The National WIC Association (NWA) is the nonprofit voice of the 12,000 public health nutrition service provider agencies who serve over 6.7 million mothers, babies, and young children served by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). NWA provides education, guidance, and support to WIC staff; and drives innovation and advocacy to strengthen WIC as we work toward a nation of healthier families.
Download the "What is the National WIC Association?" a one-pager about us.
The National WIC Association provides its members with tools and leadership to expand and sustain effective nutrition services for mothers and young children.
Our vision is a nation of healthier women, children, and their families.
For the National WIC Association, health equity is the ability of all individuals and families to achieve optimal health, irrespective of their identity, race, ability or class. This requires equitable access to nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, chronic disease prevention and management services, safe living environments, and good jobs with fair pay. It necessitates removing obstacles to families’ short- and long-term health and wellbeing including poverty, discrimination, and institutional racism and other forms of bias expressed through housing, healthcare, education, labor, and other public policies.
In keeping with our vision of ensuring a nation of healthier women, children and their families, the National WIC Association supports the ability of women to make their own health care decisions—void of unnecessary barriers that impede access to vital health care services, including the full spectrum of reproductive and maternal health care. As a guiding principle, we believe health equity, which is defined as the ability of all individuals and families to achieve optimal health, irrespective of their identity, race, ability or class, should be central to the work we do as advocates for the WIC program and the clients it serves.
The National WIC Association endorses the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) Policy Statements on Breastfeeding.
The AAP policy statement “Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk” (2012) states, “Breastfeeding and human milk are the normative standards for all infant feeding and nutrition. Given the documented short and long-term medical and neurodevelopment advantages of breastfeeding, infant nutrition should be considered a public health issue not only a lifestyle choice.”
The ABM’s “Position on Breastfeeding” (2015) states, “Suboptimal breastfeeding practices are unequivocally associated with a greater risk of infant morbidity and mortality not only in developing countries, but also in industrialized countries. Increasing breastfeeding rates is one of the most important behaviors we can promote to decrease infant death and illness worldwide.”
NWA promotes exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life with continued breastfeeding through the first year and beyond with the addition of appropriate complementary foods. All WIC staff have a role in promoting and providing support for the successful initiation and continuation of breastfeeding.
With great respect, NWA would like to acknowledge that today the NWA National Office is located on the unceded territory of the Nacotchtank and Piscataway peoples, the original keepers of the land for millennia. The Nacotchtank – successful traders – were displaced or suffered significant deaths from communicable diseases brought by colonists. Those remaining relocated in 1668 to what is now Theodore Roosevelt Island in the Potomac River opposite Georgetown, and later sought refuge and were absorbed by the Piscataway of Southern Maryland. Click here to find out on what Native land you reside.
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2018 Year in Review
2018 Audit Report
2018 Annual Report
2019 Annual Report
2020 Annual Report
2020-2021 Audit Report
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See highlights of our achievements and learn how the Association has evolved over the years.
Georgia is originally from Leeds, England. After completing a PhD in Food Policy from City University of London, Georgia joined the National WIC Association in 2015 as the Research and Evaluation Manager. Throughout her time at NWA, she has also served as Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer, and most recently as Interim President & CEO. During her tenure, Machell has raised $16 million for NWA to expand its operations and invest in staff capacity and development. Under her leadership, NWA led the successful advocacy effort to secure an additional $1 billion in congressional funding for WIC that allows the program to keep pace with rising enrollment during the current fiscal year. Georgia also announced NWA’s significant new investments to diversify WIC agency staffing and make the participant experience more accessible.
She has over 15 years experience of working in policy-driven food access on the local and national levels in both the US and the UK. In 2022 Georgia completed a certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. She is passionate about connecting the dots between research, policy, programming, operations, and governance to advance mission-driven work. She is committed to ensuring all people have equitable access to nutritious food. Georgia lives in Washington DC with her husband, 6-year-old daughter, and their spaniel.
Jennifer Vanderhoff provides high-level administrative and project support to NWA's President & CEO, leadership and staff teams in the areas of Operations, Accounting, Membership, Communications, Public Policy, and Research regularly. In addition, she is a liaison to the NWA Board of Directors. She also supports grant compliance, subgrantee contracting, and meeting planning. Jennifer is a seasoned professional with a background in project management, operations management, meeting planning, government relations, and transcription. Jennifer has over a decade of experience working with senior-level executives in the nonprofit sector in Washington, DC.
