Chair
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Hannah Downing, RDN, LD
Hannah works as a full-time outpatient dietitian at UTHealth in Houston, Texas. She began her career as a dietitian working in an acute-care hospital, where she quickly developed an affinity for critical care nutrition, motivational interviewing, and prevention infrastructure for better health.
Hannah completed her undergraduate degree in Nutrition from Oregon State University in addition to three minors: Spanish, Business, and Chemistry. She then tackled her dietetic internship with Keith & Associates' distance program, which further supported her broad career interests within the nutrition profession. She is a committed life-long learner and avid traveler, with hopes to complete her Master's degree abroad in the near future.
With much excitement and honor, Hannah was the 2022 recipient of the Oregon Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Student of the Year. She continues to be active within the Academy and is proud to lead COGA as Chair.
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Chair-Elect
This position is currently vacant for the 2026-2027 ballot.
Please consider submitting a nomination by reaching out to COGA@eatright.org.
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Past Chair
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Melinda Boyd, DCN, MPH, MHR, RD, LD, FAND
Melinda is a registered dietitian and professor. She is faculty at Cedar Crest College, teaching in the MHS, dietetic internship, and MPH programs. She also serves as an adjunct instructor for a variety of classes that include nutrition majors and non-majors across all levels of higher education. She has had a unique career path that she credits to her time as a military spouse. Living abroad for 9 years, she developed skills in cross cultural communication and counseling individuals from diverse backgrounds. She has been an active member in the International Affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (IAAND), serving in many roles, including President, Secretary, Nominating Committee Chair, and most recently the Country Representatives chair. In this role she oversaw a program with 45 local leaders from around the world. She has previously served a 2-year term on the Academy’s IDEA Committee and begins her term serving on the Academy's Committee for Lifelong Learning in October 2025. She also serves as the Nutrition Care Manual Editor-in-Chief: Education and Editor-in-Chief: Client Education.
Melinda completed undergraduate degrees in biology and nutrition, as well as a Master of Public Health, Master of Human Relations, and Doctor of Clinical Nutrition degrees. She is an internationally recognized expert speaking at conferences around the world on weight management, healthy lifestyles, culturally appropriate care, and inclusive language.
After frequent military moves, she has settled down in the Upstate area of South Carolina with her husband and their dog-a Bouvier des Flandres named Harley. In her free time, Melinda enjoys traveling and cooking.
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Secretary
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Jalak Patel, MS, RDN, LDN, CDCES
Jalak works as a fulltime outpatient dietitian for Bon Secours Mercy Health in Greenville, SC. She is currently serving as a board member for Piedmont Dietetics Association as the IDEA Liaison, and remains actively involved in the South Carolina Dietetics Association by serving on the IDEA committee. She has had prior experience serving on the South Carolina Dietetics Association, as Annual Meeting Chair, Chair Elect and Past Chair; and has served as Treasurer and Education Chair for the Piedmont Dietetics Association. She has also served on the interview panel for Winthrop University's DI program and as a reviewer for the Diabetes DPG. Jalak has a diverse background in the food and nutrition industry having worked in various roles including in acute care, nutrition counseling, program development, education and public health. Her career interests include: Inclusive Care, Cardiometabolic and Women’s.
Jalak received her Masters of Science from State University of New York at Stony Brook, and completed her Dietetic Internship at the UC San Diego Health System. She is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Diabetes, DIFM, and Behavioral Health Professionals dietetic practice group.
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Treasurer
This position is currently vacant for the 2026-2027 ballot.
Please consider submitting a nomination by reaching out to COGA@eatright.org.
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House of Delegates Representative
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John Foust, RDN
John is a 24-year member of the Academy and currently the Director of Food & Nutrition Services with Boulder Community Health in Boulder, CO. He has extensive experience working in the healthcare and long-term care industries and is an acute care CMS subject matter expert. John has previously served as the Secretary for the Food & Culinary DPG & is a member of several DPG’s.
John received his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University.
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Membership Committee Chair
This position is currently vacant for the 2026-2027 ballot.
Please consider submitting a nomination by reaching out to us! COGA@eatright.org
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Professional Development Committee Chair
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Heather Dover, MS, RDN
Heather is the Coordinator for Undergraduate Research at Michigan State University (MSU) where she plans two university-wide events showcasing the research and creative scholarship of MSU undergraduates and visiting students. Her early career focused on community mental health services in Michigan and Texas. She has served as President of the Michigan Academy and Lansing Dietetic Association, along with several other volunteer roles.
Heather holds a Master of Science in Food Safety from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics from Abilene Christian University. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting and crocheting, as well as singing with MSU's Choral Union.
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Communications Committee Chair
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Zachari Breeding, MS, RDN, CSO, FAND
Zachari Breeding is a registered, licensed dietitian and holds his Certification of Specialty in Oncology Nutrition (CSO). He is the Dietetic Internship Director at the Philly VA Medical Center, developer of the MVW Complete Formulation Probiotic, and the owner of For Real Foodery, LLC. Zach has held leadership positions as the Chair of the Committee for Lifelong Learning, which plans the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE), Chair of the Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition Member Interest Group, Chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Nutrition Dietetic Practice Subgroup, and on the Academy of Nutrition Board of Directors as the House Speaker-Elect. Zach has been recognized nationally for his efforts in Hispanic and Latino health disparities, nutrition considerations for the transgender community, cannabis counseling, and cystic fibrosis.
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Communications Committee - Social Media Coordinator
This position is currently vacant.
Please share your interest with us! COGA@eatright.org
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Communications Committee - Website Coordinator
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Alison Duffey, MS, RDN, CSG, CDN, LDN, FAND
Alison is the Owner of Healthy for Life Nutrition Consulting, LLC, specializing in consulting for post-acute, skilled nursing, long-term care, assisted and independent living, and rehab facilities. She also sees patients via telehealth for outpatient nutrition.
She completed her Masters of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition from the University of South Mississippi; is completing her MBA from Colorado State University-Global; and received her Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, and Nutrition from Albright College.
In addition to COGA, Ali is concluding her three-year period of service on the Committee for Lifelong Learning and continues to serve as the Membership Coordinator for the Dietetics in Health Care Communities (DHCC) DPG.
She lives with her partner, Landon, and their dog, Ferdi, in Babcock Ranch, FL. She enjoys traveling, reading, yoga, and Pilates, and is a passionate lifelong learner and advocate for our profession.
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Communications Committee - Newsletter Editor
This position is currently vacant.
Please share your interest with us! COGA@eatright.org
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Nominating / Awards Committee Chair
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Beverly Bixby, RD, LD
Beverly Bixby is the staff dietitian for Ohio LifeCare Hospice for close to 14 years. She is responsible for the assessment, counseling and nutrition therapy for patients who receive hospice and palliative care services. Beverly is also involved in the instruction of nutrition services to new employees for the entire Ohio Hospice organization, which comprises 13 affiliates. She also offers End of Life Nutrition instruction to new volunteers of LifeCare Hospice. Beverly also has been an independent consultant for LTC facilities for over 30 years.
Beverly graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Medical Dietetics from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She has been an Academy Member since 1980.
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Nominating / Awards Committee Chair-Elect
This position is currently vacant for the 2026-2027 ballot.
Please consider submitting a nomination by reaching out to us! COGA@eatright.org
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Networking Committee Chair
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Ashley Asencio, MFN, RDN, LD
Ashley is a Clinical Dietitian at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, primarily specializing in obesity medicine.
She earned her Master’s Degree in Food and Nutrition and completed
her dietetic internship at Bowling Green State University.
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