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ADCES National Leadership Election

Please note: The candidates’ bios may not appear in the same order as listed on the ballot.

President-Elect

Gwen Klinkner
Gwen Klinkner, DNP, RN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES
Clinical Nurse Specialist
University of Wisconsin Health
Madison, WI

To view this candidate’s Personal Statement video, please click here.

Strategic Plan Goal #3 states Grow and Diversify Membership. How will your strengths and experiences help support the advancement of this goal?

Membership retention and growth are critical to our mission and vision. As a past CB and LNG leader, I have experience with growing and diversifying membership. I have also supported other states in my role as CB Board Liaison. Current and prospective members face a variety of challenges such as financial barriers, employment changes, and work-life balance conflicts. These issues and others influence membership decisions. We must increase awareness of member benefits that support DCES practice and engagement. One of my most valued member benefits is access to Communities of Interest (COI). I belong to the Inpatient Management COI and others. These virtual groups allow members to network with other ADCES colleagues. Advocacy initiatives may also appeal to prospective members. I have participated in Hill Days in Washington, D.C. and Public Policy Forums. These opportunities help to advance policies that improve health equity and elevate the work of the DCES.

Using the new ADCES 2024-2028 Strategic Plan select one goal within the strategic initiatives and describe how you have championed that goal in your past or present work.

I was fortunate enough to be a member of the Board when we developed the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. All three goals are essential as we pursue our mission and vision. I have long been a champion of advancing the expertise of the DCES. One of my most treasured ADCES leadership roles has been Inpatient Management COI chair/co-chair. We are a community that supports each other and learns from each other every day. I have had an opportunity to mentor others in the role as well as support DCESs in their day-to-day practices. Additionally, I have been a co-author for multiple ADCES practice papers which provide evidence-based practice guidance. In my own practice, I’m a champion for certification, both the CDCES and BC-ADM credentials, and served as a member of ADCES Credentialing Oversight Committee for three years.

ADCES Volunteer Service or Leadership Roles

Non-ADCES Volunteer Service or Leadership Roles

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 Chris Memering
Chris Memering, MSN, RN, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES
Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
CarolinaEast Medical Center
New Bern, NC

To view this candidate’s Personal Statement video, please click here.

Strategic Plan Goal #3 states Grow and Diversify Membership. How will your strengths and experiences help support the advancement of this goal?

To attract and maintain a diverse membership, we need to continue to connect with the broad spectrum of backgrounds and experiences of our current and potential members. My experience of volunteering throughout my career with ADCES has allowed me to engage with members and non-members in various aspects of our organization. I approach these interactions with an open mind to help to understand the needs of these individuals. My strength as an open and inclusive collaborator, help to bring together people from different professions, practice settings, backgrounds, career levels, and locations to strengthen our work and the work of our organization. As president-elect, these strengths and experiences will help to support and advance the goal of growing and diversifying membership by understanding and recognizing the variety of contexts from which our members come and hearing the challenges and potential solutions from their perspective, and by making underrepresented voices feel welcome.

Using the new ADCES 2024-2028 Strategic Plan select one goal within the strategic initiatives and describe how you have championed that goal in your past or present work.

Improving access to Diabetes Care and Education specialists requires advocacy work to expand insurance coverage, highlighting DCES value to the care team, and growing the number of DCES professionals. I ensure access to diabetes care and education in my daily work caring for those with diabetes in the hospital. Through the Leapfrog Group Inpatient Certification for Diabetes, I articulate the value of the DCES in this practice setting to include it as a requirement for certification. When working with students, nursing, dietetics, pharmacy, clinical nurse specialists, I exhibit DCES as a potential career path.

Co-chairing the North Carolina Diabetes Advisory Council (DAC) over the last four years strengthened my advocacy skills. We worked with our collaborators on bringing advocacy training and education to our members. As the leaders of the DAC we made significant headway advocating at the state level for more access to diabetes care, education, and technology.

