President's Page: Maximize Value—Presenting the 1997-1998 Board of Directors

Abstract

My inspiration for the theme for the 1997–1998 program year—“Maximize Value”—came from an article by Jeff Goldsmith in the September/October 1994 issue of the Healthcare Forum Journal. Goldsmith said: “Achieving clinical discipline and commitment on the part of physicians and other health professionals to improving the value of health services is the fundamental challenge facing all those who participate in our health care systems. Value creation in health services is ultimately about altering and making more responsive the decision making of practicing clinicians and other caregivers.” As I examined The American Dietetic Association's (ADA) 1996–1999 Strategic Framework, Creating the Future, it became clear to me that to accomplish the vision and deliver on the strategies, we have to deal with the issue of value in some new ways. In short, we must maximize value. But what does maximizing value mean? Maximizing value will be part of the equation as ADA strives to achieve recognition of comprehensive nutrition services in legislation, create awareness and expand use of food and nutrition services among the general public, and provide members with career development tools that help them remain competitive and well-positioned for advancement in a continually changing environment. Maximizing value means helping ADA members enhance their practice, build new systems, and respond in new ways to the many food and nutrition marketplaces. Maximizing the value of our profession will happen when the public recognizes us as the most credible source of food and nutrition information. Our new messages need to be more responsive to consumer needs and improve access to food and nutrition services. The Lewin Study and outcomes studies will be invaluable in demonstrating worth and cost-effectiveness. For the Association, maximizing value means we continually improve the responsiveness of our programs and services to ADA members. The limitation of resources will mean making strategic choices about the programs we provide, the partners we choose, and how we raise and spend resources. Fulfilling these ambitious goals calls for a strong and experienced leadership. I am proud to say that this year's Board of Directors is capable of and ready to meet the challenges and opportunities facing the profession. The Board members represent a broad spectrum of the dietetics profession. They are savvy business people, articulate advocates of our profession, and pioneers of cutting-edge research who possess leadership skills honed by multifaceted careers, energetic commitment to their local communities, and, more importantly, many years of involvement in ADA programs and initiatives. This is a critical time. I am confident that this diverse group of leaders will lead ADA to a successful path and will help our profession—and our 70,000 members—prosper and grow well into the 21st century. Recently, I asked each member of the Board of Directors to consider how their experience and knowledge can help maximize value. Each member's response is featured in his or her profile. Ann M. Coulston, MS, RD, FADA, President-elect:“I bring a management style that focuses on the issue and encourages and supports the growth and development of all members.” As senior research dietitian at Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, Calif, Coulston directs clinical research projects and collaborates with medical scientists on research on diabetes and aging. Her work centers on the nutrition management of diabetes, particularly in the role of dietary carbohydrates. Coulston also teaches nutrition to medical students and advises graduate and undergraduate dietetics majors. Her many years of service to the profession include stints as speaker of ADA's House of Delegates; member of the ADA Board of Directors, the ADA Foundation Board of Directors, the Board of Editors of the Journal of The American Dietetic Association, and the Health Care Reform Team; and chair of the Legislative Committee. Ann Gallagher, RD, Speaker, House of Delegates:“I bring strong management and leadership skills to the Board of Directors, including 25 years of managing a successful consultant service, the ability to integrate systems within facilities with various disciplines, and 15 years in professional leadership roles.” Gallagher is president of F.A. Gallagher and Associates, Ft Wayne, Ind, and counts long-term-care facilities, mental health centers, and group homes among her clients. She also teaches a dietary managers course at IVY-TECH College in Fort Wayne. Gallagher has been actively involved in ADA's government affairs programs. In 1989, she was the only dietitian to be appointed to represent ADA on the Advisory Committee of the US Health Care Financing Administration. Currently, she represents ADA at the Health Care Financing Administration Nursing Facilities Branch. From 1991 to 1994, she cochaired ADA's Health Care Reform Team. Julie O’Sullivan