2025-2026 Executive Board

Pinkin Panchal MS, RDN

President

LaChell Miller, MS, RDN, CC

Immediate Past President

Anthony Dissen, EdD, MPH, MA, RDN, CPH

President-Elect

Valerie Ortiz, MS, RDN

Secretary

Marissa Perotta, RDN, RYT

Treasurer

Jenna Deinzer, RDN

Treasurer-Elect

Marisa Sweeney, RDN, CYT

Delegate

Julie Frazee, MS, RDN

Region 1 Co-Chair

Kelly Burgess, MBA, RDN, LDN

Region 1 Co-Chair

Carolina Espinosa, MS, RDN

Region 2 Co-Chair

Sarah Davis, MS, RDN

Region 2 Co-Chair

Lori Reiss, MS, RDN

Region 3 Co-Chair

Lizzie Breza, MS, RD, CSP, CDN, CNSC

Region 3 Co-Chair

Jennifer Tomesko, DCN, RD, CNSC

Nominating Committee Co-Chair

Dawn Hersey, MPH, RDN

Nominating Committee Co-Chair

Leadership Roles in the NJAND

The leadership of the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (NJAND) is composed of elected officers, including a president, president-elect, treasurer, and other members of the Board of Directors. The NJAND also includes representatives for various regions and committees.

President: The highest-ranking officer of the Academy, providing overall leadership, strategic direction, and representation for the organization.

President-Elect: Selected to eventually succeed the president, assisting with leadership duties and transitioning into the presidential role.

Past President: Supports the current president in leading its strategic direction and values.

Treasurers: Oversees NJAND’s finances, ensuring the organization remains fiscally responsible and sustainable.

Delegate: Represents and acts on behalf of the NJAND to the Academy’s House of Delegates and communicates all business and current issues to and from the Board of Directors and the membership.

Nominating Committee: Nominates current members for officer roles within the NJAND

Regional Co-Chairs: Plans, coordinates and implement two professional education sessions for their region

Secretary: Responsible for documentation at bard members and other committees, as needed.

Administrative Assistant: Although not an elected position, the Administrator is an important role in the NJAND, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization.

The Board of Directors typically includes diverse leaders from different areas of practice within nutrition and dietetics, ensuring a broad representation of the profession.