ADCES Volunteer Service or Leadership Roles

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Treasurer

Starlin Haydon-Greatting
Starlin Haydon-Greatting, MS-MPH, BSPharm, CDM, FADCES, FAPhA
Pharmacist/Director of Clinical Programs and Population Health
SHG Clinical Consulting/IPhA-PSMP
Springfield, IL

To view this candidate’s Personal Statement video, please click here.

Strategic Plan Goal #3 states Grow and Diversify Membership. How will your strengths and experiences help support the advancement of this goal?

I bring an enthusiastic combination of clinical leadership, interprofessional collaboration, and public health advocacy to support ADCES’s strategic goal to grow and diversify membership. As a seasoned mentor and national thought leader, I have cultivated pathways for students and early-career professionals to engage in diabetes care and education, directly supporting retention and membership growth. My work with dietetic and nursing students, pharmacy schools, public health departments, and national associations foster relationships ideal for formal partnerships that expand ADCES’s reach. My commitment to inclusive excellence and my lived experience leading programs in underserved communities position me to champion inclusive membership initiatives authentically. I am uniquely equipped to help ADCES meet and to exceed our Goal 3 key results by advancing outreach, strengthening inter-organizational collaboration, and promoting a diverse and representative professional community.

Using the new ADCES 2024-2028 Strategic Plan select one goal within the strategic initiatives and describe how you have championed that goal in your past or present work.

I have long championed efforts to expand access to diabetes care and education through innovative, community-based models. As a pharmacoepidemiologist and public health leader, I lead initiatives that bring DSMES and NDPP services to underserved populations across Illinois and other states, including Medicaid beneficiaries, rural communities, and self-insured employers. My policy advocacy work has supported coverage expansion efforts and grassroots mobilization aligned with reintroducing the “Access to DSMT” bill and state-level Medicaid DSMES/NDPP advancement. I regularly present and publish evidence on the value of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (DCESs), directly supporting ADCES Objective 1A. I actively collect and share patient stories to illustrate impact, foster interprofessional referrals, and strengthen the pipeline of accredited programs. For the past 35 years, I have been closely aligned with all three objectives of Goal 1, positioning me as a catalyst for achieving equitable access to high-quality diabetes care nationwide.

ADCES Volunteer Service or Leadership Roles

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Director

Kristine Batty
Kristine Batty, PhD, CRNP, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES
Nurse Practitioner
University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center
Glen Burnie, MD

To view this candidate’s Personal Statement video, please click here.

Strategic Plan Goal #3 states Grow and Diversify Membership. How will your strengths and experiences help support the advancement of this goal?

My skills and experience position me to effectively help grow and diversify ADCES membership. With a socially aware, empathetic, and relational approach, I build meaningful connections across communities. My work in population health with underserved populations gives me insight into the barriers many face in accessing diabetes care and careers in diabetes care. I actively engage health systems, colleges, and universities to mentor future diabetes care professionals from diverse backgrounds. My academic experience requires me to ensure that ADCES programs and curricula are inclusive, culturally responsive, and aligned with the needs of all of the members and communities we serve.

Using the new ADCES 2024-2028 Strategic Plan select one goal within the strategic initiatives and describe how you have championed that goal in your past or present work.

Over the past 20 years, I have championed ADCES Strategic Goal: Advance the Expertise of Diabetes Care and Education Specialist: through leadership, innovation, and knowledge sharing. As a leader on both the ADCES Technology and Professional Practice Committees, I have shaped key initiatives and advanced best practices. I’ve contributed to the diabetes knowledge base through publications (with topics including diabetes related discharge planning and effect of dedicated inpatient diabetes management team), research (including diabetes related family resilience, self-reflection and diabetes self-care, impact of COVID vaccine on Type 1 diabetes), and presentations at international, national, and local conferences, promoting evidence-based care and emerging technologies. As an ADCES spokesperson, I have elevated the visibility and expertise of our discipline. Additionally, as a mentor and teacher to nurse practitioner students, I have inspired and guided the next generation of CDCES professionals.