Maillet, PhD, RD, Speaker-elect, House of Delegates:“By working with many types of health care practitioners and students on incorporating nutrition into their practice and teaching them when to refer clients to a dietetics practitioner, I promote the value of the profession to others.” Maillet is a professor and associate dean for Academic Affairs and Research and chair of the Department of Primary Care at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Health Related Professions, Newark, where she previously served as director of the dietetic internship program. In addition, she worked as nutrition adviser at the Whittle Corporation in Knoxville, Tenn, from 1986 to 1992. Maillet was a member of the ADA Board of Directors from 1996 to 1997, has chaired ADA's Council on Education and the Dietetic Education Task Force, and has served on the Education Competency Committee. Cheryl Bittle, PhD, RD, Secretary/Treasurer:“I have an ability to bring people to decision making, while recognizing diversity among members and differing needs, which enables the Board to work toward the mission of the profession. I bring financial knowledge based on my work in a changing health care environment with multiple delivery systems and its influence on the practice of dietetics.” As director of the Office of Health Programs at the Portland Area Indian Health Service, Portland, Ore, Bittle supervises area health care specialties such as laboratory/radiology, maternal and child health, health education, audiology, dental service nutrition and dietetics, clinic and community nursing, pharmacy, and mental health. Previously, she served as the nutrition and dietetics specialist with the Portland Area Indian Health Services, providing technical consultation and other nutrition services to staff and tribal programs in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Bittle has served on ADA's Board since 1994. She is a former speaker of the House of Delegates. Before that, she chaired the Public Health Nutritionist dietetic practice group and was a member of the House of Delegates Committee on Association Membership and the Committee on Minority Recruitment and Retention. Caryl B. Fairfull, MBA, RD, Secretary/Treasurer-elect:“I have more than 25 years of experience in a wide variety of dietetics and management roles. Since I now work outside of dietetics in health care (health maintenance organization) management, I bring a broad perspective to my position on the Board.” Fairfull is the office manager of the Obstetrics/Gynecology Department at Kaiser Medical Center, Santa Clara, Calif. She is responsible for all operational aspects of the department—developing business plans and managing personnel recruitment, training, and performance appraisal. From 1979 to 1989, Fairfull worked as manager of nutritional services at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center where she was in charge of inpatient dietary and clinical nutrition care. Fairfull is a delegate to the ADA House of Delegates and has been on ADA's Fiscal Affairs Committee for the past 2 years. She has served as vice president and as a board member of the California Dietetic Association. Marianne Smith Edge, MS, RD, FADA, Director-at-Large:“I will rely on my diverse practice and leadership experience to assist the Board of Directors in charting new directions for members.” As owner of Management Systems, Etc, Owensboro, Ky, Edge provides food and nutrition management consultant services to long-term-care facilities, small hospitals and retirement centers, a children's psychiatric hospital, mental health agencies, and group homes. She also works as a health care marketing consultant/corporate account manager for Diamond Crystal/Menu Magic Foods, Inc. Edge has been a member of the ADA House of Delegates as well as the Association Position Committee. In addition, she has served as chair of the Quality Management Committee as well as chair of the Consultant Dietitians in Health Care Facilities dietetic practice group. Molly Gee, MEd, RD, Director-at-Large:“I bring a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience from years of working with the diverse dietetics professionals that form our Association.” Gee works as the manager of communications for the Institute for Preventive Medicine at the Methodist Hospital in Houston, Tex. As an instructor at the Department of Internal Medicine of Baylor College of Medicine, she supervises outpatient behavioral medicine programs, such as nutrition, smoking cessation, and stress management. She also promotes nutrition and health through the national and local media and is a veteran health and nutrition reporter for the ABC affiliate in Houston, where she covers the weekly nutrition and health segment of the station's early morning news program. Gee served two terms in the House of Delegates and chaired the House of Delegates Committee on Association Membership and Affirmative Action. She has also been a member of the Fiscal Affairs Committee. From 1982 to 1990, Gee served as an ADA spokesperson, promoting nutrition information through national print and electronic media. Dayle Hayes, MS, RD, Director-at-Large:“I am willing to ask the tough questions and look for answers in all kinds of places. I bring the ability to allow diverse groups to collaborate, rub up against each other, and get that creative spark going so we can develop new ways of doing business with lots of pizzazz. And I bring the skills of a ‘technoweenie.’ I am interested in how information technologies can help us promote optimal nutrition, health, and well-being to the public, and help our members communicate and make their busy lives and jobs easier, and more effective.” As a nutrition consultant at Deaconess Medical Center in Billings, Mont, Hayes developed the Pro-Heart Kitchen program—a series of 10 videotapes on heart-healthy eating. She also wrote two books, created a nutrition game, and produced three videos promoting positive eating. She writes a monthly nutrition column for the Heath and Fitness Magazine of the Billings Gazette and speaks to groups and individuals across the country. Hayes has served on the ADA Board of Directors since 1994, chairs the Public Initiative Team, and serves on the Technology Task Force. She was president of Montana Dietetic Association from 1992 to 1994. Suzanne G. Martin, PhD, RD, Direc-tor-at-Large:“I believe promoting member interest and expertise in dietetics education is the way I can maximize value for the profession. As chair of the Member Initiative, I focus on our goal of skill development for members in ever-changing career settings for lifelong value.” Martin is a professor of nutrition, chair of the Division of Human and Social Sciences, and director of the Dietetics Program at the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Mo. She also works as a consultant dietitian for long-term-care facilities and local public schools. Martin has served on the ADA Board since 1994. She has also been a member of ADA's Council on Education and the Diversity Committee. Mary Tonore, MS, RD, FADA, Director-at-Large:“My experience in working with public officials and public policy development brings insight for members on how to maximize our value when dealing in the area of legislation and public policy.” As director of public relations at the Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs, Baton Rouge, La, Tonore is the liaison to the state legislature on all matters related to the elderly. She is also the office's chief media spokesperson. Tonore coordinates grassroots advocacy with citizens and professional associations and works with the public, the bureau of Medicaid, and elected officials on the development and expansion of home- and community-based, long-term-care services throughout Louisiana. She is a past chair of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition. Tonore's ADA activities have included chairmanship of ADA's Legislative and Public Policy Committee and membership on the Advisory Committee for the Nutrition Screening Initiative. Judith Thompson Barr, ScD, MEd, Public Director-at-Large:“My background in outcomes assessment and cost-effectiveness studies can help the profession document the value of its clinical nutrition services. My experience as president of the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions gives me the insight into issues affecting the education and practice of health professionals.” Barr is an associate professor of Pharmacy Administration and Medical Laboratory Sciences and director of the National Education and Research Center for Outcome Assessment in Health Care and the Master of Health Professions Program at Bouve College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Northeastern University in Boston, Mass. A prolific researcher and writer, she has published hundreds of articles on health education and policy-related topics. Barr has been on the ADA Board since 1996. From 1994 to 1995, she served on the National Committee on Allied Health Education of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Before that, she was on the Food and Drug Administration's Steering Committee to Improve Self-Monitoring of Glucose Testing. Cornell Scott, MPH, Public Director-at-Large:“During the past decade, I have been involved in developing comprehensive health services in the New Haven, Conn, community. I always believe that nutrition services are an integral part of health services. My past experience with both for-profit and non-profit organizations will enable me to serve the ADA Board well.” Scott is executive director at Hill Health Corporation, New Haven, Conn, and an assistant professor of pediatrics and public health at Yale University Medical School. In 1995, he was appointed by the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to the National Health Services Corps Advisory Council, which he now chairs. He is currently serving on the boards of directors of the American Lung Association of Connecticut; the Community Health Network (a community health center