Lyncoln manages the administrative and financial operations of NWA and oversees essential HR functions. This includes ensuring that NWA has sound and secure financial systems and procedures in place to support effective program delivery, and meets generally accepted accounting and audit standards and procedures. In addition, Lyncoln plans, directs, develops, and coordinates the HR policies and activities of the Association, ensuring legal compliance and effective staff support to implement the organization’s mission and vision. He is a Staff Liaison for the Steering Committee.
Lyncoln has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland. He has over 20 years of experience in management of day-to-day operational oversight and direction in the use of financial, administrative, technology, payroll and human resources. He has been working with NWA since May 2022.
Stacy Davis is a board-certified lactation consultant with over two decades of experience in clinical and community-based public health. For the past ten years, she has been dedicated to addressing racial and health inequities in birth, lactation, and nutrition. This commitment includes co-conspiring to implement equity-centered programs and services aimed at positively impacting maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates. Stacy also works towards increasing and strengthening diversity in birth and lactation supporters and providers. Notable achievements include instituting Pathway 2 lactation programs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, spearheading the accreditation for a nationally renowned doula program, and addressing the diversification of the WIC workforce.
Stacy Davis joined the National WIC Association in January 2022 as the Health Equity & Community Partnership Manager, and she now serves as the Director of the Center for Innovative Practices in WIC. She brings with her twenty years of experience as a WIC participant and six years of experience working at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service WIC Division. Stacy graduated from Davenport University with an undergraduate degree in Health Services Administration and from Western Michigan University with a graduate degree in Public Health. She currently serves as the President and Chair of the United States Lactation Consultant Association and as the Secretary of the Human Milk Bank Association of North America.
Ali is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a wealth of experience in federal nutrition policy. Her educational background includes a BA from Columbia University and a Masters in Nutrition and Public Health from Teachers College, Columbia University. Ali previously served as the Chief Policy Officer at USDA Food and Nutrition Service and played a crucial role on the House Committee on Education and Labor, where she led federal nutrition program and other health and human services policy. She also served as Senior Associate for Federal Government Affairs and Federal Government Affairs Manager at the National WIC Association. Her return to NWA in November 2023 coincides with the exciting anticipation of her first child, who will have a special connection to WIC, as her husband's family relied on WIC as new immigrants in the 1980s and 1990s.
Emily directs and develops strategies for member and partner recruitment, engagement, and satisfaction at NWA. She works closely with member groups, including the Board of Directors and NWA's committees and task forces, to support the member-led initiatives of the organization. She is also the Staff Liaison for the Local Agency Section Standing Committee.
Emily has a Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate from Georgetown University. She has over 20 years of experience working in nonprofit administration and membership expertise. She has worked at NWA since January 2017.
Darlena is responsible for managing NWA’s nutrition and breastfeeding activities. Darlena’s work includes representing the Association on various committees both inside and outside the organization, developing public comments, participating in the Association’s advocacy efforts, and assisting in the review of research/studies as it relates to nutrition and breastfeeding.
Chris manages the operational functions of NWA ensuring that administrative and operational systems are effectively and efficiently meeting staff needs. In addition, Chris coordinates vendor services such as IT support, telecommunication services, and facilities management. He manages the HR functions of the organization including staff recruitment, supporting payroll processing, record keeping, and on/off-boarding. He supports the Finance team in ensuring efficient financial policies and procedures and successful audits. Chris also manages the internship program.
Chris joined NWA in August 2021 after serving as the Director of Operations for Health HIV and the Operations Manager for The DC Center for the LGBT Community. Chris is a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and a Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ACNP). He has over 10 years of nonprofit management experience. Chris has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology/Anthropology, and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of the District of Columbia. He is passionate about making the operational functions of the organization as streamlined as possible to ensure NWA staff can focus on assisting members. When he isn’t making NWA processes easier, faster, or cheaper, Chris is playing video games with his husband and 3 cats.
Ashley is responsible for the management and oversight of NWA conferences and events. She collaborates with the NWA Conference Planning Committees in managing conference logistics, including exhibits, activities, and educational content, assuring meaningful learning objectives, and themes consistent with NWA's mission and messaging.
Nell works with the public policy team to develop and execute advocacy strategies. In this role, she builds relationships with policymakers in Congress and the Administration to garner support for NWA’s programmatic and funding priorities. She also drafts policy-related communications and represents NWA in meetings with partner organizations to bring a nutrition and public health perspective to intersectional anti-poverty coalitions. Nell comes to NWA with prior experience in advocacy and as Congressional staff. She has a background in gender and social policy.
Whitney manages the National Recruitment & Retention Campaign, which includes working closely with WIC agencies to provide NWA members with outreach, marketing, advertising, resources, and more.
