2025-2026 Board Election Candidates
The Nominating Committee of the Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics presents the 2025-2026 Board of Directors Election Slate below.
The Election is open until Wednesday, March 26 at 11:59 p.m.
Members must log in to access the election ballot
President-Elect Candidate
I love being a dietitian and working with other dietitians to improve our profession. I have held management and staff positions as a clinical dietitian and a food service dietitian. For the last 10 years, I have had my own business working with people with Chronic Kidney Disease, mainly online. I understand marketing and I want to do what I can to make sure Oklahoma Dietitians are promoted as The Nutrition Experts in our state and our nation. I have devoted a lot of volunteer time helping our district and state academy to assist RDNs in their work and grow our status. Looking forward to working on this further if elected.
Treasurer-Elect Candidate
I am highly detail-oriented and organized, which makes me well-suited for the role of Treasurer-Elect for OKAND. I enjoy learning new things and connecting with fellow RDs in Oklahoma. Additionally, I am passionate about serving the profession and contributing to its growth. Being part of the OKAND board will provide me with the opportunity to support and advance our field.
Secretary Candidates
Passionate, detail-oriented, and committed, while bringing tons of fun and energy! Ability to capture ideas, articulate goals, and communicate clearly are strengths I will bring to this position. Your vote is appreciated and I would be honored to serve OKAND.
I am excited to apply for the position of Secretary-Elect for the Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (OKAND). As a long-time member of OKAND and a current board member serving as Treasurer, I am passionate about advancing the field of dietetics in our state through leadership, organization, and collaboration.
My experience in teaching, Extension, and community nutrition has given me a deep appreciation for the role OKAND plays in supporting dietitians and nutrition professionals. Having served in various leadership roles—including Treasurer, committee member for the OKAND Spring Convention, and board member for Diabetes Solutions of Oklahoma—I understand the importance of clear communication, accurate record-keeping, and strategic planning in maintaining a strong and effective organization.
As Secretary-Elect, I hope to:
Enhance communication and transparency within the board and with OKAND members.
Support the board’s initiatives by ensuring timely and accurate documentation of meetings and key decisions.
Engage and connect members through improved access to resources and opportunities for professional growth.
Member Services Chair-Elect Candidate
Kristin Rinke, MS, RD, CHES, LD
Clinical Dietitian
Bethany Children’s Health Center
I am excited to be considered for Member Services Chair elect. As a dietitian, it is important that we continue to learn throughout our careers and that is something I love doing. I believe that a well-informed, continuously learning community is an empowered one. By identifying relevant CEU’s that our members are interested in, I hope to help all members grow professionally and personally, stay ahead in our ever-evolving field, and ultimately contribute even more to our collective success.
Public Relations Chair-Elect Candidate
Valir PACE
With nine years as a Registered Dietitian and experience as a past Secretary for OKAND, Zella Classen is passionate about advancing the dietetics profession and strengthening connections within the field. As the Nutrition and Wellness Manager at Valir PACE, she understands the power of clear communication in promoting health and building meaningful relationships.
Zella is eager to serve as OKAND’s Public Relations Chair to help effectively communicate the organization’s values, engage with dietitians across Oklahoma, and enhance public awareness of the profession. Her goal is to foster collaboration, share impactful stories, and support OKAND’s mission through strategic outreach.
State Policy Representative Jr. Candidate
Over the years of working as a Registered Dietitian in the state of Oklahoma, it becomes more and more apparent that there is a need for reform in our policies to help Oklahomans make the best dietary and lifestyle choices possible.
I hope to help in targeted campaigns that address different dietary and lifestyle choices most prevalent in our state – e.g., obesity, diabetes, heart disease. These campaigns should be culturally sensitive and tailored to different demographics – age, income, location, etc.
Nutrition education in schools to help students read food labels, understand portion size, how to plan balanced meals, cook healthy recipes, and to make informed decisions when eating out are all areas I hope to address during my tenure as State Representative.
Also considering what can be done to increase access to healthier choices for underserved communities, incentivizing businesses (grocery stores, convenience stores, etc.) to stock healthier options in low-income areas, reducing cost with subsidies for fruits & veggies, taxes on unhealthier foods and beverages and promoting participation in SNAP and WIC are areas I have found lacking during my time as an OK RD and look forward to helping pave the way for a healthier OK!
Delegate Candidate
Haley Hall, MS, RD/LD
Registered Dietitian – OSU
Adjunct Professor – Tulsa Community College
I would like to serve as our delegate to continue my work with public policy. I have learned so much from my role on the OKAND public policy committee over the past three years, I feel this experience would allow me to successfully serve as our state delegate.
