Ashley Powell, PhD, RD, SNS, FAND, has spent nearly two decades leading Auburn City Schools’ Child Nutrition Program and will serve as SNA President for the 2026-27 term. Her journey from dietitian and educator to national leader has been guided by a passion for serving others, a love of learning and helping students thrive.

Like so many in the school foodservice field, Dr. Ashley Powell sees her work as child nutrition director for Auburn City Schools in Auburn, Alabama, as being about much more than simply food. It's about students arriving in class ready to learn. It’s about supporting families and communities. It’s about helping professionals grow in their careers. And maybe most of all, it’s about people—working together to serve nutritious meals and fuel children for the fundamental needs of education. “I believe in meeting the needs of others, and that’s why I feel so privileged to do my job,” she says. “Meeting somebody at their basic needs, making sure they’re nourished and they’re not hungry..."