Whitney has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has 10 years of expertise in social media, marketing, and storytelling. Before moving to the nonprofit space she was a journalist. She is passionate about investing in the health, well-being, and empowerment of women and children and has been with NWA since April, 2020.
Chloe is a Registered Dietitian with over a decade of experience in public health research, programs, and community-based practice. She is responsible for managing NWA activities related to WIC innovation and technological advancements to improve the participant experience. She also represents NWA on various committees and in external groups related to technology and modernization.
Chloe holds a Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University in International Relations, Community Health and Spanish, and a Master of Science in Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Chloe joined NWA in March 2024 with prior experience as a nutritionist in a WIC Local Agency in Baltimore, and at the Maryland WIC State Agency working in outreach and community partnerships. She also has a background in women’s reproductive health policy research.
Carlos manages external stakeholder engagement for NWA. This involves managing and developing relationships with NWA’s current and new partners, exhibitors, and sponsors. He also leads marketing/recruitment planning and implementation for the external stakeholder, exhibitor, and sponsorship programs in support of improving infant, child, and maternal nutrition.
Carlos holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science from Auburn University and a Master of Business Administration from Troy University. He has over a decade of experience in the public and private sector focusing on infant, child, and maternal nutrition. He joined NWA in March 2023 in the inaugural role of Business Partnerships Manager and is honored to collaborate with industry and nonprofit organizations in an effort to support NWA's mission to expand and sustain effective nutrition services for mothers and young children.
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Hanna manages Research & Evaluation activities, which includes managing the tracking, analysis, and reporting of current research projects and communicating research content to NWA members and stakeholders. She represents NWA on various committees, including the Staff Liaison for Evaluation Committee, the Staff Liaison for NOPREN/WIC Learning Collaborative, and external groups related to research and evaluation and works closely with national organizations that aim to improve the WIC participant experience.
Hanna holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Boston University Sargent College, and a Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Policy and Programs from Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. With a background in health equity practices within WIC research, Hanna is deeply committed to enhancing nutrition security for women and children. She is dedicated to ensuring that all families achieve nutrition security and one of her goals is to address these needs through a health equity perspective, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they deserve. She joined NWA in September 2024.
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Tamika brings over 15 years of public health experience to her role at NWA, where she leads the WIC MIS Modernization Strategy Project. In this role, she collaborates with partners to assess the current WIC Management Information System (MIS), develop modernization strategies, and support system improvements that enhance efficiency for WIC agencies and participants. She works closely with stakeholders to gather insights, analyze data, and develop technical assistance resources that inform the future state of WIC MIS.
Previously, Tamika worked as a nutritionist in WIC local agencies and later led operations management for the MIS Unit of the New Jersey State WIC Agency. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Public Health from Benedictine University. She is committed to leveraging her expertise in program operations, user acceptance, and technical training to help create impactful strategies to improve community services and access.
Marie is a sociologist whose passion is to transform people's lived experiences into meaningful action and concrete change. As Advocacy Manager, Marie is responsible for managing strategies to engage State and Local stakeholders to advance NWA’s mission, public policy priorities, and objectives. Marie served as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of U.S. Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro on issues surrounding nutrition and hunger. For over a decade, Marie facilitated strategic partnerships with community-based organizations, health providers, and foundations, working on issues related to nutrition and hunger across the lifespan. Marie was the recipient of the 2017 American Society on Aging’s Graduate Research Award. Her research and opinion pieces have been published in peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and online outlets. She has given numerous invited presentations on her work and was a former instructor at North Carolina State University, where Marie received her Ph.D. in Sociology. She joined NWA in January 2024.
Sarah works with the Education and Membership Engagement team to support NWA members by answering questions and assisting with WIC staff education and networking opportunities, as well as working on event and conference planning and ensuring CEU standards are met for all qualifying programming. She joined NWA in January 2024.
She is passionate about public health nutrition and has dedicated three and a half years to working with WIC. Volunteering holds great importance for her, and she has served as the secretary for the Northern Indiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics chapter, contributed to the Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics board focusing on public policy, participated in several NWA committees, and conducted precepting with nursing and dietetics students and interns.
Before joining WIC, Sarah worked at Andrews University as a nutrition professor, served as a clinical assistant for the university's Dietetic Internship, and worked as a clinical dietitian in long-term care. She thoroughly enjoys educating people on the significance of nutrition and mentoring new health professionals. Sarah earned her Masters in Business Administration from Andrews University.
