Bethany Thayer, MS, RDN, 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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1. I have led and served on many boards of directors, honing my ability to drive change. A key success was advocating for and getting a new law in Michigan following deregulation in 2014. 2. I am leading a project that will centralize community requests to improve communication, efficiencies and data collection. This involves many departments and leaders agreeing on the process. 3. Our health system did not have any ambulatory MNT available. I created a program which has doubled in size since its launch. 4. I launched Michigan’s IDEA committee and mentor students from various backgrounds. |
Employment History
Employer | Title | Years Employed |
Henry Ford Health | Director, Center for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention | 30 |
Leadership Experience
Leadership Position | Organization | Years Involved in the Organization | My specific leadership contributions, achievements and outcomes: |
Vice Chair/Chair of Consumer Protection and Licensure Subcommittee | Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | 2022 - 2024 | Passed a version of the Model Practice Act in the state of Michigan and worked with other states to engage members in the policy process. I also helped shape the Compact to ensure ease of obtaining a practice license in participating states. |
National Leader | Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | 2016 - 2019 | Built and implemented 3 Academy ballots and updated procedures for candidates campaigning. |
Michigan Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports | State of Michigan | 2022 - 2025 | Contributed to "Michigan Moves" an initiative built off of the National Physical Fitness Plan to get Michiganders active. |
President | Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | 2014 - 2016 | Engaged members to promote RDNs and nutrition connection to lead poisoning during Flint water crisis. Re-engaged the Public Policy team and re-implemented annual Legislative Day after defeat of RDN regulation in Michigan. |
Media Spokesperson | Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | 2010 - 2014 | Completed hundreds of media interviews in print, radio and television promoting the RDN as the nutrition expert. |
Personal and Campaign Statements
There is an increasing focus on health and wellness, highlighting the vital role of nutrition. Concepts like “food is medicine” emphasize how our diet impacts our physical, mental, social, and financial health. Yet, many still face barriers to accessing both MNT and nutritious foods. By prioritizing nutrition education and advocating for food access, we can empower individuals to make informed choices that enhance their well-being. Together, we can build a more equitable future where everyone thrives, leveraging the power of food and nutrition to promote wellness and prevent disease.
I am a servant leader, passionate about promoting health and well-being. My mission is to empower individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles through personalized MNT. Together, let’s transform our community’s health, one meal at a time.