Board of Directors Election Slate
Vice President
Paula De Lucca, MS, SNS
Position:
Senior Director, Wake County Public School System, Raleigh, NC.
SNA Participation:
Midwest Regional Director, Board of Directors (2009-11); Audit Committee (2009-11); has attended and spoken at numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (ILLINOIS):
President, President-elect, Vice President (2005-08); Co-Chair, Professional Development Committee (2011-13); Spokesperson and Parliamentarian (2009-11); Chair, Nominating Committee (2008-09); Chair, Conference Committee (2005-06); Chair, National and State Legislation Committee (2003-05), Co-Chair, National and State Legislation Committee (2001-03).
Other Professional Memberships And Honors:
North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Farm to School Advisory Board, (2018-Present); North Carolina Association of School Administrators (2017-Present).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
Having worked with public and private school systems in numerous states, leading large teams and programs with numerous service models and diverse student populations, gives me a broad understanding of program complexities and the experience to provide supportive leadership with consideration for the varied interests of our members.
Vice President
Stephanie Dillard, MS, SNS
Position:
Child Nutrition Supervisor, Enterprise City Schools, Enterprise, AL.
SNA Participation:
Secretary Treasurer, Board of Directors (2020-22); Chair, Finance Committee (2020-22); Chair, Resolutions & Bylaws Committee (2020-22); Chair, Audit Committee (2020-22); At-Large Director, Board of Directors (2017-20); At-Large Member, Finance Committee (2019); Board Advisor, Nutrition & Research Committee (2018-19); Southeast Representative, Public Policy & Legislation Committee (2015-17); has attended and spoken at numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (ALABAMA):
President, President-elect, Vice President (2012-15); Conference Chair (2013-14); Membership Chair (2010-12); Legislative Chair (2009-10); Legislative Co-Chair (2008-09); Legislative Aide (2007-08); Foundation Chair (2006-07).
Other Professional Memberships And Honors:
Alabama Procurement Committee (Permanent Appointment); General Mills Gold Star Advisory Committee (2015-16); Foster Farms Advisory Board (2015-16).
SNA President's Award of Excellence 1,001 + Membership Division (2015); SNA President’s Award of Achievement (2015); Alabama’s Outstanding Director of the Year (2013-14); Alabama’s Future Leader (2009).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
My greatest strength is my experience. Having served as the 2020-2022 SNA Secretary/Treasurer I increased my knowledge in SNA’s finances and gained experience in communicating financial reports to the Board of Directors and SNA’s membership. As the Southeast Representative on the Public Policy & Legislative Committee I acquired experience in SNA’s ongoing advocacy efforts. Through my leadership and communication skills during my term as President of the Alabama School Nutrition Association (2014-2015) we increased our membership, implemented a legislative breakfast, and increased our participation in our wellness event. Throughout my career I have chaired numerous SNA and Alabama School Nutrition Association committees. My experience and leadership skills have led to meeting committee goals. As a past nutrition teacher at a local community I gained experience in presenting, educating, and communicating the importance of nutrition. I used this opportunity to share my love for school nutrition and encourage others to consider school nutrition a career.
Director
Daniel Ellnor, SNS
Position:
Assistant Director, Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville, KY.
SNA Participation:
Future Leaders Program (2015); SNS Exam Working Group (2018-Present); Co-Chair, School Nutrition Industry Conference (2021); has attended and spoken at numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (KENTUCKY):
President, President-elect, Vice President (2015-17); Regional Director (2009-14); Chair, Admin Section (2014); Chair, Bylaws and Resolutions (2020-Present).
Other Professional Memberships And Honors:
IFMA K-12 Advisory Board (2019-Present); Meals in the Classroom Ad-Hoc Task force (2020); Advisory Council Kansas State Center for Food Safety (2018-Present); School Food Focus, National Procurement Initiative (2014-17); FDA Bioterrorism Task Force (2013).
