Introducing the Academy’s 2018-2019 President: Mary K. Russell, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND

Abstract

As longtime friends and colleagues, we are delighted to introduce you to Mary Krystofiak Russell, the Academy’s 2018-2019 President. Straightforward, accountable, transparent, empowering, consistent, and committed are merely a few of the many leadership qualities that describe Mary. From her days as a nutrition support service dietitian at Duke University Hospital to her current position as senior manager at Baxter Healthcare, Mary has steadfastly focused on helping patients improve so they can achieve positive outcomes. Mary’s first hospital position was not in dietetics, but in medical technology at St Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. It was there that she was introduced to hospital nutrition care and the benefits of impactful nutrition intervention for patients. As Mary describes it: “Being in the hospital with very sick patients allowed me to recognize the strong role nutrition can play in helping them get better.” At that point, Mary decided to pursue educational requirements to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), a path from which she never looked back. Mary began her leadership track in malnutrition and the emerging practice area of nutrition support dietetics. Working as a member of the Duke University Hospital Nutrition Support Service, Mary was instrumental in leading young dietitians to gain skills in performing nutrition assessments and in the use of enteral and parenteral nutrition. She has always recognized the importance of providing education to RDNs, starting at the bedside with her own staff, then by sharing her expertise with others across the country. To this day, Mary teaches a critical care nutrition course at a local university. Mary has long been a sought-after presenter at state and national meetings, where she provides clinical expertise both to those who are just beginning to practice in the nutrition support specialty area and to more experienced RDNs. Mary has a “no-nonsense” approach to leading others and a way of connecting with people, no matter where their interests lie. When Mary engages in conversation, one is struck by her genuineness and get-to-know you style. She listens intently and always remembers details important to that person. From the start of her career as an RDN, Mary has been active within the Academy, volunteering for committees, as well as with the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) and local and state affiliates. Some of her most notable early leadership roles were with the Dietitians in Nutrition Support (DNS) dietetic practice group. She served in many capacities including treasurer, chair, and editor. Her experiences with DNS and ASPEN and her leadership employment positions positioned her well to serve on the Academy’s Board of Directors for the past several years. Her trademark approach is to always think of the individual member within an organization, and the impact any decision will have on that member. As a leader in the Academy and ASPEN, Mary has been a staunch advocate for patients and their caregivers, dedicated to ensuring that patients receive nutrition therapies. Mary has worked with numerous health care clinicians to help establish policy for patient safety and to achieve positive health outcomes. She has dedicated countless volunteer hours in public policy efforts at the state and national levels, as well as globally. Mary is a champion for RDNs and nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered, dedicated to making sure that food and nutrition practitioners are recognized for our expertise in translating science into practice. As the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics moves into our second century, the Academy and our leadership are faced with many challenges. Mary, together with the other Academy leaders and staff, is well-suited to develop innovative approaches to help us all prepare to face these challenges and succeed. We look forward with excitement to Mary’s leadership, her vision, and her passion for improving the health of our patients and clients. As she continues to empower others, we can only expect remarkable advancement for the Academy and our members in the coming year and beyond.