Board of Directors Election Slate
Vice President
Keba Laird Ed.D., MBA, RDN, SNS, ACSM EP-C
Position
Director of Child Nutrition, Vicksburg Warren School District, Vicksburg, Mississippi
SNA Participation
Director, Board of Directors (2023-26); At Large Member, Executive Committee (2025-26); Member, Audit Committee (2023-25), Member, DEIA Working Group (2022-23); District Director/Southeast Region Representative, Professional Development Committee (2021-23); Member, School Nutrition Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee (2021-23); Program Co-Advisor, SNIC Planning Committee (2022-23); Future Leader (2018); has attended and spoken at numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (MISSISSIPPI)
President, President-elect, Vice President (2020-23); Public Policy & Legislative Regional Representative (2019-20); Secretary (2018-20); School Nutrition Foundation State Ambassador (2016-18).
Other Professional Memberships and Honors
Social Action Committee Chair (2023-25), State Chaplain (2020-22), Local Chaplain (2019-25), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; President (2004-05), President-elect (2003-04), Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Dietitian of the Year (2020), Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
"The greatest strength I would bring to the SNA Board of Directors as Vice President is my ability to lead with vision while staying grounded in the everyday challenges school nutrition professionals face. With rising costs, outdated financial models, and increasing regulatory demands, our programs need more than just reactive solutions - we need strong leadership that cultivates innovation, develops talent, and drives systemic change. One way I’ve demonstrated this is through the L.E.A.D. Mentorship Program I created for the Mississippi School Nutrition Association. L.E.A.D., standing for Leadership, Empowerment, and Development, is designed to support and grow emerging leaders across our state by providing mentorship, peer support, and practical tools to strengthen program operations and leadership confidence. I believe developing strong leaders at every level is part of the solution to navigating today’s pressures. As SNA Vice President, I would bring that same commitment to the national stage - amplifying member voices, fostering professional growth, and working toward sustainable solutions that reflect the reality of what it takes to run successful school nutrition programs. I don’t just want to lead. I want to empower others to lead with strength, creativity, confidence and resilience. "
Secretary/Treasurer
Heather Perry, SNS
Position
Quality Control Manager, Union County Public Schools, Monroe, North Carolina.
SNA Participation
School Nutrition Employee/Manager Representative, Board of Directors (2022-25); At Large Member, Finance Committee (2023-25); Board Advisor, Membership Committee (2022-25); Member, School Nutrition Foundation Scholarship Committee (2022-25); has attended and spoken at numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (NORTH CAROLINA)
District 6 Director (2018-20); Member, Leadership and Awards Committee (2020-22); Banquet Co-Chair (2016-17), Publicity Chair (2017-23), Steering Committee.
Other Professional Memberships And Honors
President (2016-18), President-elect (2014-16), Nominating Fundraising Chair (2018-19), Secretary (2011-13), Treasurer, Hospitality Chair, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools SNA, Co-Advisor, Union County SNA (2024-Present); Secretary (2011-13), Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Directors Council; Member, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Menu Committee.
LAC Scholarship Recipient (2018); Mary Long Beasley Distinguished Service Award (2021).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
"When given a task, I listen to what is being said and then focus on finding the most efficient and effective way to complete it. I excel at managing details and coordinating logistics to ensure that goals are met smoothly and on time. This strength allows me to contribute to thoughtful planning, clear communication, and successful execution—qualities that are essential to serving on the Board."
Director
Caitlin Lazarski, MS, RD, SNS
Position
Director of School Nutrition, Pine Bush Central School District, Pine Bush, New York.
SNA Participation
Director (Appointed to vacant seat), Board of Directors (2025-26); District Director/Northeast Region Representative, Professional Development Committee; Regional Awards Judge (2023, 2024); has attended and spoken at numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (NEW YORK)
President, President-elect, Vice President (2020-23); Southeast Region Area Director 2018-20); Member, Leadership Development Committee (2024-25); Professional Development Committee Chair (2024-25).
