About Us
Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) has been a leading national organization offering support to thousands within the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) community. Our core mission is to provide advocacy, education and resources for everyone involved in administering, operating and participating in USDA's child nutrition programs. Our overarching goal is to ensure nutrition security for families by facilitating access to vital food programs.
Rhonda Kobylecky, CMP, CCNP
NCA Chair, Scholarships Chair, Nominations, Events, Governance, Finance & Audit
Director of Food Services, Acelero Learning
Las Vegas, NV
702.768.2095
Rhonda serves as the National Director of Food Services for a multi-state Head Start organization. Acelero Learning operates in four states and serves over 5,000 children. Additionally, Rhonda consults for Acelero’s sister program, Shine Implement, which consists of a multi-state partnership with Head Start programs across the nation, also currently serving over 5,000 children.
Rhonda enjoys training and sharing her CACFP, SERV Safe and Head Start knowledge with others. Using her expertise and experience, Rhonda has conducted trainings throughout the states and at NCA Conferences, both in person and virtually.
Having now served as both a Regional Representative and Board Member, Rhonda has found the experience to have, “really opened up my eyes to the many aspects of this field and the need to teach as many people as possible the importance of nutrition programs for children. Part of my own growth has been to take and complete training to get my CACFP Management Profession and CACFP Child Nutrition Professional Certifications.” As chair of the NCA Certification Committee, Rhonda is dedicated to seeing others receive recognition for their work and knowledge by getting their certification.
With her experience, Rhonda hopes to continue to bring the voice of the CACFP Head Start participant to the board. Her desire is to use expertise in Head Start programs and regulations to support all the members of the NCA. While the goals of the family home care providers, center providers and Head Start providers are the same, the processes are different. As a member of the board, Rhonda hopes to broaden the base to be more inclusive of all programs that work toward increasing child nutrition goals and education.
“I value the NCA’s role in providing technical assistance, training, and in being a national voice on matters that are very important and affect us all in our work with children and families. After all, we all have the same passion and same goal of healthy, well-nurtured children and families.”
Rhonda Kobylecky, CMP, CCNP
Chair
Rhonda Kobylecky, CMP, CCNP
NCA Chair, Scholarships Chair, Nominations, Events, Governance, Finance & Audit
Director of Food Services, Acelero Learning
Las Vegas, NV
702.768.2095
Rhonda serves as the National Director of Food Services for a multi-state Head Start organization. Acelero Learning operates in four states and serves over 5,000 children. Additionally, Rhonda consults for Acelero’s sister program, Shine Implement, which consists of a multi-state partnership with Head Start programs across the nation, also currently serving over 5,000 children.
Rhonda enjoys training and sharing her CACFP, SERV Safe and Head Start knowledge with others. Using her expertise and experience, Rhonda has conducted trainings throughout the states and at NCA Conferences, both in person and virtually.
Having now served as both a Regional Representative and Board Member, Rhonda has found the experience to have, “really opened up my eyes to the many aspects of this field and the need to teach as many people as possible the importance of nutrition programs for children. Part of my own growth has been to take and complete training to get my CACFP Management Profession and CACFP Child Nutrition Professional Certifications.” As chair of the NCA Certification Committee, Rhonda is dedicated to seeing others receive recognition for their work and knowledge by getting their certification.
With her experience, Rhonda hopes to continue to bring the voice of the CACFP Head Start participant to the board. Her desire is to use expertise in Head Start programs and regulations to support all the members of the NCA. While the goals of the family home care providers, center providers and Head Start providers are the same, the processes are different. As a member of the board, Rhonda hopes to broaden the base to be more inclusive of all programs that work toward increasing child nutrition goals and education.
“I value the NCA’s role in providing technical assistance, training, and in being a national voice on matters that are very important and affect us all in our work with children and families. After all, we all have the same passion and same goal of healthy, well-nurtured children and families.”
Denise Andrews, CMP, CCNP
NCA Board Chair-Elect, Governance Chair, Nominations, Calendar & Nutrition Education, Events, Finance & Audit
Director, For The Children
Vici, OK
580.995.3509
Denise Andrews joined the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) Board of Directors in 2017, where she has represented small sponsor membership while participating in the development of programs, activities, and policy positions.
Denise Andrews is co-founder and Executive Director of For The Children CACFP (FTC) in Oklahoma, which was established in 2000. FTC is a non-profit CACFP Sponsor for licensed child care homes. CACFP is an indicator of quality child care.
