2026-27 Executive Committee
Chair
Sharon Cox, MA, RDN, LDN, FAND
Sharon is a visionary leader in food and nutrition management, with extensive experience in strategic planning, project management, and change management across healthcare, education, and both for-profit and non-profit sectors.
As the former Owner and Co-Founder of Cox Duncan Network, LLC (CDN), Sharon identified and assessed stakeholder needs to promote business growth. She tailored content and tools to meet the specific goals of diverse organizations, resulting in an expanded suite of services that addressed evolving customer demands. By focusing on sustainability and scalability, she enabled organizations to align their services more effectively with their missions. Additionally, she created and led training programs, including conference presentations on CDN’s unique model, which highlighted accelerating nutrition equity through a systems-based approach. This model educates stakeholders on both upstream and downstream strategies vital for ensuring nutrition security across all communities.
In her previous role as the Director of Compliance and Quality Assurance at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Commission on Dietetic Registration), she reinforced her dedication to advancing health equity and population health. Sharon conducted detailed research and delivered actionable insights to boost organizational objectives related to health equity. Moreover, she facilitated the launch of the CDR Prior Approval Program, granting over 100,000 credentialed practitioners’ access to essential professional education, all while collaborating with various stakeholders in the healthcare and food industries.
Sharon held roles as a Senior Consultant at Tecker International, where she led strategic planning sessions for over fifty organizations, significantly improving operational efficiency and market presence. As the AVP of Food and Nutrition Services at Carolinas Healthcare System, Sharon provided strategic leadership across multiple facilities, managing a $55 million food and nutrition program across sixteen facilities.
Sharon is acknowledged as a pioneer in healthcare room service. She significantly enhanced patient satisfaction scores from the 13th to the 99th percentile, while also increasing overall meal consumption within a two-year period.
As a volunteer leader, Sharon served on the Academy Board of Directors where she was the Board liaison to NOBIDAN for multiple years, supporting the leadership team in both strategic and operational planning. She is currently serving as Chair of NOBIDAN.
With a solid foundation in innovative leadership and stakeholder engagement, Sharon is committed to continuing to make a significant impact on the food and nutrition sector.
Sharon holds a master’s degree in education and health care management from NYU and is a licensed dietitian in North Carolina.
Chair-Elect
Patricia Brathwaite - Woerdings, EDD, MPH, RD, LD, FAND
Dr. Patricia Brathwaite-Woerdings (Dr. Pat) daily activities are a testament to her unwavering dedication to the science of nutrition and her profound love for education. She specializes in medical nutrition therapy in nephrology and is a fervent lecturer on nutrition. Her mission is not only to help others understand the significance of nutrition but also to ignite a similar passion for learning in them, encouraging them to apply this knowledge in their daily lives.
At the core of Dr. Pat's life is her unwavering commitment to her family. Her marriage to her best friend, Selwyn, their children, and grandchildren are her top priorities. They share a deep bond over their mutual love for travel and new experiences, which further strengthens their family ties.
Dr. Pat's commitment to advancing the dietetic and nutrition profession is unwavering. Her inspiring leadership roles within the Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition are a testament to her dedication. She has led numerous initiatives, and her efforts have significantly contributed to the advancement of the profession.
She was elected to continue serving as the Delegate for NOBIDAN at the House of Delegates, a position she has held since 2023. For the past 10 years, she has served as a program reviewer for ACEND, and from 2019 to 2023, she also served on the ACEND Board. During this period, she also served as the Delegate-at-Large at the House of Delegates and as a member of the ACEND Nominating Committee, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, the Standards Committee, and the Policy and Procedure Committee. For NOBIDAN, she served as the Chair of the Nominating Committee and later as a member of this committee. From 2016 to 2017, she served as the President of the Miami Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Dr. Pat is determined to continue advancing the profession of nutrition and dietetics, as well as to continue her efforts in helping to prepare the next generation of dietitians.
Past Chair
Cicely Thomas DCN. M.Ed. RDN. LD.FAND
Cicely Thomas DCN, M.Ed., RDN, LD. FAND is the WIC director of Northwest Georgia Health District. June, she begins her role as the president of the National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics and Nutrition with many years of experience in leadership.
Dr. Thomas received a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Georgia Southern University, a Master of Adult Education from the University of Georgia, and a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition from the University of North Florida. She is Vice President of the Georgia Public Health Association. She served as the 2023-2024 President - for the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Public Health Community Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group. She is a board member of the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Dietitians appointed by Governor Brian Kemp in 2021. She is the immediate past chair of the Nutrition Section for the Georgia Public Health Association. Dr. Thomas represents small 3% of African American Registered Dietitians in the US with enthusiasm and works diligently to advocate for diversity in the nutrition profession by serving as the Diversity Liaison for the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group and diversity committee member for the National WIC Association. Dr. Thomas is the owner of Challenge Your Choices Dietetics LLC. She has also partnered with Nourish as a registered dietitian. Her personal goal is to reduce health disparities by providing nutrition education and counseling, advocating for the nutrition profession and prioritizing educating the community on nutrition policies and the importance of medical nutrition therapy to manage and reduce chronic diseases. Her desire to serve under-represented populations remains to be the foundation of her love for public health and community nutrition. “It is always a good day to work in Public Health.”
