Lauren Coheley Spain, PhD, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND
Director-at-Large
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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 |
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I led GAND during the pandemic, driving strategic change, digital innovation, and protecting licensure laws. I led organizational reconstruction, strategic planning, and balanced leadership decisions, staying attuned to trends and future needs. Currently, I serve as NEHP DPG delegate where I engage in advocacy at the national level. At Texas A&M, I identified declining student numbers as a growth opportunity, implementing strategies that boosted enrollment 140%. I promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and access by fostering a culture of respect and belonging. |
Nominating Committee National Leader in Practice for 15 Years or Less |
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As a delegate, I have developed an extensive network of connections across the academy. Led a large, diverse membership. Recognized the need for performance improvements and took strategic action to ensure long-term growth, all the while fostering innovation and inclusivity in our operations. Confidently led conversations around ED transition, clearly communicating the need for change while balancing different viewpoints. Required transparency, conviction, and the ability to bring the organization together for a unified solution. Lead initiatives to promote IDEA. |
Employment History
| Employer | Title | Years Employed |
| Texas A&M University | Associate Department Head for Undergraduate Programs | 4 |
| Coheley Wellness | owner | 1 |
| Emory University Hospital Midtown | Clinical Dietitian II | 3 |
Leadership Experience
| Leadership Position | Organization | Years Involved in the Organization | My specific leadership contributions, achievements and outcomes: |
| President | Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND) | 2021 - 2022 | As President of GAND, I led key initiatives that resulted in substantial progress for the organization. I spearheaded efforts to revamp leadership, the strategic vision, and the bylaws. Additionally, I successfully helped navigate a significant threat to our licensure laws. I helped to reestablish our GAND political action committee, which helps support candidates for political office who help to shape nutrition policy in Georgia. My focus on driving change, advocating for the profession, and promoting inclusivity strengthened GAND's impact and set a foundation for future growth. |
| Delegate | Nutrition Educators for Health Professionals DPG | 2024 - | As the NEHP delegate, I have actively represented member interests by attending monthly meetings, advocating for initiatives that support the growth of the academy, including increasing student enrollment and leadership opportunities for students. I have hosted town-halls to gather feedback from our constituents on critical issues the Academy is currently facing. These efforts have ensured that the voices of our members are heard and that their needs are prioritized, helping to shape the future o our profession and the Academy's strategic direction. |
| Graduate | Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Leadership Institute | 2020 - 2021 | I had the privilege of completing the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Leadership Institute, an immersive program that significantly elevated my leadership abilities. Through hands-on experiences and virtual learning, I gained deeper insights into my leadership strengths and areas for growth. This experience empowered me to refine my skills and evolve into a more effective leader. Moreover, the invaluable professional relationships I built during the program continue to serve as vital connections and resources in my ongoing professional journey. |
| Northeast Georgia Dietetic Association | Affiliate of the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | 2017 - 2018 | As president of the Northeast Georgia Dietetics Association, I led initiatives to support dietitians in the region, facilitated professional development opportunities, and worked to strengthen the local nutrition and dietetics community by organizing social events and meet-ups. My leadership focused on promoting membership engagement, advocacy, and education, ensuring that the association was responsive to the needs of the dietitians in the northeast region. |
| Faculty Aspiring Leadership Fellow | Texas A&M University | 2023 - 2024 | As a Faculty Aspiring Leadership Fellow, I engaged in comprehensive leadership development aimed at strengthening my expertise in higher education administration. Throughout this fellowship, I participated in targeted workshops, collaborated with campus leaders, and learned innovative strategies to foster institutional growth. A key component of my fellowship experience was designing a project to boost student engagement. For this initiative, I identified and highlighted student leaders with compelling stories, filming and sharing their narratives online to cultivate a sense of inclusion. |
Personal and Campaign Statements
What do you see as opportunities for the future of the nutrition and dietetics profession?
As our profession faces a rapidly changing landscape, we are presented with both challenges and opportunities. Emerging trends like AI and the need to boost Academy membership numbers/student engagement offer a unique pathway for dietitians to expand their influence and impact. AI has the potential to revolutionize how we teach and provide patient care. To combat declining Academy membership/student numbers, we must modernize our messaging and focus on delivering more value to members. Ultimately, we must embrace innovation while staying true to the core values of our profession.
Campaign Statement
Ready for bold leadership? I’m ready to drive innovation, inclusion, and impact for our profession. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future. Your vote isn’t just for me, it’s for the future of dietetics. Let’s do this!