In her position at FTC, Denise strives to develop cooperative working relationships with other sponsors and child care providers and hopes to do the same at a national level. Denise started her career as a young child care provider in 1989, so she can easily understand and relate to their positions. She would like to build a bigger, stronger voice for not only the provider, but also the small CACFP Sponsor. Denise shares, “I plan to work towards encouraging good nutrition one child at a time. Investing in early childhood nutrition is a surefire strategy. The returns are incredibly high.”
Denise enjoys spending time with her amazing husband, James, their four sons, four daughters-in-law and six grandchildren.
Denise Andrews, CMP, CCNP
Chair-Elect
Denise Andrews, CMP, CCNP
NCA Board Chair-Elect, Governance Chair, Nominations, Calendar & Nutrition Education, Events, Finance & Audit
Director, For The Children
Vici, OK
580.995.3509
Denise Andrews joined the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) Board of Directors in 2017, where she has represented small sponsor membership while participating in the development of programs, activities, and policy positions.
Denise Andrews is co-founder and Executive Director of For The Children CACFP (FTC) in Oklahoma, which was established in 2000. FTC is a non-profit CACFP Sponsor for licensed child care homes. CACFP is an indicator of quality child care.
In her position at FTC, Denise strives to develop cooperative working relationships with other sponsors and child care providers and hopes to do the same at a national level. Denise started her career as a young child care provider in 1989, so she can easily understand and relate to their positions. She would like to build a bigger, stronger voice for not only the provider, but also the small CACFP Sponsor. Denise shares, “I plan to work towards encouraging good nutrition one child at a time. Investing in early childhood nutrition is a surefire strategy. The returns are incredibly high.”
Denise enjoys spending time with her amazing husband, James, their four sons, four daughters-in-law and six grandchildren.
Alix Pasillas, CMP, CCNP
NCA Board Treasurer, Events Chair, CEO Review Chair, Finance & Audit Chair, Certification, Policy, Scholarships, Governance
Executive Director, Food For Kids Nevada
Reno, NV
775.337.9121
Alix joined Food For Kids 23 years ago as a field monitor and has served as executive director for the last nine years. She has provided guidance that has resulted in the growth of the program throughout Nevada expanding the program to sponsor child care centers and adult day care centers in addition to family day care homes.
Alix continues to reinforce the sponsorship’s success with passion and determination for bringing healthy, nutritious meals to children and adults in programs that are a part of CACFP.
Newly elected to the NCA Board in 2020, Alix serves on the Policy, Certification Conference and Board Nomination committees and is excited to work with the association on all things that encompass CACFP.
Alix Pasillas, CMP, CCNP
Treasurer
Alix Pasillas, CMP, CCNP
NCA Board Treasurer, Events Chair, CEO Review Chair, Finance & Audit Chair, Certification, Policy, Scholarships, Governance
Executive Director, Food For Kids Nevada
Reno, NV
775.337.9121
Alix joined Food For Kids 23 years ago as a field monitor and has served as executive director for the last nine years. She has provided guidance that has resulted in the growth of the program throughout Nevada expanding the program to sponsor child care centers and adult day care centers in addition to family day care homes.
Alix continues to reinforce the sponsorship’s success with passion and determination for bringing healthy, nutritious meals to children and adults in programs that are a part of CACFP.
Newly elected to the NCA Board in 2020, Alix serves on the Policy, Certification Conference and Board Nomination committees and is excited to work with the association on all things that encompass CACFP.
Gabriela Rangel, CMP, CCNP
NCA Board Secretary, Calendar & Nutrition Education Chair, Nominations, Events, Membership, Scholarships, CEO Review
Director, Child and Family Resources
Tucson, AZ
520.320.4021
Gabriela Rangel is from Tucson, Arizona, and has worked for Child & Family Resources for 10 years, serving as director of the CACFP and Healthy Way to Grow Director for the past six years. She has a bachelor’s degree in family studies and human development from the University of Arizona; a master’s degree in early childhood studies with a specialization in Administration, Management and Leadership from Walden University; a Social Innovation Non-Profit Leadership Certificate from Eller Executive Education; and is a Certified CACFP Child Nutrition Professional.
