The Nominating Chair is pleased to present the HDA Board of Directors slate of candidates for 2010-2011 (4 positions).
Please review and prepare to vote in April.
If you would like to nominate additional candidates, please contact Nominating Chair, Ann Ditzler as soon as possible: ditzlera001@hawaii.rr.com or call her at 497-4767.
Online voting will start April 5, 2010. Instructions will be provided at that time.
PRESIDENT-ELECT (2 candidates)
Patricia DiBenedetto Barba, RD, MS, CSR, LDN
Current Positions:
Renal Dietitian Fresenius Medical Services
Bio/Statement:
I am a graduate of Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA; Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Boston, MA internship; SUNY Buffalo masters program.
My career has been extensive with many clinical experiences from surgical research, nutrition support and my first love renal nutrition. I have been an educator at several Boston colleges, mentor and internship practice support. My professional volunteerism has been focused in the renal sector. I was active in the formation of the Renal Dietitians Dietetic Practice Group (RPG) one of the first specialty practice groups of the ADA. I was honored to serve as chair of this group on two occasions. I am also published in several text books and have authored and presented many public and educational programs.
Since arriving in Hawai’i I have reentered the work force and the volunteer sector of the HDA as a two-year member of the Council for Professional Issues Committee. I have been engaged by the spirit of the HDA members and the issues that we all strive to achieve. here. It makes perfect sense to align ourselves with our national leader to impact our efforts to improve life, and healthcare here in the islands. I would be privileged to help fulfill that focus as President–elect in 2010.
 Amy Tousman, MPH, RD, CDE
Current Positions: Network Coordinator, Hawaii Business Health Council, Diabetes Lifestyle Coaching Program; Private Practice Dietitian
Bio/Statement: I have benefited over the years from serving on the HDA board and various committees, both in terms of training I have received and the opportunity to be involved with so many innovative and hardworking dietitians. I feel that being president is an opportunity to “give back.”
Many of the positions I have held on the board have prepared me for this. Some of these positions include Media Representative, Treasurer, and former President of the Hawaii Foundation for Dietetics. I have served on the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee for many years (and still do). I am also currently the Reimbursement Representative for HDA.
As President-elect, I would like to continue to advocate for implementation of licensure for Hawaii's dietitians as well as coverage of MNT with insurance. I also would like to mentor younger dietitians.
I worked as an outpatient dietitian at Straub for 15 years. After leaving Straub, I taught community nutrition at UH Manoa for 4 years. Currently, I am the network coordinator for a pharmacy-based diabetes coaching program. In addition, I consult with several alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities, and provide MNT to individual patients through my private practice.
I write a monthly column for the Honolulu Advertiser. This is because I feel strongly that we need to use the media to promote RD’s as nutrition experts by providing accurate nutrition information, while correcting the misinformation that the general public is constantly being exposed to.
TREASURER-ELECT (1 candidate)
 Danielle McCauley, RD
Current Position: Clinical Dietitian at Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children, Owner and Primary Dietitian of Private Practice in Kailua
Statement: As a new resident to the wonderful state of Hawaii, I am excited for the opportunity to run for Treasurer-elect.
I earned my B.S. in clinical nutrition at the University of California, Davis, where I was an active participant in the Student Nutrition Association as the Public Relations Representative.
I worked various jobs to pay for college, which included being a personal chef. I then had the great fortune of being accepted to the UC Davis Medical Center (UCDMC) Dietetic Internship where I learned to work alongside some of the best nutrition minds including 25 of their dietitians.
After my internship, I was hired as a clinical dietitian at UCDMC. At UCDMC I was able precept our wonderful dietetic interns and assist the residents in learning and understanding the importance of nutrition.
Since I have moved to Hawaii, I have started my own private practice. It has been a challenging experience that has quickly encouraged me to reach out to all the nutrition practitioners on the island. I have had such a great response from all the dietitians, which has encouraged me to run for this position in the HDA. Most recently, I have accepted a position at Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children where I work part-time as a pediatric dietitian.
As a member of HDA and taking on the position of Treasurer, I hope to share my enthusiasm and commitment to nutrition. We may be a small group, but we can definitely make big changes.
SECRETARY (1 candidate)
 Ella Kawamoto, MPH, RD, CLC
Current Position: Public Health Nutritionist, WIC Program
Statement: I currently work for the WIC Program as a Public Health Nutritionist and Local Agency Breastfeeding Coordinator. Prior to that, I worked as a Committee Secretary for the Hawaii Medical Association. My main responsibilities were scheduling committee meetings relating to public health and legislation, taking minutes, composing letters, reports and forms. I am a former Board member of the Hawaii Foundation for Dietetics. I would be honored to serve the HDA as a Secretary.
NOMINATING CHAIR-ELECT (1 candidate)
 Suzanne Murphy, PhD, RD
Current Position: Research Professor and Director of the Nutrition Support Shared Resource, Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, University of Hawaii
Statement: I've been a dietitian since 1986, and worked at the University of California from 1986-98. I've been on the faculty of the University of Hawaii since 1999, where I am primarily conducting research on diet and cancer. I was pleased to serve as the Corresponding Secretary for the HDA in 2000-02, and would like to continue to support the important work of the organization by helping to identify candidates for leadership positions.
COUNSEL ON PROFESSIONAL ISSUES-ELECT (1 candidate)
 Corilee A. Watters, Msc, RD, PhD,
Current Positions: Assist. Prof. Nutrition, University of Hawaii
Bio / Statement: I have been an active credentialed member of the ADA since 1996. I am on the graduate faculty of the University of Hawaii. My previous positions included Coordinator of Nutrition Services, VIHA and Regional Manager, Education and Development, Capital Health, responsible for internship and residency programs.
I have been involved in developing continuing education events for dietitians since 1997. These include the annual Regional Nutrition and Food Service Conference for 400 attendees and exhibitors, the Western Canada Nutrition Day and Nutrition Support workshop for 200 attendees, annual Research Day for Nutrition and Food Service, and medical grand rounds. I initiated and developed a nutrition workshop at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, and am on the organizing committee for the International Society of Hypertension conference.
My philosophy for continuing education is to use it as an opportunity for members to meet and network to support each other in advancing their careers and professional goals, as well as a strategic opportunity to promote the expertise and role of dietitians. I look forward to working with HDA members across the state to advance the work of HDA.
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