In her free time, she finds joy in raising chickens, as well as engaging in activities such as swimming and gardening.
Roshon supports the financial functions of NWA, ensuring accurate financial records, efficient processing of transactions, and compliance with regulatory requirements. She handles accounts payable and receivable, performs account reconciliations, assists with financial statement preparation, and supports month-end and year-end closings. Roshon works closely with the Director of Finance & Administration to improve financial procedures and reporting.
With 25 years of experience in accounting across non-profit and for-profit sectors, Roshon is skilled in general ledger management, analyzing financial data, and contributing to audits. She is passionate about the safety and welfare of women and children, having been raised in a family of humanitarians with a deep care for her community. Roshon joined NWA in September 2024.
Victoria collaborates with the Communications Team to execute strategic communications in support of NWA's mission. She is responsible for creating social media content, designing print and digital materials, and providing social media assistance and support to WIC providers. She also develops social media toolkits for dissemination to partner organizations, helps WIC stakeholders and members tell their stories, and promotes NWA policy campaigns and conferences with design and social media curation.
Victoria graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Technology and Emerging Media. She has been doing social media and graphic design for 4-5 years and has had many experiences at nonprofit organizations. She joined us at NWA in June 2022.
Mariah brings over 7 years of experience in non-profit communications to the team. As a Senior Communications Associate at NWA—Mariah works collaboratively with the communications department to reach dissemination goals that align with NWA’s mission, develops marketing and outreach materials for NWA members, designs WIC-branded print and digital assets, and provides technical assistance to State and Local WIC staff regarding engagement and outreach.
Before she joined NWA, Mariah was a Communications Designer at Healthy Teen Network where she managed their weekly blog and social media channels, led digital youth recruitment efforts across several projects, designed print and digital materials, and created scripts for videos and animations. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from Aquinas College and is an AmeriCorps VISTA alumnus. As someone who grew up in a low-income household in rural Michigan—she knows firsthand that when families have access to quality, healthy foods regardless of their income or zip code; they can not only survive but thrive. She joined NWA in May 2024.
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Dimond works with the Communications Team to develop and execute communication strategies supporting NWA’s mission, focusing on marketing NWA products, conferences, and initiatives across various channels like the WIC Hub, NWA’s website, e-newsletters, and conference marketing efforts. She is responsible for creating content, marketing, and design for NWA conferences and events. Additionally, Dimond develops print materials, e-publications, and website content, coordinates digital fundraising campaigns, and provides technical assistance and support to NWA members.
Dimond holds a Master of Public Health in Public Health Communication and Marketing from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Virginia Commonwealth University. She joined NWA in May 2024.
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Shanzida Alam is an Project Associate working with the CIPWIC team to provide administrative support with WIC stakeholders, healthcare providers, and federal partners across CIPWIC’s project portfolio and e-newsletters. Shanzida is an emerging health administration professional dedicated to health equity, with a focus on innovation and modernization in healthcare delivery.
Shanzida holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from George Washington University and will be graduating in May 2025 with a Master of Health Administration (MHA). She is eager to continue learning how technology and the power of personal stories can work together to improve healthcare systems and participant outcomes.
Before joining NWA, Shanzida gained valuable experience in pre-K teaching, where she learned about nutrition and early childhood development. In her free time, Shanzida loves to fish, bike ride, and is embracing her newest role as an auntie to her baby nephew.
Check out NWA job openings here.
NWA is a member-driven organization that represents the diverse mission areas essential to WIC service delivery. NWA's membership consists of five Sections: State Agency, Local Agency, Nutrition Services, Breastfeeding, and Vendor Management. Each Section is governed by a Standing Committee that includes geographic representation from each of the seven USDA regions. NWA's Board of Directors - which sets strategic priorities for the organization - is composed of members of these Standing Committees and an Executive Committee elected by the full voting membership.
