Rachel Hayes-Bohn, MPH, RD

Rachel Hayes-Bohn, MPH, RD

Nutritionist
USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Child Nutrition Division
Alexandria, Virginia

Issue Impacting the Profession

I am passionate about increasing the public visibility, respect and utilization of nutrition professionals. The first step is to believe that we have valuable skills, knowledge and ideas to bring to the table in any professional setting; the second is to make our skilled, knowledgeable, idea-filled voices heard! In my own career, I have demonstrated that an RD can serve in a variety of capacities and is not locked into one narrow path.




How have you promoted ADA's mission/vision/values?

As part of a team of dietitians within a Federal government agency, I have promoted the RD as the nutrition expert and as a critical player in nutrition research and policy decisions. Our team has made great strides in enhancing the value of RDs within our agency and integrating RDs into all facets of our programs.

In assessing your skills, which ones do you think best prepare you to be an ADA leader and why?

When I was 10 years old, my father suffered a massive heart attack (thankfully, he is still going strong!). Our family quickly learned the value of nutrition, and that lesson sparked my lifelong passion. I truly believe in, and I care very deeply about, the field of nutrition. It is this belief and this passion that drives me to become a leader and continue to move our field forward.

Important Contributions and Leadership Achievements

  • Journal of the American Dietetic Association: Peer Reviewer (2006-Present)
  • Public Health/Community Nutrition Practice Group: Secretary (2006-2008)

Honors and Awards Highlights

  • United States Government Presidential Management Fellowship (2003)
  • American Dietetic Association Lydia J. Roberts Fellowship (2002)
  • Missouri Dietetic Association Eugenia Shrader Scholarship (2000)