Silver Spirit FAME Award (2017); Membership Goal Award, Kentucky President (2018); Kentucky Administrator of the Year (2021).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
One of my greatest strengths is the ability to see connectedness in all things. This is a great benefit to large complex organizations where innovation is often inhibited by not seeing the larger strategy or big picture. I do these things naturally and have the ability to communicate those ideas simply for a variety of audiences depending upon the situation and circumstance. I am told I am very approachable and have been media trained with a good deal of experience dealing with the public.
Director
Jessica Gould, RD, SNS
Position:
Director of Nutrition, Littleton School District 6, Littleton, CO.
SNA Participation:
Chair, Public Policy and Legislation Committee (2021-Present); Southwest Region Representative, Public Policy and Legislation Committee (2019-21); Strategic Planning Committee (2018, 2021); Future Leader Program (2014); has attended and spoken at numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (COLORADO):
Past President, President, President-elect, Vice President (2015-19); Public Policy & Advocacy Committee (2019- Present); Marketing Chair (2013-15).
Other Professional Memberships And Honors:
Member, Food Distribution Advisory Council, CDHS (2013- Present); Member, Blueprint to End Hunger Workgroup (2019-Present).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
I believe my greatest strength is my passion for school nutrition programs and, specifically the business of our programs. I care deeply about what I do, and I believe that it shows in the actions that I take as a leader. I am a dietitian by trade and believe nutritious foods and nutrition education should be fundamental in every child’s life. As I grow within the field, what continues to challenge me and grow me is how to adapt our business practices to meet the needs of our programs and students.
Director
Keba Laird, MBA, RDN, SNS
Position:
Child Nutrition Supervisor II, Clinton Public School District, Clinton, MS.
SNA Participation:
Member, DEIA Working Group (2022-23); Program Advisor, School Nutrition Industry Conference (2022-23); Trainer, LEAD to Succeed (2022-23); District Director/Southeast Region Representative, Professional Development Committee (2021-23); Member, SNF Scholarship Selection Committee (2021-23); has attended and spoken at numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (MISSISSIPPI):
President, President-elect, Vice President (2020-23); Regional Representative, Public Policy & Legislative Committee (2021-22); Secretary (2018-20); State Ambassador, School Nutrition Foundation (2016-18).
Other Professional Memberships And Honors:
State Chaplain, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (2020-22); Social Action Co-Chair, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (2019-Present); Local Chaplain, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (2017-Present); President, Central District Dietetic Association (2004-05); President-Elect, Central District Dietetic Association (2003-04); Wellness Council Advisory Board Member, Jackson Public School District (2006-07).
Scholarship Recipient, Mississippi School Nutrition Association (2019, 2020, 2021); Top Individual Fundraiser, School Nutrition Foundation: "Walk with a Purpose" Campaign (2021); Scholarship Recipient, School Nutrition Foundation (2020, 2021); Outstanding Dietitian of the Year, Mississippi Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (2020).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
One of my greatest strengths that I will bring to the SNA Board of Directors is situational awareness. I aim to be aware of what is happening within and without the school nutrition profession and its impact on all stakeholders. I aim to cultivate a growth mindset so that I can make more informed strategic and tactical decisions that help drive the direction of the organization forward.
Director
Susan Maffe, MS, RD, SNS
Position:
Director of Food and Nutrition Services, Meriden Public Schools, Meriden, CT.
SNA Participation:
Northeast Regional Representative, Nutrition Committee (2015-16); Northeast Regional Representative, Public Policy and Legislation Committee (2019-21); Member, Political Action Committee (2022-Present); has attended and spoken at numerous national conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (CONNECTICUT):
President, President-elect, Vice President (2016-19, 2010-13); Member, Nutrition Committee (2006-08); Chair, Nutrition Committee (2008-10); Marketing Co-Chair (2010-12); Chair, Program Development Committee (2013-16); Member, Program Development Committee (2019-Present); Member, Public Policy and Legislation Committee (2019-Present); Member, Strategic Planning Committee (2019-Present).
