Lena Wilson, MS, RD, SNS

Lena Wilson is the Assistant Commissioner for the Food and Nutrition Division at the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). She oversees all activities related to compliance with regulations for the 12 federal nutrition programs operated by the agency.

Wilson, a registered dietitian, has more than 20 years of experience with federal nutrition programs. She often notes that she is one of the few professionals to have worked at both the state and local levels with every U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition assistance program, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This experience complements a background that includes 13 years as a director of school meal programs, giving her a practical, common-sense perspective on program oversight. Wilson joined TDA in 2019 as the Administrator for Compliance after serving seven years with the Colorado Department of Human Services as a Division Director responsible for SNAP, systems automation and food distribution. She was appointed Assistant Commissioner on August 1, 2021, by Commissioner Sid Miller. Wilson earned a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science in Management from Lesley University. She also serves in numerous professional and volunteer roles that allow her to support others.

Areas of Responsibility

Wilson oversees the administration and compliance of 12 of the 15 federal nutrition programs operated by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

What She Brings to the Role

Wilson brings more than 25 years of experience with federal nutrition programs, providing a strong foundation to strategically direct initiatives that support the effective operation of nutrition programs.

Education

• Louisiana State University (B.S.)
• Lesley University (M.S. in Management)

Professional Affiliations

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• American Commodity Distribution Association (ACDA)

Personal Interests

In her free time, Wilson enjoys following sports, reading and traveling.