrition, environment and ag policy• engaging with members of Congress on legislation promoting responsible ag and nutrition policy• writing impactful Op-Ed articles published in DC political media• composing public-facing documents focused on the Dietary Guidelines update• collaborating with allies and partners to influence federal policy affecting sustainable food choices related to policy regarding dairy, federal food purchasing, and school nutrition

Hired by the world's largest professional association for food and nutrition professionals to overhaul and strengthen its process for reviewing and commenting to federal regulatory proposals. Managed the entire complex program, from start to finish, and led staff meetings regarding status of each proposal. In total, my work role involved collaborating on strategic communications, reviewing and interpreting federal and state regulations, preparing and submitting comments to federal regulatory agencies, lobbying, reviewing and summarizing research, and educating members on complex policy issues. I also managed the Academy's process for nominations to federal advisory councils. Represented the Association in professional settings to support the organization’s mission and goals of advancing nutrition through public policy, especially through licensure and comments to federal agencies. Served as a liaison, communication channel as subject matter expert on plant-based issues.• Within 12 months of hire, improved regulatory comment process to the extent that comment submissions nearly doubled vs. prior year. • Managed and edited content for substantial upgrades to Academy website regarding professional licensure.• Established and facilitated a formal process to nominate 10+ people to various federal advisory committees.• Participated in organization-wide efforts to define “plant-based diets,” which are attracting substantial attention for prevention, disease treatment and environmental sustainability.

Present in-person and online nutrition education programs to individuals and groupsLeveraged 30+ years of experience living and applying a vegan diet to a role advising clients on conversion to healthy vegan diets, including education on food sources, prep techniques, supplements, etc. Reviewed, compiled and summarized peer-reviewed research in sustainability and nutrition. Drafted, designed and updated custom education materials, including 15 nutrition education documents, which received numerous accolades from professionals as well as consumers. Frequent speaker and lecturer on plant-based diets for health and sustainability. Authored and conducted a variety of multimedia presentations to consumer and professional audiences on a variety of topics.Counseled clients in preventing and treating chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. Monitored retail and food service settings for changes in requirements, practices and labeling.

Staff Nutritionist for one of Maryland’s largest nonprofit community health centers serving low income populations.Educated staff and patients on nutrition topics, conducted live workshops, reviewed research, drafted patient education materials and reviewed third-party materials for utility and accuracy.Provided nutrition counseling, charted patient information in electronic records, and collaborated across departments to ensure high quality patient care.Instituted several organizational firsts, including first effective live workshops to increase intake of vegetables by underserved children and pre-teens; and first opportunity for nutrition counseling of patients suffering from emotional disorders.

Conducted soil perc tests and analysis for septic system suitability, protection of groundwaterPerformed supervisory activities on a volunteer basisInvestigated and resolved over 100 complaints of threats to the public healthOverhauled a system to address public health issues prior to property development