American Society for Nutrition Announces 2026–2027 Leadership Team Ahead of Centennial Celebration

ROCKVILLE, MD — The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) has officially announced its leadership team for the 2026–2027 term, welcoming Dr. Keith P. West, Jr., DrPH, MPH, as its new President alongside a slate of newly elected members to the ASN Board of Directors.

Taking effect on August 1, 2026, the newly installed leadership assumes responsibility for guiding the Society’s scientific, educational, and public policy priorities. This transition comes at a pivotal moment for the organization as it ramps up preparations for its landmark Centennial celebration in 2028, marking a century of advancing the science and application of nutrition.

Dr. West succeeds Dr. Naïma Moustaïd-Moussa, PhD, DFASN, FTOS, FAHA, who transitions to the role of Immediate Past President, where she will continue to serve on the Board of Directors and lend her extensive experience to the governance of the organization.

The announcement highlights the vital role that volunteer leadership plays in steering the direction of the premier scientific society. Dr. John Courtney, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of the American Society for Nutrition, emphasized the profound impact of these dedicated professionals on the broader scientific landscape.

“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.”

Shaping the Future of Nutrition: The 2026–2027 Board of Directors

Each year, members of the American Society for Nutrition participate in elections to choose leaders from among the most accomplished scientists, clinicians, and educators in the field. The resulting Board of Directors brings together a diverse spectrum of expertise that ensures comprehensive oversight of ASN’s multifaceted scientific, educational, and advocacy objectives.

At the helm for the 2026–2027 term is President Dr. Keith P. West, Jr., representing the Johns Hopkins University. He is joined by Dr. Heather Eicher-Miller, PhD, FASN, of Purdue University, who steps into the role of Vice President. The position of Vice-President Elect is filled by Dr. Jamy D. Ard, MD, FTOS, of Wake Forest University.

Completing the executive officer slate are Dr. Naïma Moustaïd-Moussa of Texas Tech University as Past President; Dr. Robert Bertolo, PhD, of the University of Newfoundland as Treasurer; and Dr. Laura Murray-Kolb, PhD, FASN, representing both Purdue University and Johns Hopkins University, who serves as Secretary.

The leadership team also features a dedicated group of Directors-At-Large, each representing specialized domains within the broader scientific discipline. Dr. Eric Ciappio, PhD, RD, of Balchem serves as Director-At-Large for Nutrition Science Translation, while Dr. Rafaela G. Feresin, PhD, of Georgia State University represents Nutrition Science Mechanisms. Population-level research is championed by Dr. Carolyn Gunther, PhD, RDN, FASN, of The Ohio State University as Director-At-Large for Nutrition Population Science.

Global perspectives are brought to the board by Dr. Daniel J. Hoffman, PhD, of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, serving as Director-At-Large for Global Nutrition. In the clinical arena, Dr. Carine M. Lenders, MD, MS, ScD, of Boston University takes on the role of Director-At-Large for Medical Clinical Nutrition. Finally, policy matters are overseen by Dr. Lauren O’Connor, PhD, MPH, of Texas A&M AgriLife Research as Director-At-Large for Food & Nutrition Policy.

The governance structure is further supported by several ex officio members. These include Dr. Ruba Abdelhadi, MD, CPNS, of Children’s Mercy Hospital representing the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists (NBPNS); Dr. Candida Joan Rebello, PhD, RD, of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center representing Early Career Nutrition; and Dr. Diane Stadler, MS, PhD, RD, of Oregon Health & Science University representing Academic Nutrition Departments and Programs (ANDP).

Additional ex officio leadership includes Dr. Lori Lathrop Stern, PhD, of IFF as Chair of the Sustaining Partner Roundtable; Dr. John E. Courtney in his capacity as ASN Chief Executive Officer; and Dr. Paul Coates, PhD, serving as Chair of the ASN Foundation. In a related announcement, the Society welcomed and congratulated former Past President Dr. Sarah Booth on her new role on the ASN Nominating Committee.

Dr. West’s Distinguished Career and Vision for ASN

As he steps into the presidency for the 2026–2027 term, Dr. West brings decades of profound experience spanning nutrition research, public health initiatives, and global health endeavors. He serves as the George G. Graham Professor of Human Nutrition in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Throughout his illustrious academic and research career, Dr. West’s work has significantly advanced the global scientific understanding of micronutrient deficiencies, maternal and child health, and targeted interventions designed to prevent blindness, illness, and mortality among vulnerable populations worldwide. His professional journey has been characterized by extensive collaboration with governments, international organizations, and local communities, translating rigorous nutrition research into practical, large-scale programs that strengthen health outcomes and foster healthier societies.

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new leadership role, Dr. West outlined his overarching goals for his tenure and his commitment to the broader scientific community.

“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 Dr. West and the newly installed Board of Directors assume their governance duties, the American Society for Nutrition remains focused on fostering excellence in research and education, setting the stage for its upcoming Centennial celebrations in 2028.