Other Professional Memberships And Honors:
The University of Connecticut Dietetics Program Advisory Committee; The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Northeast Regional Director of the Year (2015).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
With my Master’s Degree in Management, 31 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian, 19 years of experience as a school nutrition director, and 12 years of experience volunteering with SNACT and SNA, I bring a variety of talents that support the goals of SNA.
As Director of Food and Nutrition Services of a diverse urban school district with 77% of our student population eligible for free and reduced-priced meals and 78% students of color, I believe my greatest strength and reward are my strong commitment and advocacy to ensure our children, families, and community are supported. Our support leads to improved health and wellness outcomes, resulting in a lifetime of expanded opportunities.
Throughout my career in school nutrition, my team and I have elevated the image of our district’s food services program from one that serves meals to an essential support system in the district and the community. Our work goes beyond the four walls of our cafeterias and 180 days of the school year. In collaboration with community partners, we support students and families with innovative programs and services 365 days a year such as hosting SNAP outreach events and establishing food pantries in our schools, where we continue to highlight good nutrition, health education, and the availability of other supportive community resources. We are proud that our district schools have been awarded numerous prestigious awards such as USDA’s Healthier US Challenge Gold Award of Distinction and USDA’s’ “Turnip the Beet Award”.
Being the voice of school nutrition and an advocate for our students and community continues to have a positive impact on student achievement and health in my district. I look forward to collaborating with and learning from other stakeholders, sharing my experiences, and advocating nationally for our nation’s children and child nutrition programs.
Director
Mark Oswalt, MS, RDN
Position:
Assistant Director, Child Nutrition, Mead School District, Mead, WA.
State Affiliate Participation (WASHINGTON):
Parliamentarian (2014-16); Vice President, DDS Chapter (2012-13); President, DDS Chapter (2013-14); has attended and spoken at numerous state conferences.
Other Professional Memberships And Honors:
Washington Association of School Business Officers (WASBO): Co-Chair, Child Nutrition Networking Group (2019-20), Chair, Child Nutrition Networking Group (2020-21).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
Communication is a strength that is important for an effective leader. I am able to listen, seek understanding, disseminate, and relay information as needed. In order for people to feel comfortable with another person, they need to feel heard and understood without judgment. In order to get the most beneficial information from people, you need to create an environment that allows people to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts with you. I am able to create a safe environment for the people around me. Having someone share openly and honestly allows me to make the best decision I can using the input I receive. It is important that once a decision has been made, all contributors feel that they were valuable in the process even if the outcome isn't what they had hoped for.
Director
Jessica Peña
Position:
Director of School Nutrition, Red Wing Public Schools, Red Wing, MN.
SNA Participation:
House of Delegates (2018); has attended numerous national conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (MINNESOTA):
Member, School Nutrition Conference Committee (2018); Member, Public Policy Legislative Committee (2018-21); Member, Leadership Development Committee (2019); Nutrition Chair, Board of Directors (2021-Present); State Awards Judge (2019, 2020); has attended numerous state conferences.
Other Professional Memberships And Honors:
President, Mounds View Nutrition Services (2017-19), Co-President, Mounds View Nutrition Services (2016-17).
SNA Midwest Region Manager of the Year (2019); Minnesota SNA Manager of the Year (2019).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
My greatest strength I will bring to these roles would be that I am very enthusiastic and collaborate well with others. If you were to ask my peers, they would say outgoing and approachable.
Director
E. Nichole Taylor
Position:
Director of Food and Nutrition, Chichester School District, Upper Chichester, PA.
SNA Participation:
Member, Public Policy & Legislation Committee (2021-Present); Member, USDA Foods Task Force; has attended and spoken and numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (PENNSYLVANIA):
President, President-elect, Vice President (2017-20); Membership Chair (2022-Present); Conference Chair (2021-22).