Secretary
Lela Stapler, MPH, RDN, LD
I am a Public Health Nutritionist for the Georgia Women Infant and Children’s (WIC) program with 14 years of experience. I attended Fort Valley State University for my undergraduate and graduate education. My bachelor’s is in family and consumer sciences with a concentration in food and nutrition and I hold a master’s degree in public health. I recently completed my dietetic internship with the Georgia’s Public Health WIC Program and plan to sit for the registered dietitian exam soon. I am active in several national organizations. I serve on the National WIC Association’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists, Diversify Dietetics, and the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. I have been a member of NOBIDAN for the past two years and I am excited to serve as secretary.
Treasurer
Makeda Mars, RD, LD
Hi there! I’m Makeda, a registered dietitian based in Central Florida and the founder of Lishe Means Nutrition. My practice is dedicated to empowering individuals through nutrition coaching and education.
In addition to my work with clients, I’m also deeply committed to advancing the dietetics professional in ways that encourage us to embody wellness. My mission is to help others, including fellow healthcare providers, discover how to build sustainable habits into their lives so they can thrive both professionally and personally.
With connections to Panama, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, I have a global perspective on food, culture, and health. I encourage everyone to embrace foods from their own cultural heritage and beyond, celebrating the diversity that enhances our lives.
When I'm not coaching clients or leading workshops, you can find me experimenting in the kitchen, exploring new restaurants, or soaking in the ocean. Traveling and experiencing different cultures and cuisines continues to inspire my approach to nutrition.
House of Delegates (HOD) MIG Delegate: Andre Blanks, DCN, MBA, RD, LDN
Nominating Committee Chair
Natasha Williams, PhD, RDN
Natasha Williams is a distinguished Registered Dietitian and Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition Sciences at North Carolina Central University. With over 15 years of experience as a practicing dietitian, Dr. Williams has witnessed the profound impact of nutrition interventions on chronic disease management, food access, health disparities, and mental health. Her goal is to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to leverage her expertise in human nutrition for the betterment of communities.
Dr. Williams is interested in research on food security, diabetes, and preventative Medical Nutrition Therapy. In the past, Dr. Williams partnered with Meharry Medical College on the SISTER Diabetes research project (Sisters Inspiring Sisters to Engage in Relevant Diabetes Self-Care). SISTER Diabetes aims to explore and compare two approaches to promoting healthy diets among African American women with Type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Textile Chemistry from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics from North Carolina Central University. She earned her Master of Science degree from Meredith College and her Ph.D. in Nutrition Science from North Carolina State University. Dr. Williams is licensed to practice Medical Nutrition Therapy in both North Carolina and Tennessee.
Nominating Committee Chair-Elect: Amber Porter
Communication Committee Chair
Kira Jennings
I am a dedicated nutrition professional with a Master's in Nutrition Health Science Research, a passion for baking, and a four-year-old who inspires my creativity. Currently, I am preparing for the Registered Dietitian exam to further my career in promoting healthy lifestyles.
Professional Development Chair: Adrienne Holloway
Resource/Sub-Committee Chair: Alison Brown
FNCE® Committee Chair
June M. Thompson, RDN, FAND
June M. Thompson has been a member of the National Organization of Blacks In Dietetics and Nutrition (NOBIDAN) for over 10 years, currently serving as immediate past chair. June is a Renal Dietitian with Fresenius Kidney Care for the past 35 years and also a consultant for Family Affair Care Group, Inc which provides service to adults with intellectual disabilities.
During her career, Mrs. Thompson taught a variety of classes in nutrition at N. C. A&T State University (it should be noted that Mrs. Thompson is a proud alumna of N.C. A&T State University, having obtained her BS in Home Economics with a specialty in Clinical Nutrition in 1979, and her MS in Foods and Nutrition in 1984, respectively). Mrs. Thompson received the NOBIDAN “YAM” award in October 2020 and was voted Dietitian of the year in 1996 by the National Kidney Foundation. She is also very involved with the National Kidney Foundations and the North Carolina Counsel of Renal Nutrition, and other local and community organizations. She recently received the Recognized Renal Dietitian award. For her the field of nutrition is not just a job but her ministry.
In her personal life, she is married to Tony L. Thompson for 42 years. They are the proud parents of two adult children, Kenya Danielle and Tony Lee II. She is a lifelong resident of Greensboro, and a proud North Carolinian.
Historian/History Committee Chair
Rojean Williams, MS, RD
Rojean serves as Wellness Consultant for Hebni Nutrition Consultants Inc. and health educator for the federal government. Rojean has well over 30 years of professional training and experience in promoting and implementing health and wellness to various populations all over the country. Believing in the power to change, Rojean encourages individuals to focus on their personal concepts and beliefs towards healthy living.
Rojean earned a B.S. in Food Science/Human Nutrition from the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida in 1983. Ms. Williams obtained her Masters in Nutrition and Dietetic Service at Florida International University In Miami, Florida in 1984.