health maintenance organization); the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc; the New England Community Health Centers Association, Inc; and Yale University's African-American Cultural Center. Susan T. Borra, RD, Chairman of the Board, ADA Foundation:“In my leadership opportunity on the Board, I hope to maximize the value of our profession by sharing my commitment to nutrition education and the needs of the consumer and my expertise with the food industry and food and nutrition policy development” As senior vice president and director of nutrition with the International Food Information Council, Washington, DC, Borra directs communications programs, executes public affairs strategies, and manages nutrition and food safety issues. She also oversees development of consumer education materials and programs about nutrition, food safety, and health. Before that, Borra was director of consumer affairs at the Food Marketing Institute where she managed nutrition, food safety, and consumer affairs programs for the retail food industry. Most recently, Borra was secretary/treasurer of ADA. She has also served as a director-at-large on the Board of Directors, chair of ADA's Legislation and Public Policy committees, and secretary of the Dietitians in Business and Communications dietetic practice group. In addition, Borra served terms as president of the Maryland Dietetic Association and recording secretary of the District of Columbia Dietetic Association. Colleen Matthys, RD, Commission on Dietetic Registration Representative:“I bring an extensive background at the state and national levels that gives me a broad perspective on member needs and opportunities to maximize value for our profession.” Matthys is a nutrition research manager at the Clinical Research Center of the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. In this capacity, she manages the administrative, research, and clinical activities of the nutrition research unit. She is also responsible for protocol design and implementation and patient nutrition care. Matthys has served as speaker of ADA's House of Delegates and has been a member of the House of Delegates Executive Committee, the Fiscal Affairs Committee, and the Outcomes/Data Coordination Task Force. She was a member of the ADA Foundation Board of Directors from 1993 to 1994. Joyce Mooty, MPH, RD, Commission on Accreditation/Approval for Dietetics Education Representative:“Having worked for the Commission on Accreditation/Approval for Dietetics for many years, I bring to the Board a broad-based knowledge of changes occurring in the education process that will be needed to meet the emerging employment opportunities of present and future dietetics practitioners. ” Mooty is a dietitian at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Alien Park, Mich, and a renal dietitian at Mercy Renal Center in Detroit. Previously, she was a senior lecturer at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at Wayne State University in Detroit. Mooty has held various Board positions in affiliate dietetic associations. She is a site visitor of Accreditation of Dietetic Internships and Coordinated Programs in Dietetics. She served on the Commission on Dietetic Registration's Appeal Panel and Competency Assurance Panel and chaired the Review Panel for Accreditation of Coordinated Programs in Dietetics. Beverly Bajus, ADA/ADA Foundation operating officer:“It's a great time to be part of the dietetics profession. We have an opportunity to fully integrate food and nutrition into all aspects of health care. Areas of expertise I bring to the Board include general management in for-profit as well as the association industry, strategic business development and consumer marketing skills, along with a passionate commitment to ADA's mission and vision.” As operating officer of the Association and its Foundation, Bajus is responsible for professional management of all aspects of Headquarters’ operations in Chicago and Washington, DC. She supports and represents the Association's employees and directs the use of resources to meet member needs and achieve the short- and long-term objectives of the Board. Before joining ADA, Bajus was with Multifoods Corporation of Minneapolis, Minn, for 28 years, serving as a corporate officer from 1985 to 1989 and as vice president and group manager for several food manufacturing and retail businesses from 1979 to 1984. She is a member of the Board of Governors of the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago and the Metropolitan Club of Chicago, an emeritus member of the Board of the James J. Hill Business Reference Library in St Paul, Minn, and also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. This new Board of Directors is ready to make the decision-making process of ADA leadership more responsive and outcomes oriented—truly maximizing value. I dedicate this year's effort to all the dietitians, dietetic technicians, and “emerging” (not yet defined in current times) dietetics practitioners of the future.