Gabriela Rangel served as head of the Healthy Staff committee for two years and as a Staff Mentor for three years for the Healthy Families program. She also served as a trainer for The University of Arizona’s Cooperative Extension Brain Builders for Life program for two years and as a Certified Educator for The Happiest Baby program for three years. She continually collaborates with Pima County’s The Garden Kitchen program to gain knowledge and information to educate providers about growing their own fruit and vegetable gardens. These programs work to support healthy nutrition and to educate child care centers, homes and providers in the community.
As a board member, Ms. Rangel is committed to making a positive impact nationwide through her advocacy for the CACFP. “CACFP is important to me because this program benefits so many children and families in need.”
Gabriela Rangel, CMP, CCNP
Secretary
Gabriela Rangel, CMP, CCNP
NCA Board Secretary, Calendar & Nutrition Education Chair, Nominations, Events, Membership, Scholarships, CEO Review
Director, Child and Family Resources
Tucson, AZ
520.320.4021
Gabriela Rangel is from Tucson, Arizona, and has worked for Child & Family Resources for 10 years, serving as director of the CACFP and Healthy Way to Grow Director for the past six years. She has a bachelor’s degree in family studies and human development from the University of Arizona; a master’s degree in early childhood studies with a specialization in Administration, Management and Leadership from Walden University; a Social Innovation Non-Profit Leadership Certificate from Eller Executive Education; and is a Certified CACFP Child Nutrition Professional.
Gabriela Rangel served as head of the Healthy Staff committee for two years and as a Staff Mentor for three years for the Healthy Families program. She also served as a trainer for The University of Arizona’s Cooperative Extension Brain Builders for Life program for two years and as a Certified Educator for The Happiest Baby program for three years. She continually collaborates with Pima County’s The Garden Kitchen program to gain knowledge and information to educate providers about growing their own fruit and vegetable gardens. These programs work to support healthy nutrition and to educate child care centers, homes and providers in the community.
As a board member, Ms. Rangel is committed to making a positive impact nationwide through her advocacy for the CACFP. “CACFP is important to me because this program benefits so many children and families in need.”
Blake Stanford, CMP
NCA Board Immediate Past Chair, Nominations Chair, Policy, CEO Review, Governance, Finance & Audit
President, SW Human Development Services
Austin, TX
512.467.7916
Hayden Blake Stanford was born in Midland, Texas in 1959. He spent part of his childhood in Mexico and Nicaragua, and graduated with honors from Robert E. Lee High School in Midland, Texas in 1977. A 1981 graduate of Southwestern University, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences, Political Science and Economics, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish. Blake also attended the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin from 1982 to 1984. Blake's early public service has included short stints at the Texas House of Representatives,; the U.S. Department of State's Agency for International Development, Agricultural Office in Khartoum, Sudan; and the Food Services Division at the Texas Department of Human Services in Austin.
Blake is the Founder and President/Chairman of the Board of Southwest Human Development Services, Inc., a private, nonprofit agency and sponsor of the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program since 1985. He has served as President of the Texas CACFP Sponsors' Association, was a founder of the Southwest Region CACFP Sponsors' Association, and served as the President, Treasurer and a Board Member for The National CACFP Sponsors' Association (NCA), a national association of CACFP Sponsors. He also currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Southwestern University.
Blake resides in Austin, Texas with his wife, Kristi, daughter, Kate, and son, Mitchell.
Blake Stanford, CMP
Immediate Past Chair
Blake Stanford, CMP
NCA Board Immediate Past Chair, Nominations Chair, Policy, CEO Review, Governance, Finance & Audit
President, SW Human Development Services
Austin, TX
512.467.7916
Hayden Blake Stanford was born in Midland, Texas in 1959. He spent part of his childhood in Mexico and Nicaragua, and graduated with honors from Robert E. Lee High School in Midland, Texas in 1977. A 1981 graduate of Southwestern University, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences, Political Science and Economics, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish. Blake also attended the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin from 1982 to 1984. Blake's early public service has included short stints at the Texas House of Representatives,; the U.S. Department of State's Agency for International Development, Agricultural Office in Khartoum, Sudan; and the Food Services Division at the Texas Department of Human Services in Austin.
Blake is the Founder and President/Chairman of the Board of Southwest Human Development Services, Inc., a private, nonprofit agency and sponsor of the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program since 1985. He has served as President of the Texas CACFP Sponsors' Association, was a founder of the Southwest Region CACFP Sponsors' Association, and served as the President, Treasurer and a Board Member for The National CACFP Sponsors' Association (NCA), a national association of CACFP Sponsors. He also currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Southwestern University.
