Our Team

Our team of dedicated professionals combines decades of expertise in nutrition, public health, clinical practice, mental health, and research to transform how we think about food and health.

From pioneering pediatric nutrition resources to advancing the science of ultra-processed food impacts, our experts include registered dietitians, researchers, and physicians committed to making healthy living accessible to all. Together, they bring a passion for education, sustainability, and equitable access to nutritious food, united in the mission to inspire healthier lives through evidence-based practices and innovative solutions.

Board of Directors

The Non-UPF Program’s Board of Directors brings together distinguished leaders from nutrition research, clinical practice, public health, medicine, law, and nonprofit strategy. With advanced expertise in nutrition research, patient care, policy, health equity, chronic disease prevention, and education, they guide our mission with clarity, integrity, and a shared commitment to meaningful impact. Their leadership helps ensure that every initiative we launch is evidence-based, accessible, and aligned with our goal to reduce ultra-processed food consumption and improve community health nationwide.

Scientific Advisory Team

The Scientific Advisory Team is an independent body of experts that offers rigorous, evidence-based guidance to advance the Non-UPF Program’s mission. With deep roots in global nutrition science and ultra-processed food research, they provide strategic insight that informs our educational content, public messaging, and research priorities. Operating independently of their affiliated institutions, they contribute unbiased thought leadership that strengthens the scientific integrity and impact of our educational outreach and collaboration.

Advisory Board

The Non-UPF Advisory Board is composed of nationally recognized leaders in nutrition science, culinary innovation, diabetes care, food systems, health communication, and food product development. With backgrounds spanning academia, clinical practice, media, industry, and community-based work, they bring real-world insight to the table. Their expertise helps shape our educational content, outreach strategy, and organizational direction—ensuring our efforts are science-based, practical, and equity-driven. United by a shared mission, they amplify our work to reduce ultra-processed food consumption and inspire a shift toward healthier, minimally processed eating for all

Officers

  • Melissa Halas, MA, RDN, CDE

    PRESIDENT

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  • Mike Gibbs

    TREASURER

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  • Claire Wood, MS, RDN

    SECRETARY

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  • Jay Gendron, MS, RDN

    OUTREACH COORDINATOR

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  • Kelly Burgess, MBA, RD, LDN

    DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

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  • Olivia Volponi

    SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT COORDINATOR

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  • Sally Liu

    RESEARCH AND GRANT COORDINATOR

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  • Lauree Bradley dietitian

    Lauree Bradley, MS, RDN

    FOOD INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT

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