ADCES Volunteer Service or Leadership Roles

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 Erin L. DaRosa
Erin L. DaRosa, MBA, RDN, LD, CDCES
Senior Manager Diabetes Education
HealthPartners
Bloomington, MN

To view this candidate’s Personal Statement video, please click here.

Strategic Plan Goal #3 states Grow and Diversify Membership. How will your strengths and experiences help support the advancement of this goal?

I am committed to growing community and membership by first listening, understanding, and building trust. I was deeply shaped by a collaborative project that honored diverse food cultures in diabetes education, where I learned the importance of human-centered design and truly engaging those we serve. This experience taught me that meaningful growth happens when we focus on the voices and barriers of others, not our assumptions. It has influenced how I approach recruitment, retention, and leading diverse teams—with humility, collaboration, and respect. As a board member, I would bring this heart for service to help recruit, grow, and support a vibrant DCES community that reflects and celebrates the uniqueness of the people we serve.

Using the new ADCES 2024-2028 Strategic Plan select one goal within the strategic initiatives and describe how you have championed that goal in your past or present work.

Advancing the expertise of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (DCES) resonates deeply with me and reflects how I approach leadership. As a servant leader, my focus is on empowering others to grow and succeed. In my current role, I have supported my team in expanding their expertise beyond traditional diabetes care, encouraging them to lead as technology champions and integrate telehealth into patient care. We’ve also worked to deepen understanding of related conditions, ensuring we care for the whole person, not just the diagnosis. Central to our work is creating a collaborative environment where team members actively listen, learn from one another, and share knowledge freely. By fostering this peer-to-peer model, we’ve built a culture rooted in continuous learning, leadership development, and innovation. If given the opportunity to serve on the board, I would bring this same commitment to nurturing growth and advancing the future of our profession.

ADCES Volunteer Service or Leadership Roles

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 Sarah Hormachea
Sarah Hormachea, MS, RD, CDCES, BC-ADM
Owner, Contract and Consulting
Sarah Hormachea: Diabetes Care and Education, LLC
Denver, CO

To view this candidate’s Personal Statement video, please click here.

Strategic Plan Goal #3 states Grow and Diversify Membership. How will your strengths and experiences help support the advancement of this goal?

My experience with Indian Health Service provided humbling insight into the importance of creating spaces where individuals feel welcomed, respected, and fully able to participate. It emphasized the value of affirming cultural identity and integrating it into culturally informed care.

Recognizing that healthcare professionals don’t always reflect the communities they serve, we must lean into opportunities that close that gap and foster trust.

I’m encouraged by ADCES’s support for community health workers, investment in the National DPP, and collaboration with the CDC to train lifestyle coaches. I also appreciate ADCES’s efforts to broaden the definition of “DCES” to include professionals who may not hold the CDCES credential but bring value, cultural understanding, and trust to the communities they serve.

Using the new ADCES 2024-2028 Strategic Plan select one goal within the strategic initiatives and describe how you have championed that goal in your past or present work.

Increasing access to diabetes care and education is central to my professional mission—it’s the north star guiding my work. I recently transitioned from a traditional role in an endocrinology practice to launch my own diabetes care and education consultancy. My practice partners with patients, healthcare systems, providers, and community organizations to meet their unique diabetes care and education needs.

My consultancy was founded on the belief that while an ideal healthcare system would have a DCES in every office, that’s rarely financially feasible. I’m committed to supporting care teams and individuals—when and where they need it most—through individual referrals, on-site contract hours, and staff training.

I want to inspire others to do the same. In 2024, I helped launch the Entrepreneurship Community of Interest to bring together like-minded individuals, share ideas, and explore strategies for delivering diabetes care and education in new and creative ways.

ADCES Volunteer Service or Leadership Roles

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 Ka Hei Karen Lau
Ka Hei Karen Lau, MS, RDN, LDN, CDCES
Clinical and Research Dietitian
Joslin Diabetes Center
Boston, MA

To view this candidate’s Personal Statement video, please click here.

Strategic Plan Goal #3 states Grow and Diversify Membership. How will your strengths and experiences help support the advancement of this goal?