2024-2025 Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Kate Franken, MN, Chair
Amanda Hovis, TX, Treasurer
Samar McGregor, CA, Secretary
Jennifer Nicklas, LA, Chair-Elect
Georgia Machell, President/CEO, ex-officio
Board - Section Representatives
Filomena Ahlefeld, PA, Local Agency Section Representative
Rachel August, WA, Breastfeeding Section Standing Committee Chair
Kelli Darland, Chair, KY, Vendor Manager Section Standing Committee Chair
Tami Kepa'a, OR, Local Agency Section Standing Committee Co-Chair
Cheri Nemec, Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, WI, and National Indigenous and Native American WIC Coalition (NINAWC) Chair, Indigenous Agencies
TBD, Local Agency Standing Committee Representative
Tracy Sabo, KS, Local Agency Section Standing Committee Co-Chair
Melody Schrank, Chickasaw Nation, OK, Nutrition Services Section Standing Committee Chair
Amanda Varriano, ND, State Agency Section Standing Committee Chair
Standing Section Committees
Breastfeeding Section Standing Committee
Rachel August, Chair, WA, Western, Section Standing Committee Chair
Rosie Pierce-Martin, Alternate Chair, MN, Midwest
Marilyn Lonczak, Alternate Chair, CT, Northeast
Nicole Hungerford, MT, Mountain Plains
Amy Kovar Resnik, MD, Mid-Atlantic
Laura Robinson, Chickasaw Nation, OK, Southwest
Charlotte Zuber Patton, NC, Southeast
Local Agency Section Standing Committee
Filomena Ahlefeld, PA, Mid-Atlantic
Jessica Eyles, ME, Northeast
Tami Kepa'a, OR, Western, Section Standing Committee Co-Chair
Adela Garcia, TX, Southwest
Dawn Sweet, OH, Midwest
Tracy Sabo, KS, Mountain Plains, Section Standing Committee Co-Chair
Kerrie Tettleton, MS, Southeast
Nutrition Services Section Standing Committee
Aimee Duncan, MT, Mountain Plains
Jennifer Goldbronn, CA, Western
Susan Waltrip, IL, Midwest
Kathryn Nides, MS, Southeast
Crystal N. Hurley, DE, Mid-Atlantic
Gillian MacKinnon, VT, Northeast
Melody Shrank, Chickasaw Nation (OK), Southwest, Section Standing Committee Chair
State Directors Section Standing Committee
Amanda Varriano, Chair, ND, Mountain Plains, Section Standing Committee Chair
Akua Odi Boateng, DC, Mid-Atlantic
Veronica J. Clark, Navajo Nation, Southwest
Kari Malone, WI, Midwest
Cheri Nemec, Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, WI, and NINAWC Chair, Indigenous Agencies
Nicole Nicholas, KY, Southeast
Ginger Roberts-Scott, NH, Northeast
Tiare Sanna, OR, Western
Vendor Manager Section Standing Committee
Kelli Darland, Chair, KY, Southeast, Section Standing Committee Chair
Allen Esparza, WA, Western
Andrea Miller, VT, Northeast
Maura Shea, MD, Mid-Atlantic
Kevin Moore, MT, Mountain Plains
Katherine Groble, MI, Midwest
Celeste Lunceford, TX, Southwest
The National WIC Association is grateful to all of our supporters helping build a nation of healthier women, children, and their families.
Our Business Council Partners are a distinguished group of public and private organizations and corporations who are committed to retaining and enhancing the WIC Program’s vision and to supporting the National WIC Association’s mission. To learn more about how to apply to become a Business Council Partner, or other types of sustaining partnerships, visit our Partnership page.
Danone North America is committed to bringing health through food to as many people as possible.
And every day we work to help improve the American diet by offering more nutrient dense foods and making them more widely available.
General Mills is proud of its longstanding partnership with NWA and WIC. Our relationship with WIC started over 40 years ago when Cheerios cereal was reformulated with more iron to meet the needs of WIC participants. Today, General Mills manufactures over 250 products that meet federal eligibility requirements. From popular cereal brands like Cheerios™, Kix™, and Chex™ cereals, to Yoplait®; and Mountain High™ yogurt, Progresso™ beans, Muir Glen™ Tomatoes, to Cascadian Farm™ frozen fruit and vegetables – we make delicious, widely-available products that WIC consumers are proud to provide to their families.
Gerber is proud to support WIC families with nutritious foods to support healthy growth and development for WIC participants. We craft, grow and make baby’s food with purpose, care and love. At Gerber, research informs everything we do – from the foods we make, the nutrition education we deliver and the services we offer. We carefully craft all of our recipes to exceed parents’ high standards and to help families thrive. Our network of infant feeding experts, registered dietitians, and scientists come together to design every product and ensure every detail is perfectly refined before we begin growing, sourcing and making. We settle for nothing less than our very best.
For parents and caregivers: www.gerber.com. For healthcare and public health professionals: www.medical.gerber.com.
Instacart is a delivery company that operates a grocery delivery and pick-up service in the United States and Canada accessible via a website and mobile app. At Instacart, our mission is to create a world where everyone has access to the food they love and more time to enjoy it together.
Mom's Fresh Foods offers Fast, Convenient & Culturally Sensitive Women, Infants & Children Express Stores!
