Margaret Garner, MS, RD, LD
Director-at-Large
 |
Position / Skills and Attributes
| POSITION | Skills/Attributes associated with the position | Examples of how I have demonstrated outcomes for each skill/attribute that qualify me for the position |
| Director-at-Large |
|
Employment History
| Employer | Title | Years Employed |
| The University of Alabama | Assoc.Prof, Fam Med, Asst Dean Health Ed. & Outreach, & Director, Dept. Hlth Prom & Wellness | 1979-present |
| The University of Alabama | Asst Prof, Food, Nutr & Inst Mngt & Coord., Community Nutrition Program | 1974-1979 |
| Dept of Community Health and Medical Care | Nutritionist | 1972 -74 |
Leadership Experience
| Leadership Position | Organization | Years Involved in the Organization | My specific leadership contributions, achievements and outcomes: |
| Chair, COA and later COE Division of Education Accreditation/Approval | ADA | - | Developed the first policy & procedure manual from years of previous meeting minutes for the Commission on Accreditation to guide the volunteers , avoiding the need and risk of dependence on historical memory. Helped develop the first training program for site visitors and program directors in application of the Essentials for Dietetic Education and later the Standards of Education, also serving on the initial pilot studies and review of the new Standards of Education. Served as mentor for several site visitors in training. Served as site visitor for 9 years. |
| Chair of Council on Education | ADA | - | Set as a goal for the Council on Education (COE) to expand its role beyond entry level dietetic education. Developed the first Directory of Dietetics programs to showcase post baccaulaureate programs /graduate programs, then in print, now still in use as an electronic directory and an invaluable resource for students and members interested in graduate studies and specific names /offices to call for more information. It further became a valuable resource for faculty in advising students about other programs as a single source reference. Continuing with the goal of extending COE's work beyond entry level dietetics, secured the first federal funding ( Bureau of Maternal and Child Health) for the COE ($25,000), assembled a team of pediatric dietitian experts, and worked with the group to develop the first Residency Guidelines for Pediatric Nutrition, which became a model for other groups wanting to develop similar guidelines. In addition, secured the first COE corporate grant ($7000 from Marriott Corp) to fund a full 2 page insert into the Courier showcasing dietetic education, its accomplishments and roles in the association; the goal was to provide ADA membership greater awareness and appreciation of the value and scope of dietetic education important to all ADA members and the public. |
| Chair, LPPC | ADA | - | Promoted the development of and drafted the initial criteria for an award to recognize dietetic education programs who demonstrate exemplary education for students in the area of public policy. Purpose was to provide incentives for programs, examples of approaches to showcase at FNCE for other programs to foster greater engagement in legislative and public policy activity, therefore helping to make young professionals more comfortable in this area critical to the profession. |
| Chair | Higher Education Partnership of Alabama | - | Training of student advocates from 13 AL public universities through the annual STARS (student teams advocating realistic solutions) Retreat planned by the Partnership. Helped to lead the implementation of Al constitution reform rallies through faculty senates on the college campuses. Spearheaded and wrote criteria for the Courage of Conviction Award established by the Partnership for state leaders (legislative leaders, public or business /industry, education leaders, members of the public) who take a risk advocating for higher education in the state. |
| Chair, ADAPAC | ADA | - | Spearheaded the development of the Trailblazer Award to recognize ADA members for outstanding contributions, member outreach and leadership in advocacy. The award was first given in 2007 to recognize Mary Lou South for her instrumental role in getting ADAPAC started. Also initiated the idea and wrote the criteria for an award to recognize dietetic education programs who demonstrated creative implementation of the dietetic education standards related to advocacy and public policy. The award began as a joint award of ADAPAC and LPPC to enhance the experiential component of advocacy and showcase effective examples for dietetic education programs to follow. It was first given in 2008 and continues today. Member to member campaign was initiated to increase the number of donors and resulted in an increase of 16,000 donors at the completion of the term of office; student members were also encouraged to become contributors and some student dietetic associations had student member to member campaigns as a result. |
Personal and Campaign Statements
What do you see as opportunities for the future of the nutrition and dietetics profession?
Campaign Statement
Effective leaders are willing to be both leaders and followers. The gift of leadership is the opportunity and need to serve in both roles, because of the many strengths of those serving with you. It is no mystery that we all have unique qualities, with very little accomplished by one person alone.