My experience with member engagement initiatives positions me to advance ADCES's membership growth and diversity goals. As part of the team that initiated the Diabetes Dietetics Practice Group (DDPG) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics mentorship program, I have helped create programming aimed at providing value to members and encouraging participation - supporting the spirit of Objective 3A's retention and growth targets.

My board service with DDPG and involvement with the American Diabetes Association provides established relationships to facilitate the three organizational collaborations outlined in Objective 3B.
As Electronic Communication Chair of DDPG, I have developed expertise communicating organizational priorities to members – a critical skill for Objective 3C's requirements.

My role as Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) liaison for DDPG reflects my deep commitment to expanding diabetes care education across diverse professional backgrounds, directly aligning with ADCES's membership diversification objectives.

Using the new ADCES 2024-2028 Strategic Plan select one goal within the strategic initiatives and describe how you have championed that goal in your past or present work.

I have championed Goal 2, Objective 2B: "Provide evidence-based education practice guidance, resources, and expertise to advance diabetes care and education specialists at all levels of practice" through several key initiatives.

As a contributor to the revision of the 2022 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support and the 2019 Nutrition Therapy for Adults with Diabetes or Prediabetes Consensus Report, I have helped create foundational practice guidelines that diabetes specialists rely on daily.

I have advanced cultural competency—a specific key result for 2024—by delivering national presentations on improving culturally responsive diabetes care.

Additionally, I have supported the mentorship aspect of this objective by initiating a mentorship program within the Diabetes Dietetics Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, providing a framework that aligns with ADCES's goal to increase attendance in topic-based mentorship programs.

ADCES Volunteer Service or Leadership Roles

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 Dorthy Lee
Dorthy Lee, MS, RDN, CDCES
Registered Dietitian III
Kaiser Permanente
Vacaville, CA

To view this candidate’s Personal Statement video, please click here.

Strategic Plan Goal #3 states Grow and Diversify Membership. How will your strengths and experiences help support the advancement of this goal?

I have always embraced equity in health care. As an RD, I developed and led programs for pediatric patients with different cultural practices and socioeconomic statuses, securing funding from key stakeholders. These programs remain a model for my organization. As a California-CB board member, I enlisted a renowned speaker on diversity for conferences and established a state award which honors patient diversity and equity outreach.

As LNG facilitator, I recruited diverse members including physicians and students. I established a student scholarship award recognizing and supporting a student member who has embraced diabetes care and health equity. If elected at the national level, I will use my strategic planning and communication skills to foster an environment that attracts and embraces diabetes clinicians from all backgrounds to advance our organization’s mission and vision. Empowering more clinicians in diabetes care and education will optimize the health and well-being of all persons with diabetes.

Using the new ADCES 2024-2028 Strategic Plan select one goal within the strategic initiatives and describe how you have championed that goal in your past or present work.

I have been a volunteer for ADCES for the past six years serving in leadership roles for the California-CB, two LNGs and now as a member of our national diversity and equity council. In these roles, I have championed our organization’s strategic goal of growing and diversifying membership.

As LNG facilitator, my LNG produced two successful 6-unit conferences which brought together clinicians in the field of diabetes from all stages in their career and geographical areas of Northern California. These conferences were in collaboration with a medical school’s established annual diabetes conference and increased our access to prospective physician and student members. I led the creation of a scholarship for our student members to support their training in diabetes. My recruitment of student members into our organization not only increases and diversifies ADCES membership but ensures we have future clinicians to care and educate generations of persons with diabetes.

ADCES Volunteer Service or Leadership Roles

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Member Affiliates Liaison

Betsy J. Rodriguez
Betsy J. Rodriguez, BSN, MSN, DCES, FADCES
Retired Nurse
Lawrenceville, GA

To view this candidate’s Personal Statement video, please click here.

Strategic Plan Goal #3 states Grow and Diversify Membership. How will your strengths and experiences help support the advancement of this goal?