Other Professional Memberships And Honors:
Featured in SN Magazine, February Edition, My Leadership Journey (2020).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
I would have to say that making people feel welcomed and comfortable is my greatest strength. I enjoy meeting new people, but I love the ability to make others smile. It put’s people at ease and kind words goes a long way. Also, the ability to actively listen to others helps to create a welcoming environment.
Director
Aaron Wylie
Position:
Child Nutrition Director, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District, Fort Worth, TX.
SNA Participation:
Southwest Region Representative, Resolutions & Bylaws Committee.
Other Professional Memberships And Honors:
President, Child Nutrition Directors of North Texas (2013-14); Vice President, Child Nutrition Directors of North Texas (2012-13)
FAME Silver Leadership Award (2020)
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
I would hope my greatest strength would be bringing the views, thoughts, and needs of SNA members to the discussion. I feel I have opinions that I would like to share, but also realize I am not the only one I am representing. I would also be a voice for all the other directors I have with, and express their thoughts, views, and needs. Over my 15 years in the industry, I have worked with and met a wide variety of directors. I feel like I am a leader in North Texas and would love to become a voice for not only them but all other directors wanting to be heard.
Industry Advisory Council Chair
Jack Crawford
Position:
Director of Commodity Processing, Gold Creek Foods.
SNA Participation:
Member, Industry Advisory Council (2021-Present); has attended and spoken and numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (SOUTH CAROLINA):
Industry Representative (2014-15).
Other Professional Memberships And Honors:
Processing Committee Chair, American Commodity Distribution Association (2010-14); Industry Leader, American Commodity Distribution Association (2009-11).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Industry Advisory Council?
Strong commitment to improving and expanding our school breakfast and lunch programs.
Industry Advisory Council Chair
Wanda McDowell
Position:
Southeast Regional Manager, Super Bakery, Inc.
SNA Participation:
Member, Industry Advisory Council (2020-22); Board Member, School Nutrition Foundation (2020-Present); 5K Committee Member, School Nutrition Foundation (2021); has attended, supported, and participated in numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (MISSISSIPPI, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE):
Member, MSNA Industry Board (2010-Present); Member, MSNA Steering Committee (2012-Present); Member, TSNA Industry Board (2010-14); Member, SNA of SC Industry Board (2012-14, 2018-20).
Other Professional Memberships And Honors:
Member, Spartanburg School District One Board of Trustees Audit Committee (2019-Present); Member, Healthy Smiles of Upstate Spartanburg Board (2022-24); Youth Coordinator, South and North Carolina Churches of Bibleway Worldwide (2010-12)
SNA National Industry Member of the Year; South Carolina Industry Member of the Year.
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Industry Advisory Council?
Over the past 20 years, I've had the opportunity to serve on 3 State Industry Advisory Boards which afforded me the opportunity to hear many different perspectives on Industry challenges and successes. I also consider myself a servant leader. I'm going to get in there and help wherever needed. I will never ask for something that I will not give. I think fast on my feet. I am an eternal optimist and driven by a spirit of excellence. I work well alone or with a group of any size. I love to think that my energy is contagious!
Leadership Development Committee Election Slate
Mountain Plains Region Representative
Monica Deines-Henderson, MBA, SNS
Position:
Director, Nutrition Services, El Paso County School District 49, Peyton, CO.
SNA Participation:
Southwest Regional Director, Board of Directors (2017-20); Member, Strategic Planning Task Force (2018); has attended and spoken at numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (COLORADO):
Past President, President, President-elect, Vice President (2009-2012); Chair/Co-Chair/Member, Public Policy & Legislation Committee (2010-17); Member, Education Committee (2007-10).
Other Professional Memberships And Honors:
Director, Colorado ASBO Board (2016-21); Founding Member/Chair, Rockies Purchasing Service (RPS) CO-OP (2018-Present); Co-Chair, American Commodities Distribution Association Certification Sub-Committee (2020-Present); Member, Colorado Department of Education COVID-19 Task Force (2020-21); Member, Colorado Food Distribution Advisory Board (2012-Present); Member, Colorado Department of Education School Nutrition Advisory Board (2011-15).
