Helene Kent, MPH, RDN
Director-at-LargePOSITION | 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 |
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Strategic thinking is one of my skill sets. I have served as a president, chair and other elected positions, as well as staff and executive director to four groups where change was a constant. I am knowledgeable about and experienced in change management and know effective communication is essential. I have successfully carried out policy changes for federal programs and other situations. As a consultant who does strategic planning, my job is to explore the future and come up with solutions/outcomes that meet the needs of the organization. Part of this is exploring how to best communicate. As a chair to a new committee, my role has been to find and set a strategic direction that is acceptable to members. A recent opportunity that emerged from members’ advice was to reach out to an important federal agency to see how to include more RDNs. I took this idea; work with others members and staff. This has led to an upcoming meeting with the agency’s leader. |
Employer | Title | Years Employed |
H M Kent Consulting | Owner | 13 |
Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs | Director of Assessment and Assurance | 2 |
Colorado Department of Health and Environment | Director of Women's Health | 20 years at agency in a variety of positions |
Leadership Position | Organization | Years Involved in the Organization | My specific leadership contributions, achievements and outcomes: | Leadership Skills used in this position: |
Chair, Committee for Public Health and Community Nutrition | Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | - | Facilitate the development and setting of committee's initial priorities and activities. Oversee the accomplishment of an ambitious workplan. Implement the Academy's Food and Nutrition Insecurity Workplan. Participated in two Academy task forces that led to the development of the Committee for Public Health and Community Nutrition. |
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President | Colorado Public Health Association | - | Oversaw the development and implementation of activities for a statewide organization of public health professionals. Provided leadership to a diverse board of directors. |
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Area 4 Coordinator | Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Area 4 Coordinator | - | Participated in the activities that led to the changes to the Association's governance. A result was the House of Delegates becoming a more deliberative body to address professional issues. Represented 7 community health-related DPGs within the House of Delegates. |
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Chair | Public Health and Community Nutrition DPG | - | Participated in the initiation and later chaired the group that led to the development of the Public Health Nutrition Practice Guidelines. Oversaw the development and implementation of work plan activities for a large DPG. |
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President | Colorado Dietetic Association | - | Oversaw the statewide organizations. Engaged in unsuccessful attempt at licensure. |
What do you see as opportunities for the future of the nutrition and dietetics profession?
I am excited to be part of a profession that: • Takes our leadership capability seriously and seeks new opportunities. • Embraces change and retools skills to meet tomorrow’s needs now. • Recognizes and seizes the opportunities offered by changing environments (more older adult, prevention focus, care delivery, hunger and more). • Leads the way to better food, nutrition and health policies. • Makes a difference for members and our nation.
Campaign Statement
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe” (Anatole France). I have a diverse background, am a strategic thinker, listen and get things done. I would be honored to serve in this role.