With decades of experience leading diabetes education initiatives across diverse communities in Latin America and the U.S., I bring a deep understanding of culturally tailored outreach and professional collaboration. As the Trask Force of Diabetes Education Director in IDF SACA, I’ve successfully grown networks of health professionals by fostering inclusive spaces and leveraging multilingual, multi-platform communication strategies. My work coordinating webinars, regional task forces, and digital campaigns has proven effective in engaging professionals at various stages of their careers, including students and early-career clinicians. I’m confident these strengths will support ADCES in expanding and diversifying its membership, strengthening retention, and building strategic partnerships that reflect the rich diversity of the diabetes care landscape.

Using the new ADCES 2024-2028 Strategic Plan select one goal within the strategic initiatives and describe how you have championed that goal in your past or present work.

I have championed Goal 1: Improve Access to Diabetes Care and Education through my work at the CDC’s Division of Diabetes, through my leadership in Latin America and the U.S., where I’ve developed and expanded diabetes education services for underserved populations. At the CDC’s Division of Diabetes, I contributed to national initiatives expanding DSMES services, especially in underserved areas. I supported efforts to increase referrals and promote community-based care models. In collaboration with ADCES, I led the development of the DSMES Literacy Toolkit and DSMES Playbook to improve accessibility and outreach. As the Director of Education for IDF SACA, I developed virtual DSMES programs and culturally tailored materials for diverse populations across Latin America. These efforts align with Goal 1: Improve Access to Diabetes Care and Education, aiming to increase the reach and impact of diabetes education and care.

ADCES Volunteer Service or Leadership Roles

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 Wendy Mobley-Bukstein
Wendy Mobley-Bukstein, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES, CHWC, NASM-CPT, FADCES, FAPhA
Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Des Moines, IA

To view this candidate’s Personal Statement video, please click here.

Strategic Plan Goal #3 states Grow and Diversify Membership. How will your strengths and experiences help support the advancement of this goal?

Growth and Diversity of Membership is a battle that all organizations are facing. Dare I say, post-COVID people are different. The time spent engaging in an organization must be worthwhile and fulfill more than a checkbox for a person’s career. I have been a Board member in another professional organization. I will use my knowledge and experiences to bring ideas to the Board table that will help ADCES identify with its members and catch the attention of professionals serving persons with diabetes. Continuing to grow some of the new initiatives that ADCES has started, like the student community. This allows the organization to pull new professionals in and allows them to become leaders early in their careers.

Using the new ADCES 2024-2028 Strategic Plan select one goal within the strategic initiatives and describe how you have championed that goal in your past or present work.

As I looked at the ADCES 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, Goal 1 spoke to me. First and foremost, I am a clinician. I can’t do my job to the best of my ability if the community that I serve doesn’t have access to the medications and devices that can help them manage their disease appropriately. I worked with a group of clinicians in getting a revised CGM policy passed through our state Medicaid program.

This work was a marathon effort, but we didn’t back down. We came to each quarterly meeting prepared with the most current clinical literature to prove the need for persons with Type 2 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes to have access to CGM too. We worked for 18 months to get the policy passed and we were successful! I would work tirelessly with ADCES Advocacy to make sure that we are getting federal policy addressed in the same manner.

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Nominating Committee

Jacqueline LaManna
Jacqueline LaManna, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, FAANP
Associate Professor, Director of Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programs
University of Central Florida College of Nursing
Orlando, FL

To view this candidate’s Personal Statement video, please click here.

Describe how your career and leadership experiences to date have provided you with the knowledge and expertise needed to serve on the ADCES Nominating Committee

I have practiced as an advanced practice nurse in diabetes care and education for over 30 years. My professional experience in delivering diabetes care to medically underserved individuals, implementing and leading an integrated diabetes disease management program, and conducting diabetes-related research provides the foundation for my national leadership roles in ADCES. As a current member of the ADCES Board of Directors, I was an active participant in the 2024-2028 strategic planning process. This national leadership experience and first-hand knowledge of the design and rationale of the new strategic plan, future organizational goals, emerging challenges in diabetes care and education, and understanding of the ADCES organization leave me well-positioned to support selection of future ADCES leaders to carry this plan forward. Importantly, participation on the ADCES Board of Directors has exposed me to untapped national and regional leaders in diabetes care and education who will be the future leaders of ADCES.