For Mom's Fresh, Women, Infants & Children Families Means Value, Convenience and a Warm, Friendly Shopping Experience.
Women, Infants & Children Shopping Made Easy!
• Fully stocked stores ensure participants receive their entire food prescription
• Variety and competitive prices maximize usage of cash value produce vouchers
• Greater satisfaction with the WIC shopping experience ensures higher utilization of benefits and greater participant retention rates
• Access to WIC foods near WIC clinics and in underserved communities encourages more families to participate in the program
Contact: Michael Amiri, President & CEO
National Dairy Council’s mission is to bring to life the dairy community’s shared vision of a healthy, sustainable world – with science as their foundation. On behalf of America’s dairy farmers, National Dairy Council shares science-based information about how nutritious, responsibly produced dairy foods help nourish people across the lifespan.
For more information, visit USDairy.com.
In 2015, MOM Brands and Post Foods came together to form Post Consumer Brands—the third largest cereal company in the U.S. We now offer 25 WIC eligible cereals, approved in 49 states, plus Puerto Rico. No other cereal company offers as large a variety of iconic Hot Cereal and the Ready-to-Eat Cereal brands.
While providing all the nutritional benefits to meet Federal WIC eligibility, Post Consumer Brands offers some of America’s favorite combinations of sound nutrition and great taste. Which means families can look forward to —and really feel good about—breakfast, every day.
Cereal is the #1 choice for breakfast in the U.S. and a big part of WIC programs in every state. Over 8 million women and children in the WIC program count on cereal to provide the nutrition they need. What’s more, studies show that kids who eat breakfast do better in school. It’s indeed what makes breakfast the most important meal of the day.
Post Consumer Brands partners with Touchstone Growth Partners, a consulting firm to represent us with state WIC agencies. On behalf of Post Consumer Brands, Touchstone Growth Partners connects with WIC managers across 90 agencies, promoting the nutritious benefits of all our cereals. For more information, please contact: Dave Myers at (717) 715-2700 or email at [email protected].
SSS International, LLC is dedicated to enhancing the WIC grocery shopping experience across Texas with its three specialized retail chains: Grocery Services North, JC Food Mart, and Lone Star Family Market. Designed specifically for WIC clients, stores feature bilingual staff committed to delivering exceptional service and efficiency for a seamless shopping experience. Stores carry primarily WIC foods and are strategically positioned near WIC clinics for convenience. Our mission is to support WIC customers by making grocery shopping easy and stress-free, reflecting our commitment to service excellence and community support.
Voyatek, formerly GCOM Software and OnCore Consulting, is the industry-leading provider of the WIC MIS systems that power WIC programs across the country. We are known for the development and management of “WIC On the Web” (WoW), the most broadly used WIC MIS nationally. Our cloud-based applications help WIC staff provide efficient, effective services to WIC participants by leveraging state-of-the-art technology, experienced developers, former WIC staff, and subject-matter experts. Millions of families across 16 states and 10 tribal nations use Voyatek’s products to access their WIC benefits. We’re committed to delivering innovative and reliable technology solutions that make a real difference in the lives of our users and their communities.
As a NWA business partner and member of the WIC community, we pursue opportunities for multiple WIC stakeholders to work together for the benefit of the program. A deep knowledge of WIC concerns allows us to create Kellogg products and nutrition communications to answer WIC needs.
In addition to our governing Board, NWA's work is informed by committees and task forces comprised of our members.
"Committees" address broad policy issues to further the long-term mission of the Association at the direction of the Board of Directors. "Task Forces" may be created to carry out the work of the Association at the direction of the Board to address specific short-term goals or initiatives.
See NWA’s Committees and Task Force Guidelines.
2024-2025 NWA Annual Education and Training Conference Planning Committee
This committee supports and provides guidance to the NWA meeting planner in designing and convening meaningful conference experiences for NWA’s membership.
Stephanie Bess, 2024 Committee Chair
Beth Beachy, 2024 State Host - Local Agency Rep
Thomas Shuff, State Agency Section
Vacant, Nutrition Services Section
Rachel August, Breastfeeding Services Section
Jessika Free-Bass, Indigenous Agency Representative
Ross Bradley, At-Large
Susan Conover, At-Large
Tracy Ducker, At-Large
Todd Kirkpatrick, At-Large
Ginger Roberts-Scott, At-Large
Lisa Schlientz, At-Large
Britny Cholost, Partner
Ashley Alexander, NWA Meeting Planner, and NWA Staff Liaison
Sarah Younker, NWA Staff Liaison
Ginger Roberts-Scott, NWA Section Liaison
2023-2025 Technology, Program Integrity, and Vendor Management Conference Planning Committee
This committee supports and provides guidance to the NWA meeting planner in designing and convening meaningful conference experiences for NWA’s membership.
