Election

An official election is being held for members to vote for candidates interested in serving on the 2026-2027 TAND Board of Directors.

State Marketing Chair

Kayla Chambers

If elected as State Marketing Chair for TAND, my primary goals would be to strengthen statewide engagement among RDNs and enhance TAND’s visibility as a leading voice for nutrition and public health in Tennessee. I plan to foster engagement by highlighting member achievements, promoting professional development opportunities, and creating a welcoming, supportive environment for RDNs across the state. To enhance TAND’s visibility, I would share timely, evidence-based nutrition information with Tennesseans, helping to build trust and reinforce the value of nutrition professionals in promoting the health of our communities.

Previous leadership experience

Although I am a newly credentialed RDN (having passed the exam in June 2025), I have had meaningful opportunities to develop and practice leadership skills. During graduate school, I served as the Tri-Cities Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Graduate Student Representative on the board. In this role, I collaborated with practicing RDNs across the region, contributing to discussions and organizational initiatives that supported our local membership. 

This experience strengthened my decision-making, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities, while also giving me insight into professional leadership. Working alongside RDNs enhanced my confidence, communication skills, and ability to contribute thoughtfully within a team-based leadership structure. It provided a strong foundation for serving effectively in future leadership roles. 

Honors and Awards

• Dr. Diane Anderson Neonatology Scholarship (March 2025) 
• Illuminated Graduate Student Research Magazine Feature (Fall 2024)
• Tennessee Collaborative Practice Society Inductee (May 2025)

CPI Chair-Elect

Andrea Simmons

As CPI Chair Elect, my goal would be to support the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based continuing education and programming that meets the diverse needs of dietetics professionals across Tennessee. I am committed to promoting lifelong learning, professional growth, and equitable access to opportunities that bring us together across the state and across our varied practice areas. I believe we are best able to support and advocate for our profession when we work collaboratively and learn from one another.
I would work closely with the CPI Chair, Chair-Elect, and other board members to assist with planning, evaluating, and promoting programming throughout the year. I would aim to learn directly from our members to better understand what will serve them best, support accessible learning formats, identify emerging topics and practice gaps, and support compliance with Academy standards. I also hope to encourage meaningful involvement from members, interns, and students in TAND programming.

Previous experience:
As soon as I returned to school to pursue a career in dietetics, I became and remained actively involved in my student dietetic association and my local professional academy. In the student academy at the University of Memphis, I served in multiple leadership roles, including Treasurer, Vice President, and Graduate Student Representative, which strengthened my understanding of organizational operations, financial oversight, and collaborative leadership.

During my tenure, I proposed and helped establish a partnership with a nonprofit focused on reducing infant mortality in the Black community. This collaboration allowed dietetic students to gain hands-on experience while supporting an equity-focused mission. I developed other community partnerships and built connections throughout the area to cultivate continued opportunities for service, learning, and growth. 

At the state level, I served as Treasurer/Secretary for STAND, where I collaborated with students and interns across Tennessee to promote engagement, connect with dietetic programs statewide, and assist with planning student activities for the TAND Annual Meeting in Nashville.

Together, my leadership roles and previous background in community education have equipped me with skills in strategic planning, community partnership development, financial management, and inclusive programming. I am committed to service, collaboration, and advancing the profession through thoughtful, equitable leadership within TAND.

Honors & Awards:

• Dietetic Student of the Year, University of Memphis 2024
• Outstanding Dietetics Student, Student Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Memphis 2024
• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
• MAND scholarship recipient 
• TAND scholarship recipient 
• National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics and Nutrition Scholarship, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation, September 2024
• Mildred A Reeves Scholarship Recipient 2025

Nominating Committee

Leslie Ely

I am very passionate about connecting with dietitians across the state and encourage them to serve on our board.

Previous leadership experience:

 I have been on the MAND board in various roles: Marketing/Website, Nominating (2). I have served on the TAND board as a nominating committee member also.

Honors & Awards:

• MAND Emerging Dietetic Leader (2022), 
• MAND Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year 2019

Jennifer Finley

I would like to increase my support of the dietetics profession by actively serving as a nominating committee member. The membership pillar is essential to the life of the organization, and I feel that promoting the profession and its membership opportunities are vital to overall growth.

Previous leadership experience:
KAND CPI Chair- This opportunity allowed me to better understand the behind the scenes of a professional organization. It also provided me with experience planning events (annual legislative breakfast). I enjoyed working with other dietitians to promote nutrition in our community. 

Honors & Awards:

• KAND Outstanding Dietetics Educator (2026); 
• TAND Outstanding Dietetics Educator (2026)

Abby Mays

Goals for the Nominating Committee would be as outlined according to TAND bylaws, which include assisting the Nominating Chair with reporting and corresponding appropriately & effectively with the TAND board/members.

Previous leadership experience:

• WTAND CPI Chair-Elect (2021-2022) / Chair (2022-2023)
• WTAND President (2023-2024)

WTAND chapter can struggle with participation, engagement, and membership likely due to the widespread nature of our region. During my time as CPI Chair and President, I worked diligently to create an open, and new, line of communication alongside planned to meet at a local restaurant to streamline initiatives for the upcoming year and allow for face-to-face interaction amongst nutrition professionals. Additionally, the yearly meeting was held on the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital campus, where I was working at the time, so I used efficient communication skills with our hospital administration for appropriate procedures during the planning process as well as food & nutrition staff for catering.

Honors & Awards:

• Registered Young Dietitian of the Year (WTAND) – 2018
• Regional Clinical Excellence Award with Morrison Healthcare – 2024

• Emerging Dietetics Leader Award (TAND) – 2026

Leah Robb

I hope to bring my experience and perspective to the team to help seek out the right individuals to continue the mission of TAND.

Previous leadership experience

I have four years of leadership experience leading a department of 45 individuals with international backgrounds and various roles inside the company. That experience prepared me to be more culturally sensitive as I returned to the dietetic work force. The time I spent working with WIC I had the opportunity to train several incoming paraprofessional staff. My role as a departmental manager and as a dietitian assisting with training at WIC has prepared me with an eye for individuals who will be successful in executing their work as well as understanding the tools they need to be successful. I am hopeful to have the opportunity to share those skills in the nominating committee.  

Honors and Awards

Member of Phi Upsilon Omicron honor society and scholarship recipient.

Stephanie Skinner-Lucas

To do my best and give my all in whatever position. To learn what it takes to conduct the duties of this role with integrity and professionalism.

Open Positions

If interested in any of the positions listed below, or if you happen to know someone who would make a great leader on the TAND board, please contact Sara Foley, sfoley@memphis.edu

President Elect-Elect
Awaiting further nominations

CPI Elect-Elect
Awaiting further nominations

Treasurer 

Awaiting further nominations