If elected to the 2026 Nominating Committee, what leadership attributes will you look for in potential candidates for Board Directors and Officers?

Candidates for ADCES Board Directors and Officer positions must have the ability to collaborate with organizational leadership to agilely and thoughtfully respond to foreseen and emerging challenges associated with delivery of care for diabetes and related cardiometabolic conditions. Candidates must champion the value of the DCES within the broader context of a dynamic healthcare system. They require flexibility, creativity, and out-of-the box thinking skills to tackle known and emerging forces with that directly impact the practice of our specialty in a changing healthcare environment. ADCES leaders must be able to communicate effectively with members and engage clinical, policymaking, and industry partners who directly impact access to DCES and treatment. To support organizational growth, potential candidates for these positions must represent the nuanced needs of the multiprofessional ADCES members who provide diabetes care and education to the increasingly diverse populations of people living with diabetes across the lifespan.

ADCES Volunteer Service or Leadership Roles

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 Leigh Bak
Leigh Bak, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CDCES, FADCES
Diabetes Clinical Nurse Specialist
Yale New Haven Hospital
New Haven, CT

To view this candidate’s Personal Statement video, please click here.

Describe how your career and leadership experiences to date have provided you with the knowledge and expertise needed to serve on the ADCES Nominating Committee

As a member of ADCES for the past 40 years, as a volunteer leader on both the state/CB and national level (ADCES Member Affiliates Liaison (MAL) 2024 – 2025, Board of Directors (BOD) 2024-2025, I understand the roles and responsibilities of ADCES Officers, Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. I’ve had wide exposure to a number of ADCES leaders in my committee work (Advocacy Committee 2020-2023, ADCES 2023 Annual Conference Planning Committee, Inpatient Management COI Leader 2020-2022) and am familiar with many up-and-coming leaders.

Humility may have played a role in my delaying the call to run for a national position. I have loved serving as the MAL and on the BOD, with my only regret being that I waited so long to “jump in”. I think I am uniquely positioned to encourage younger candidates with a diverse background to consider running for the BOD or an officer position.

If elected to the 2026 Nominating Committee, what leadership attributes will you look for in potential candidates for Board Directors and Officers?

As a member of the 2026 Nominating Committee, I will look for attributes in future Officers and BOD members such as being forward-thinking, always having the “big picture” (of our Strategic Plan) in mind, and confidence enough to be certain their voice is heard. Consensus building is another critical attribute of ADCES leadership, as is the ability to be open to differing opinions and perspectives and seeking to find “common ground” versus having a personal opinion prevail.

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 Celia Levesque
Celia Levesque, MSN, RN, CNS-BC, NP-C, CDCES, BC-ADM
Advanced Practice Provider
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX

To view this candidate’s Personal Statement video, please click here.

Describe how your career and leadership experiences to date have provided you with the knowledge and expertise needed to serve on the ADCES Nominating Committee

I was personally diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1977 and became a Registered Nurse in 1985 and started my career in diabetes education in 1986. I was very involved in a local chapter of AADE (now ADCES) where I served in various roles and served as President one year. I have helped develop several recognized diabetes education programs at several hospitals and currently work as an Advanced Practice Provider treating very complex individuals with diabetes who undergo cancer treatment. My experiences have shaped me into a strong, adaptable person with empathy. I take my commitments seriously and strive to do my best. It would be a privilege to serve on the nominating committee.

If elected to the 2026 Nominating Committee, what leadership attributes will you look for in potential candidates for Board Directors and Officers?

I look for relevant experience and expertise in carrying out the duties of the position. Candidates should possess the ability to see the big picture and contribute to long-term planning. The candidate should be able to lead even during a crisis. Other characteristics include understanding board duties, and board dynamics, be free from conflicts of interest, and willing to work hard, and give constructive feedback. Having diversity in background, skills, gender, rage and age would make the board stronger.

