American Society for Nutrition Announces 2026-2027 Leadership Team and Prepares for Centennial Milestone

ROCKVILLE, Md. — The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) has officially announced its leadership roster for the 2026-2027 term, welcoming Keith P. West, Jr., DrPH, MPH, as its new President. Alongside Dr. West, the organization has introduced a slate of newly elected members to the ASN Board of Directors, bringing together an accomplished group of scientists, clinicians, educators, and public health experts from across the globe.

Taking effect on August 1, 2026, the newly installed leadership team will play a pivotal role in guiding the society’s strategic, educational, and policy priorities. This leadership transition arrives at a particularly significant juncture for the organization, as the ASN actively ramps up preparations for its upcoming Centennial celebration in 2028, marking a century of advancing the science and application of nutrition.

Dr. West steps into the role of President succeeding Naïma Moustaïd-Moussa, PhD, DFASN, FTOS, FAHA, who transitions to the Board of Directors in the capacity of Immediate Past President. Dr. Moustaïd-Moussa’s leadership over the preceding term has left a lasting imprint on the society’s ongoing initiatives and collaborative framework.

Reflecting on the transition and the collective dedication of the society’s members, John Courtney, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of the American Society for Nutrition, emphasized the fundamental pillars that drive the organization forward.

"The strength of ASN comes from the expertise and commitment of its volunteer leaders," said Dr. Courtney. "Dr. West is an internationally respected scientist who has shown throughout his career how nutrition research can improve lives. Together with our newly elected Board of Directors, he will help advance ASN’s mission, support the nutrition science community, and prepare the Society for its Centennial in 2028. We are grateful to each of these leaders for their service to ASN and the field of nutrition."

The 2026-2027 Board of Directors

Each year, ASN members participate in the democratic election of leaders chosen from among the most distinguished professionals within the broader nutrition community. The newly constituted Board of Directors represents a diverse spectrum of specialized expertise—ranging from basic science mechanisms and population health to global nutrition, clinical practice, and public policy—ensuring that the society remains well-equipped to address multifaceted challenges in human health and nutrition science.

Leading the executive committee alongside Dr. West is Heather Eicher-Miller, PhD, FASN, of Purdue University, who assumes the role of Vice President. Jamy D. Ard, MD, FTOS, of Wake Forest University, steps into the position of Vice-President Elect, positioning himself to guide future society initiatives.

Continuing executive leadership roles include Immediate Past President Naïma Moustaïd-Moussa of Texas Tech University, Treasurer Robert Bertolo, PhD, of the University of Newfoundland, and Secretary Laura Murray-Kolb, PhD, FASN, who holds appointments at both Purdue University and Johns Hopkins University.

The board’s Director-At-Large positions encompass key sub-disciplines critical to the modern landscape of nutritional sciences. Eric Ciappio, PhD, RD, representing Balchem, takes on the role of Director-At-Large for Nutrition Science Translation. Rafaela G. Feresin, PhD, of Georgia State University, will serve as Director-At-Large for Nutrition Science Mechanisms. Carolyn Gunther, PhD, RDN, FASN, of The Ohio State University, steps in as Director-At-Large for Nutrition Population Science, while Daniel J. Hoffman, PhD, of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, assumes the portfolio for Global Nutrition. Additionally, Carine M. Lenders, MD, MS, ScD, of Boston University, joins as Director-At-Large for Medical Clinical Nutrition, and Lauren O’Connor, PhD, MPH, of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, takes on the responsibilities of Director-At-Large for Food and Nutrition Policy.

To ensure comprehensive institutional oversight, the board also integrates several crucial ex officio members. These include Ruba Abdelhadi, MD, CPNS, representing the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists (NBPNS) from Children’s Mercy Hospital; Candida Joan Rebello, PhD, RD, representing Early Career Nutrition from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center; and Diane Stadler, MS, PhD, RD, representing Academic Nutrition Departments and Programs (ANDP) from Oregon Health & Science University.

Additional ex officio leadership features Lori Lathrop Stern, PhD, of IFF, serving as Chair of the Sustaining Partner Roundtable; ASN Chief Executive Officer John E. Courtney, PhD; and Paul Coates, PhD, acting as Chair of the ASN Foundation. In a related organizational update, the ASN also welcomed and congratulated former Past President Sarah Booth on her new role within the ASN Nominating Committee.

Dr. West’s Leadership and Vision for ASN

Stepping into the presidency for the 2026-2027 term, Dr. West brings decades of extensive experience spanning nutrition research, public health epidemiology, and global health initiatives. As the George G. Graham Professor of Human Nutrition within the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Dr. West has dedicated his professional career to exploring and mitigating nutritional vulnerabilities on a global scale.

His pioneering research has significantly advanced the scientific understanding of micronutrient deficiencies, maternal and child health, and targeted dietary interventions designed to prevent blindness, severe illness, and mortality among vulnerable populations worldwide. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. West has collaborated extensively with national governments, international health organizations, and local communities to translate complex nutrition research into actionable public health programs that strengthen overall health outcomes and foster healthier communities.

Upon assuming his new post, Dr. West expressed his gratitude and outlines his broad vision for the society during this critical transitional phase leading up to its centennial milestone.

"It is an honor to serve as President of the American Society for Nutrition," said Dr. West. "I look forward to working with ASN’s members and partners to advance nutrition science, strengthen collaboration across the field, expand global networks and support the next generation of nutrition scientists working to improve lives through nutrition."

As President, Dr. West has identified core strategic priorities centered around fostering scientific rigor, enhancing interdisciplinary dialogue, and bolstering support for early-career investigators as the society prepares to celebrate its hundred-year legacy of shaping nutritional science and public policy.