Other Professional Memberships And Honors
Member, NYS Council on Hunger & Food Policy (2023-25); Member, Hunger Solutions NY CACFP Workgroup (2024-Present).
SNA Northeast Regional Director of the Year (2024); New York State Director of the Year (2024); SNA President's Award of Service (2022-23).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
"The greatest strength I bring to the SNA Board of Directors is my broad and diverse experience leading school nutrition programs in urban, suburban, and rural districts. This background gives me a unique perspective on the wide-ranging challenges districts face across socioeconomic and geographic lines, and it allows me to advocate for solutions that work for all communities. My proven success in expanding access to nutritious meals—through initiatives such as district-wide CEP and non-congregate summer feeding—demonstrates my ability to think strategically and creatively to combat food insecurity and improve student outcomes. This year, I have had the honor of filling a vacated seat on the SNA Board of Directors. Serving alongside dynamic child nutrition leaders from across the country has strengthened my strategic thinking, broadened my understanding of national issues, and deepened my commitment to advancing SNA’s mission. I would welcome the opportunity to continue this service, bringing New York’s diverse perspective to the national conversation while helping shape policies and initiatives that support all school nutrition professionals. Equally important, I am deeply committed to mentorship and developing the next generation of school nutrition professionals. By supporting dietetic interns and emerging leaders, I strive to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce prepared to carry our mission forward. Together, these experiences, district-level leadership, statewide and national advocacy, and dedication to mentorship, equip me to be a strong, well-rounded contributor to the SNA Board of Directors."
Director
Lisa Johnson, MS, RD, SNS
Position
Director, Nutrition Services, Highline Public Schools, Burien, Washington.
SNA Participation
Chair (2023-25), Member (2017-19), Nutrition & Research Committee; Northwest Region Representative, Public Policy & Legislation Committee (2020-22); has attended and spoken at numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (WASHINGTON)
President, President-elect, Vice President (2009-11).
Other Professional Memberships And Honors
Chair, Washington Association of School Business Officials (2018-19).
Thelma Flanagan Gold Award of Service; Outstanding Preceptor Award from the University of Washington.
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
"Many years of experience in various sized districts including the largest in our state, a small district and a medium-sized district. Operation experience in a variety of programs including NSLP, NSBP, SFSP, CACFP and grants such as FFVP and Farm to School. Volunteer experience with our state association and SNA has provided me many opportunities to learn and grow in our profession. Working in districts experiencing such challenges as Covid, cyber incidents, boundary changes, staffing shortages and other situations that have had an impact on what we do has allowed me to have a belief that together, we can continue to serve our students the very best we can with available resources. My greatest strength is having a positive, growth mind-set."
Director
Stephanie Walker-Hynes, M.Ed., SNS
Position
Director of Child Nutrition, Little Rock School District, Little Rock, Arkansas.
SNA Participation
Southwest Region Representative, Public Policy Legislation Committee (2024-26); District Director/Supervisors Advisor, Membership Section Advisors (2021-23); Member, School Nutrition Foundation Scholarship Committee (2022-23); has attended and spoken at numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (ARKANSAS)
President-elect, Vice President (2023-25); Chair, Membership Committee (2022-24); President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Membership, Fundraising, Little Rock School Nutrition Association (1996-20).
Other Professional Memberships And Honors
Member, Arkansas Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory Committee (1998-Present); Education Committee Member & Public Policy Committee Member, American Commodity Distribution Association (2025); Member, General Mills K12 Gold Star Advisory Board (2018 - Present); Member, ScratchWorks Policy Committee (2024- Present); Member, International Fresh Produce Association (2024-25); Moderator, Arkansas Health Commission State of Minority Health Concerns (2025); Member, City of Little Rock Food Commission Board (2025); Member, American Heart Association Southwest Affiliate Health Equity Committee (2006-20); Foundation/Fundraiser Chair, Jack and Jill of America (Greater Little Rock Chapter) (2020-22); Fundraising, Arkansas Food Policy Council (2010-12); Member, Various chairs/positions including 2nd Vice President, Foundation, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC. (1997-Present); ServSafe® Item Writer, Food Protection Manager Certification Program for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Examination Development Department (2007-08).
Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance "Acting out Against Hunger" Award (2018); Dr. Sadie Mitchell Leadership Award (2021).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
"I believe strong leadership begins with listening and inclusion. I would commit to lifting up member voices by actively engaging with professionals at all levels to ensure their perspectives shape our work. Through open dialogue, surveys, and participation at national, state, and local meetings, I would help bring forward experiences that reflect the realities of our members. My greatest strength is my ability to move past the road block and build strong relationships that inspire collaboration and growth."
Director
Lauren Weyand, MDA, RDN, LDN
Position
School Nutrition Director, Craven County School District, New Bern, North Carolina.
SNA Participation
Southeast Region Representative, Public Policy & Legislation Committee; has attended and spoken at numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation ((NORTH CAROLINA)
Member, Marketing Committee (2021-Present).
Other Professional Memberships And Honors
Member, North Carolina Farm to School Advisory Board (2019-Present).
USDA Award of Excellence (2021); NCDA Gary Gay Award of Excellence (2022); FAME Leadership Award (2024); No Kid Hungry Summer Hunger Hero Award (2025); HMI Innovation of Meal Preparation Award (2025).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
"I have the ability to help others recognize their purpose and I work with them to accomplish their goals. I enjoy helping others turn their goals into actual achievements. I do that by seeing every person deeper than what they choose to portray. I think having that ability to not only see others in a deeper more meaningful way but understanding that those unique individuals have something valuable to contribute is what makes my leadership ability work in my current workplace. I believe that bringing that aspect of my leadership quality can help take some of SNA's focus into action."
Leadership Development Committee Election Slate
At Large Member
Margaret Dreher
Position
Director of Nutrition Services, Avon, Canton & Region #10, Avon, Connecticut.
SNA Participation
Equipment Grant Application Reviewer (2025); ANC Call for Proposals Reviewer (2024); Future Leader (2014); has attended and spoken at numerous state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (CONNECTICUT)
President, President-elect, Vice President (2014-17); Chair, Public Policy & Legislation (2020-24, 2010-14); Program Development Chair (2018-20); Chapter President (2002-04).
Other Professional Memberships and Honors
Connecticut State Director of the Year (2017).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
"My greatest strength that I would bring is my passion for feeding children and my years of experience training, hiring and mentoring school nutrition professionals along with my experience as a state leader and past president."
At Large Member
Marie Goad, SNS
Position
Supervisor, Craven County School District, New Bern, North Carolina.
SNA Participation
Equipment Grant Application Reviewer (2025), SNIC Call for Proposals Reviewer (2024), and Regional Awards Judge (2024); has attended and spoken at numerous state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (NORTH CAROLINA)
Chapter Secretary, Craven County SNA (2024-Present).
Other Professional Memberships and Honors
Member, Food Safety Advisory Council.
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
"I feel that my greatest strength is my dedication to always looking for ways to develop myself and those around me. By continuously learning, you are investing in yourself and others. You have so much more to offer knowing that you are helping someone along the leadership journey rather than just being the destination."
At Large Member
Alisa Roman, SNS
Position
Director of Nutrition and Transportation, Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.
SNA Participation
Northeast Region Representative, Resolutions & Bylaws Committee (2024-26); Northeast Region Representative, Membership Committee (2021-23); Future Leader (2016); has attended and spoken at numerous national and state conferences.
State Affiliate Participation (MAINE)
President, President-elect, Vice President (2019-24); Treasurer (2024-25); Awards Chair (2023-24); School Nutrition Foundation Ambassador (2024-26); Communications Chair (2015-20).
Other Professional Memberships and Honors
Member, EverDriven Customer Advisory Board.
Maine State Director of the Year (2023), President's Award of Service (2021).
What is the greatest strength you would bring to the SNA Board of Directors?
"An amazing understanding of how our child nutrition programs work. I currently utilize all USDA grants. I am very good at policy work RFP building and working with Industry to bring in foods that meet our needs. Relationship building is a strong suit as well."