2026 Virtual Symposium Speakers

Beverly Clark, MS

Beverly Clark has over 24 years of experience working in long term care and the health care industry. Beverly worked for Abbott Nutrition for 13 years.  She started as the representative for Oklahoma City and western Oklahoma and then transferred to the corporate office in Columbus, Ohio.  After retiring from Abbott, Beverly worked for the Oklahoma State Department of Health – Long Term Care, training survey teams on regulations and survey processes, and presenting programs to Long Term Care administrators and staff. 
 
Beverly is a NCIT Certified Investigator, and is a SMQT qualified surveyor for CMS. 


Laurie Van Cleft, MS, RD, CPT

Laurie J. Vancleft is a dynamic and passionate leader in the senior living dining and hospitality industry, with a deep-rooted interest in the science of longevity. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition, specializing in Nutritional Biochemistry, and is a Registered Dietitian through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Throughout her career, Laurie has held diverse roles within the senior living sector, including serving as a Regional Clinical Director and as the Director of a large nursing community, where she oversaw four departments and managed a high-volume catering venue. Her mission is to enrich the lives of older adults by developing innovative programs and environments that integrate nutrition, physical activity, and culinary experiences.

William Palumbo, DCN, MS, RD, CDN, LNHA, HSE

Highly accomplished licensed nursing home administrator with a record of improving financial and operational performance while elevating the quality of organizational performance outcomes. Skilled with successful contract management initiatives, business growth and retention. An effective operator managing over $100 million in operating expenses. Exemplary leadership in healthcare administration, sales and marketing, clinical nutrition, infection prevention, people and culture resource management, business development, finance, and staff development. Astute in State Department of Health (DOH), Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG), Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE), IPRO Quality Management (IPRO), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Joint Commission regulatory requirements.

Randy Emert, CEC, CCA, CDM, CFPP, PCII

Culinary and Operations executive with over 40 years in the food service industry. Extensive leadership experience in operations, education, safety, quality assurance, and culinary innovation across senior living, healthcare, and hospitality sectors. Successfully hosting numerous conferences, demonstrations, events, seminars and webinars with audience engagement and positive feedback, delivering enlightening information to diverse audiences. 17 years as a college professor and 6 years as ServSafe® Instructor/Proctor with a proven track record of delivering key messages that attendees easily comprehend.

 

Kim Fremont, MSEd, RD, LD

Kim has been involved in healthcare and long-term care for over 39 years. Kim is the Senior Vice President of Health Technologies overseeing consulting services to over 1300 client facilities in 18 states and 150 RD’s. Kim’s has a Bachelor of Science in Medical Dietetics from the University of Illinois at the Medical Center, Chicago and a Master of Science in Education and Instructional Technology from Southern Illinois at Edwardsville.

Chelsea Danna, MEd, RD, LDN

Chelsea expertise is in long-term care, food service management, and clinical nutrition leadership. She currently serves as Director of Nutrition Services at Deer’s Head Hospital Center in Maryland, where she oversees all aspects of dietary operations, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement of the long term care facility. Chelsea specializes in bridging regulatory requirements with practical, real-world strategies to support both staff and residents. Chelsea is passionate about equipping dietary and healthcare teams with the tools they need for survey readiness, successful audits, and continuous improvement in resident care.

Pamela Brummit, MA, RD, LD

Pam is the Founder of Brummit & Associates, Inc. She has presented over 50 programs for national and state meetings. Taught the Dietary Managers course and ServSafe for 30 years. Written/co-written over 15 manuals related to long term care. Held more than 20 board positions in local, state and national dietetic associations. Pam is the recipient of multiple awards, including Oklahoma Outstanding RDN of the Year and the Consultant Dietitian of the Year, Ball State University Distinguished Alumni and the ANFP Legacy Award.