Kansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Elections
Voting open from 12:01 AM on February 1, 2024 through 11:59 PM on Feb 15, 2024
Check List
- One vote per KSAND member (only first vote counts)
- Academy ID# entered correctly on ballot (needs to be accurate for vote to count)
Questions can be emailed to director@eatrightks.org
President-Elect Option(s)
Patrick James,
MS, RD, LD
Goals and Vision for KSAND
Continue to build and foster relationships within the state; to help become a sort of “hive mind” connection where dietitians can help each other within practice (what someone is doing in Hays that a RD in Wichita can use or hasn’t thought of).
Previous Positions Held
From June 2022 to present, I have been serving as the Newsletter Editor/Chair for KSAND.
Other Relevant Experience
I have held leadership positions in college organizations; In my previous career in radio, I was the Promotions Coordinator covering 8 stations within the company.
Professional Memberships
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietetics Association
CPI Chair-Elect Option(s)
Carissa Tummons,
RDN, LD
Goals and Vision for KSAND
My goal would be to help KSAND achieve its mission and provide its members with what they desire and need. In this position, I would work to plan and facilitate Annual conference planning to meet the needs of its members. I would like to help organize and improve systems or efficiencies within the organization if needed.
Previous Positions Held
This would be my first time to serve on a professional organization.
Professional Memberships
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, KSAND
Sandy Perkins,
MS, RD, LD
Goals and Vision for KSAND
My vision is for a KSAND Conference that includes sessions of interest to all aspects of the dietetics profession and to create a welcoming environment for all members.
Previous Positions Held
Board of Directors, 2007 – 2014
Past President, 2011 & 2012
President, 2010
President Elect, 2009
Director at Large, 2007 – 2008
Maternal and Child Nutrition Council Steering Committee, 2008 – 2014 (Chair, 2014; Chair Elect, 2013)
Kansas Dietetics Association: Board of Directors, 1994 – 1995
Kansas Nutrition Council: Board of Directors, 1997 – 2010 and – 2018-2020
Other Relevant Experience
Since 2014, I contracted as a Public Health Nutrition Consultant with ASPHN, in that position I have worked to plan, and support multiple national meetings for state level nutritionists.
Awards and Honors
- Association of State Public Health Nutritionists – Excellence in Association Work Award, 2010
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, KSAND
Nominating Committee Option(s)
Rebecca Bennett, MPH, RD, LD
Goals and Vision for KSAND
KSAND has already grown so much as an organization with its relevant articles, job postings, listserv discussions and annual meetings/networking events that it would be a privilege to support KSAND’s efforts. Continued growth in areas supporting practicing members as well as eliciting and engaging future RDs is a must to the health of the profession.
Previous Positions Held
Secretary, Midwest Obesity Society
Newsletter editor with the Kansas City Dietetic Association
Professional Memberships
AND, KSAND, Midwest Obesity Society
Sam Gross,
MS, RD, LD
Goals and Vision for KSAND
Be committed to improving Kansas health and advancing the profession of dietetics by working with Hospitals, Long Term Care, and Assisted Living Facilities.
Previous Positions Held
Western Kansas Dietetic Association president and current member
Professional Memberships
CDR, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Western Kansas Dietetic Association
Kylene Frost,
RD, LD
Goals and Vision for KSAND
Continue to increase engagement opportunities and strengthen connections across members, as well as broaden our membership base.
Previous Positions Held
• Health Connection Advisory Board, AdventHealth Lawrence (2021-2022)
• Health Connection Advisory Board, Family Medicine Associates (2019-2020, 2020-2021)
• Council on Professional Issues (CPI) chair, KSAND (2017-2018)
• Council on Professional Issues (CPI) chair-elect, KSAND (2016-2017)
• Healthy Environments Initiative Vision Board, LiveWell Douglas County (2014-2015, 2015-2016)
• Campaign Co-Chair, Go Red for Women Lawrence (2014-2015)
• Executive Leadership Committee, Go Red for Women Lawrence (2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2014-2015)
Other Relevant Experience
• K-State Professional Advisory Board member
• Preceptor for the K-State Coordinated Program in Dietetics – Community Rotation
Professional Memberships
• 15-year member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Kansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (KSAND)
Treasurer Option(s)
Gabrielle Risley,
MPH, RD, LD
Goals and Vision for KSAND
Achieve financial sustainability and continue to support members.
Previous Positions Held
Treasurer, KSAND
Nominating Committee, KSAND
Professional Memberships
Association of State Public Health Nutritionists