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 Laura Russell
Laura Russell, MA, RDN, LD, CDCES
Program Coordinator, Diabetes Educator
Endocrinology Clinic of Minneapolis
Edina, MN

To view this candidate’s Personal Statement video, please click here.

Describe how your career and leadership experiences to date have provided you with the knowledge and expertise needed to serve on the ADCES Nominating Committee

I have been a Registered Dietitian for 20 years and a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist for 15. In my outpatient role, I consistently bring innovative ideas to our team and seek new ways to enhance patient education. I led the development of an ADCES accredited diabetes education program at the Endocrinology Clinic of Minneapolis, now active for 12 years. My leadership experience includes serving on the Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group (DDPG) board in roles such as Professional Development Chair, Electronic Communications Chair, Secretary, and most recently Chair (2023–2024). These roles have given me insight into organizational governance, member engagement, and strategic planning. They’ve also allowed me to build strong relationships and collaborate with Diabetes Care and Education Specialists across the country.

Through both clinical and volunteer leadership, I’ve gained the insight, experience, and national perspective needed to serve thoughtfully and effectively on the ADCES Nominating Committee.

If elected to the 2026 Nominating Committee, what leadership attributes will you look for in potential candidates for Board Directors and Officers?

If elected to the 2026 Nominating Committee, I will seek candidates who are visionary, strategic, and committed to advancing the mission of ADCES. Ideal Board Directors and Officers will bring diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that reflect the communities we serve. I will prioritize individuals with demonstrated leadership in diabetes care and education, and a track record of engagement with ADCES through committee or volunteer service. Strong candidates will be collaborative, inclusive, and effective communicators who actively listen, foster innovation, and promote person-centered care. Most importantly, they will represent ADCES with integrity and a clear commitment to driving its strategic priorities forward.

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 Clipper Young
Clipper Young, PharmD, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCGP, APh, FADCES
Associate Professor and Clinical Pharmacist
Touro University California
Vallejo, CA

To view this candidate’s Personal Statement video, please click here.

Describe how your career and leadership experiences to date have provided you with the knowledge and expertise needed to serve on the ADCES Nominating Committee

My career has been defined by a longstanding commitment to diabetes care, interprofessional collaboration, and mentorship, all of which align with ADCES. As a Fellow and a member of its Board of Directors, I am fully aware of the organization's strategic direction and values. I have chaired numerous initiatives, mentored emerging leaders, and presented nationally on topics ranging from pharmacotherapy to artificial intelligence in diabetes care. At Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine, I collaborate with the Associate Dean to oversee clinical research and lead efforts to promote scholarly engagement among faculty and students.

My leadership roles across academic committees and national organizations have sharpened my ability to identify talent, guide professional development, and prioritize diversity. These experiences enable me to contribute thoughtfully to the Committee by evaluating candidates with integrity, equity, and a forward-thinking perspective, ensuring that ADCES continues to nurture leaders who embody the communities we serve.

If elected to the 2026 Nominating Committee, what leadership attributes will you look for in potential candidates for Board Directors and Officers?

If elected, I will prioritize candidates who exhibit visionary leadership, unwavering integrity, and a commitment to inclusivity. In the dynamic healthcare landscape, I seek leaders who are not only deeply knowledgeable in diabetes care and education but also adept at embracing innovation, promoting health equity, and fostering interprofessional collaboration. Strong candidates must exemplify the diversity of the communities we serve and champion initiatives that address disparities while advocating for person-centered care. I will favor individuals with a proven track record of taking action, the courage to challenge conventional wisdom, and the humility to listen, learn, grow, and lead collectively and actively. Furthermore, I will seek leaders who are dedicated to mentoring the next generation and ensuring that ADCES remains a dynamic, inclusive, and future-oriented organization. Ultimately, ADCES flourishes when its leaders demonstrate both competence and character in equal measure.

ADCES Volunteer Service or Leadership Roles

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