Ross Bradley, Vendor Management Section Representative
Martelle Esposito, Partner
Hashina Bowen-Seneque, Local Agency Section Representative
Paul Ladny, Vendor Management Section Representative
Ginger Roberts-Scott, State Director Section Representative
Eriko Robinson, Nutrition Services Representative
Monica Cardenas, Indigenous Agency Representative
Vacant, Breastfeeding Services Section
Vacant, Partner
Sarah Younker, NWA Staff Liaison
Ashley Alexander, NWA Meeting Planner, and NWA Staff Liaison
Allen Esparza, NWA Section Liaison
2024-2026 Nutrition Education and Breastfeeding Promotion Conference Planning Committee
This committee supports and provides guidance to the NWA meeting planner in designing and convening meaningful conference experiences for NWA’s membership.
Gillian McKinnon, Committee Chair
Shevonne Tsegaye, State Agency Section
Theresa Landau, Local Agency Representative
Meghan Robinson, Nutrition Services Representative
Sara Kennedy, Nutrition Services Representative
Elizabeth Johnson, Nutrition Services Representative
Sharon Moore, Breastfeeding Representative
Daissy Torres, Breastfeeding Representative
Lydia Gonwa-Ramos, Breastfeeding Representative
Vacant, Vendor Management Representative
Vacant, Indigenous Agency Representative
Pam Holt, At-Large
Celia Bridgeforth, At-Large
Uranus Mapson, At-Large
Nicole Flateboe, Partner
Moriah Thompson, Partner
Sarah Younker, NWA Staff Liaison
Ashley Alexander, NWA Meeting Planner, and NWA Staff Liaison
Rachel August, NWA Section Liaison
Breastfeeding Committee
The Breastfeeding Committee works to develop recommendations and standards for the promotion and support of breastfeeding among mothers participating in the WIC Program. This Committee also works to encourage the active promotion of breastfeeding by NWA members.
Dori Monica, Chair
Christina Perry, Nutrition Services Section
Dee Huerta, Local Agency Section Recruiting, Local Agency Section
Jessika Free, Indigenous Agency Representative
Cheryl Lorie, At-Large
Tara Landry, At-Large
Pua Kaiwi, At-Large
Darlena Birch, NWA Staff Liaison
Amy Resnik, NWA Section Liaison
Communications/Outreach Committee
This committee examines the needs, challenges, and successes of WIC agency communications and outreach strategies, and develops best practices to reach and recruit eligible WIC participants and educate the public about the WIC program’s benefits.
Monica Escareno, Chair
Dawn Briner, Indigenous Agency Representative
Recruiting, At-Large
Ernest Le, Vendor Management Representative
Tara Olson, Local Agency Section
Emily Patton, At-Large
Cathy Franklin, At-Large
Recruiting, Indigenous Agency Representative
Julia Rojano-Lopez, Nutrition Services Section
Meaghan Westwood, Breastfeeding Services Section
Victoria Micalizzi, NWA Staff Liaison
Filomena Ahlefeld, NWA Section Liaison
Evaluation Committee
The National WIC Association (NWA) views the cycle of research, practice, and policy to be reciprocal and encourages collaboration between researchers and practitioners to conduct high quality research that supports WIC and identifies innovative approaches to program improvement. The mission of the committee is to identify research areas that support NWA and WIC programs nationwide, provide guidance to academic and other external research partners to support research and evaluation activities, bolstering resources and capacity for evaluation at the State and agency-level. The evaluation committee will recognize and consider diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its work to support NWA’s mission of “providing tools and leadership to expand and sustain effective nutrition services for women, infants, and children”.
Bagyalakshmi Kodur, Chair
Madhur Chandra, Member
Joni Geppert, Member
Recruiting, Member
Lindsey Reuter, Member
Yamuna Brahakmanage, Member
Recruiting, Member
Anthony Panzera, Researcher
Melissa Kay, Researcher
Ruth Morgan, USDA-FNS Partner
Leslie Hodges, USDA-ERS Partner
Hanna Griffin, NWA Staff Liaison
Nicole Nicholas, NWA Section Liaison
Farmers Market Programs Committee
The NWA Farmer’s Market Committee monitors and disseminates promising practices related to the use of WIC at farmer’s markets, including the Cash Value Benefit and the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP). The committee also identifies opportunities for collaboration between WIC FMNP and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) and develops recommendations on opportunities to streamline programmatic efficiency and benefits delivery. The Farmers Market committee provides guidance to NWA staff on relevant policy and program priorities. The Farmer’s Market committee aims to promote equitable access to Farmer’s Markets for WIC participants regardless of their identity, race, ability, class, or location.
