David H. Holben, PhD, RD

David H. Holben, PhD, RD

Professor and Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio

Issue Impacting the Profession

Having a safe, sustainable and nutritious food supply (ADA research priority) dramatically contributes to the well-being of individuals and communities. As a researcher, I examine the impact of food access on health outcomes. As a teacher, I mentor students to consider food security during the nutrition care process. As a community member, I assist in improving food access in my region. As an ADA volunteer, I have contributed in several manners, including position paper authorship.




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

Leading by example through excellence in practice and striving to be the most valued source of food and nutrition services for those that I interact with are my ambitions. As a professor, I set goals to facilitate excellence in teaching, research and professional, university and community service. Within ADA, I strive to ensure that decisions made in the groups or committees that I am involved with move the Association forward and support the tenets of the ADA.

 

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

My expertise lies in teaching and research. Having clinical, basic and community-based research experience, coupled with my ability to collaboratively work with and consider the views of diverse groups in an organized, strategic and creative manner, are skills that will facilitate my success in this position. As immediate past chair of the Research DPG, chair of the ADA Diversity Committee and former CADE site visitor, I have successfully demonstrated these skills, yielding positive results.

 

Important Contributions and Leadership Achievements

  • Research Dietetic Practice Group: Chair/Elect/Chair (2005-2008)
  • American Dietetic Association Diversity Committee: Vice Chair/Chair (2005-2008)
  • Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education Site Visitor: Volunteer (2002-2005)
  • American Dietetic Association Foundation Research Endowment Grant Selection Committee: Member (2007)
  • Ohio Board of Dietetics: Member/Vice Chair/Chair (2001-2006)

 

Honors and Awards Highlights

  • Ohio University College of Health and Human Services Exemplary Scholar Award (2007-2008)
  • Canada-US Fulbright Foundation Visiting Research Scholar in Sustainability (2006-2007)
  • American Dietetic Association Educator Award, Ohio and Region V, Didactic Program in Dietetics (2002)