SNA Gold Award of Service; Colorado SNA Director of the Year.
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the Leadership Development Committee?
I would have to say my greatest strength is being a quite listener who puts great stock in the value of others views and collecting all the facts before coming to a decision; decisions that are made with the involvement of others to create “buy-in” and “accountability”. Alongside of this trait I am not afraid to make the critical decisions on my own to set the direction needed for an organization to move forward when the topic or time don’t allow for input from others.
Southwest Region Representative
Southwest Region Representative
Sharon Glosson, MS, RDN, LD, SNS
Position:
Executive Director of School Nutrition, North East Independent School District, San Antonio, TX.
SNA Participation:
Southwest Region Representative, Resolutions & Bylaws Committee (2015); Local Arrangements Coordinator, ANC Planning Committee (2016); has attended and spoken at numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (TEXAS):
Past President, President, President-elect, Vice President (2019-2023); Chair, Nomination Committee (2012); Member, Industry Conference Planning Committee (2012); Member, Nominating Committee (2011); Member, Annual Conference Planning Committee.
Other Professional Memberships And Honors:
President, Central Texas School Food Service Directors Association (2009-11); Scholarship Committee Chair, Central Texas School Food Service Directors Association (2011-20); School Nutrition Committee Chair, Texas Association of School Business Officials (2018-19); School Nutrition Committee Secretary, Texas Association of School Business Officials (2014-16); Member, Alliance K-12 (2020-Present); Member, Baptist Health System Dietetic Internship Program Advisory Board (2008-Present); Member, City of San Antonio Mayors Healthy Schools Committee (2009-Present).
Texas (TASN) Director of the Year (2017); SNA President’s Award of Excellence (2022).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the Leadership Development Committee?
I feel that I am well qualified to serve on the Leadership Development Committee because I am experienced in working with state associations to identify and recruit volunteer leaders. I recently served as President of the Texas Association for School Nutrition, and I feel that state associations are the pipeline for well qualified volunteer leaders that can serve SNA.
Southwest Region Representative
Krista Hamilton-Neal MS, RD, LD, SNS
Position:
Nutrition Services Director, Stillwater Public Schools, Stillwater, OK.
SNA Participation:
Practitioner, Nutrition & Research Committee (2020-22); Future Leaders Program (2013).
State Affiliate Participation (OKLAHOMA):
Past President, President, President-elect, Vice President (2017-2020, 2022); Chair, District Director Section (2011-14); Secretary/Treasurer (2014-16); Representative, Food Service Advisory Council (2016-Present); has attended and spoken at numerous state conferences.
Other Professional Memberships And Honors:
Electronic Communications Chair, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics School Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group (2013); Assistant Editor, Women's Health DPG Newsletter (2005); Editor, Women's Health DPG Newsletter (2006); Service Team Member, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma Prairie's Edge; Treasurer, Delta Gamma University of Oklahoma House Corps Board (2020-22); Member at Large, Delta Gamma University of Oklahoma House Corps Board (2018-20, 2022-Present); Treasurer, Will Rogers Elementary PTA (2015-17); Vice President, Stillwater Middle School (2018); Color Guard Liaison, Stillwater High School Band Boosters; Large Prize Coordinator, Stillwater Project Graduation (2021-Present).
Oklahoma SNA Director of the Year (2016).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the Leadership Development Committee?
I love that I know people around the country because we have worked together on a committee, on a project, or in a group discussion. Those experiences and the people are what make SNA and my SNA experience great. In college, our dorms were on one end of campus and our classes were mostly along a busy walkway. Walking to class I saw all of my friends and acquaintances. One day I was walking with a friend, and after I had said "hi" to everyone we passed he exasperatedly said, "you know EVERYONE!". It's one of my favorite memories.