Rachel August, Chair
Sara Kennedy, Member
Mary Nauert, Member
Ashley Grimm, Member
Ricaya McCray, Member
Laura Gehrman, Member
Britney Zwergel, Member
Julie Na'Cole Tomaso, Member
Leslie Cook, Member
Kristen Fritts, Member
Emily Patton, Member
Tracy Little, Member
Heidi Heerdt, Member
Savannah Contreras, Member
Recruiting, Non-Member
Hanna Griffin, NWA Staff Liaison
Sarah Younker, NWA Staff Liaison
Kelli Darland, NWA Section Liaison
Infant and Maternal Mortality in WIC Committee
This committee examines available research regarding WIC participation and infant mortality and maternal mortality to identify best practices for addressing the issue while analyzing methods to reduce the incidence of infant and maternal mortality in WIC.
Sheryl Pickering, Chair
Sally Zubairu-Cofield, State Agency Section
Lindsey Dermid Gray, Nutrition Services Section
Recruiting, Indigenous Agency Representative
Lorrie Brooks, At-Large
Elizabeth Hulbrook, At-Large
Jessica Smith, At-Large
Dyane Gogan Turner, Consultant
Kathleen Jenkins, State Agency Section
Linda M. Kilby, Local Agency Section
Heather Kristofzski-Raizor, Nutrition Services Section
Recruiting, Indigenous Agency Representative
Bridget Millich, At-Large
Amy Nielsen, At-Large
Myra Fowler, At-Large
Darlena Birch, NWA Staff Liaison
Melody Shrank, NWA Section Liaison
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee supports the development and implementation of the Association’s legislative and regulatory policy. The Policy Committee shall approve an annual policy agenda at the beginning of each calendar year, and may craft additional proposals for the consideration of NWA’s Board of Directors and staff. Members of the Policy Committee shall be routinely updated on policy strategy and timelines and may be called upon to serve as spokespersons for the organization in press, conference, legislative forums, and other venues, as deemed appropriate by NWA staff. The goal is to continue to be strategic, hold proactive discussions with members, and encourage the growth of emerging leadership among WIC State and Local Agency staff.
Heidi Hoffman, Chair
Brandon Boatman, Co-chair (Local) Recruiting, Indigenous Agency Representative
Tiare T. Sanna, State Agency Representative
Heidi Staats, State Agency Representative
Chelsie Todd Denault, State Agency Representative
Terrelle Johnson, State Agency Representative
Dawn Ballosingh, Local Agency Representative
Gabriela Martinez, Local Agency Representative Recruiting, Local Agency Representative
Samar McGregor, NWA Section Liaison
Nell Menefee-Libey, NWA Staff Liaison
WIC Workforce Development Committee
This committee:
Susan Wnuk, Chair
Kate Andrus, Nutrition Services Section
Dawn Ballosingh, Local Agency Section
Brittany Cook, At-large
Beth Cordova, At-Large
Recruiting, At-large
Kathy Duffy, At-Large
Recruiting, At-Large
Jessika Free, Indigenous Agencies
Linda M. Kilby, Local Agency Section
Todd Kirkpatrick, At-Large
Jennifer Madden Smith, Nutrition Services Section
Cheri Nemec, Indigenous Agencies
Thomas Shuff, State Agency Section
Ankita Tandel, At-Large
Toi Sennhauser, State Agency Section
Recruiting, Local Agency Section
Recruiting, Local Agency Section
Darlena Birch, NWA Staff Liaison
Adela Garcia, NWA Section Liaison
Joint Work Group with USDA/FNS
Risk Identification and Selection Collaborative (RISC)
RISC is a partnership between USDA/FNS and NWA to promote ongoing review and development of appropriate nutrition risk criteria for consistent application in the WIC program.
Jennifer Ortner, Chair (USDA/FNS)
Kate Girard, USDA
Pascasie Adedze, USDA
Tiffany Reuss, USDA
Five NWA Voting Representatives:
Kelly May
Alan Brown
Angie Moss
Christina Carbone
Kim Hinnenkamp, NWA Voting Representative
Chloe Dillaway, NWA Staff Liaison
Gillian MacKinnon, NWA Section Liaison