Blake resides in Austin, Texas with his wife, Kristi, daughter, Kate, and son, Mitchell.
Kate Abernathy, CMP, CCNP
Calendar & Nutrition Education, Policy, Governance
Chief Executive Officer, Providers Choice
Minneapolis, MN
952.345.8110
Under Kate's directive, Providers Choice sponsors family day care homes and unaffiliated centers serving 40,000 children in those programs.
Kate is a Registered Dietitian registered dietician and has spent her career focused on advocating for child nutrition. She is well versed in CACFP policy and regulations and also serves on boards for two other CACFP organizations.
As an NCA Board member, Kate will continue advocating for children and child care providers across the US while also supporting and promoting legislation that would improve child nutrition outcomes. Kate shares, “I will serve with passion and integrity to further promote and elevate the CACFP community. I will bring my energy, knowledge and skills to partner with other board members to achieve our collective goals.”
Kate Abernathy, CMP, CCNP
Kate Abernathy, CMP, CCNP
Calendar & Nutrition Education, Policy, Governance
Chief Executive Officer, Providers Choice
Minneapolis, MN
952.345.8110
Under Kate's directive, Providers Choice sponsors family day care homes and unaffiliated centers serving 40,000 children in those programs.
Kate is a Registered Dietitian registered dietician and has spent her career focused on advocating for child nutrition. She is well versed in CACFP policy and regulations and also serves on boards for two other CACFP organizations.
As an NCA Board member, Kate will continue advocating for children and child care providers across the US while also supporting and promoting legislation that would improve child nutrition outcomes. Kate shares, “I will serve with passion and integrity to further promote and elevate the CACFP community. I will bring my energy, knowledge and skills to partner with other board members to achieve our collective goals.”
Beth Carlton, CMP, CCNP
Calendar & Nutrition Education, Policy, Scholarship
Executive Director, Child Care Links
Hutchinson, KS
620.669.0291
Beth brings years of experience working with the CACFP as the Executive Director for Child Care Links Association in Hutchinson, Kansas. Child Care Links serves over 1,600 children as a sponsor of family day care homes and child care centers. They also serve the community by providing child care subsidies, work as a licensed Resource and Referral Agency and conduct required training for child care providers.
Under her directive, Child Care Links serves over 1,600 children as a sponsor of family day care homes and child care centers while also providing child care subsidies to families in need, is a licensed Resource and Referral Agency, and offers required training for child care providers.
Beth has a passion for making sure all children have access to quality child care and healthy meals and snacks believing children should have a knowledge of where their food comes from. She also enjoys the challenge of helping child care providers get excited to include healthy eating and active living into their daily routines for the children that they care for.
Beth enjoys serving local and state initiatives focused on enhancing young lives. Some of these include Kansas Area Sponsors United (KASU), Early Childhood Council of Reno County, Policy Council for Kansas State Department of Education, Child Nutrition and Wellness, Policy Council for Reno County Head Start and the Reno County Child Care Task Force.
She looks forward to serving on the NCA Board of Directors beginning October 2023 and shares, “I am excited about working on the NCA Board because it is my desire that not one more child grows up with food insecurities. Having the opportunity to work on policies, trainings and promoting the CACFP on a national level will help to make that desire more of a reality.”
Beth Carlton, CMP, CCNP
Beth Carlton, CMP, CCNP
Calendar & Nutrition Education, Policy, Scholarship
Executive Director, Child Care Links
Hutchinson, KS
620.669.0291
Beth brings years of experience working with the CACFP as the Executive Director for Child Care Links Association in Hutchinson, Kansas. Child Care Links serves over 1,600 children as a sponsor of family day care homes and child care centers. They also serve the community by providing child care subsidies, work as a licensed Resource and Referral Agency and conduct required training for child care providers.
Under her directive, Child Care Links serves over 1,600 children as a sponsor of family day care homes and child care centers while also providing child care subsidies to families in need, is a licensed Resource and Referral Agency, and offers required training for child care providers.
Beth has a passion for making sure all children have access to quality child care and healthy meals and snacks believing children should have a knowledge of where their food comes from. She also enjoys the challenge of helping child care providers get excited to include healthy eating and active living into their daily routines for the children that they care for.
Beth enjoys serving local and state initiatives focused on enhancing young lives. Some of these include Kansas Area Sponsors United (KASU), Early Childhood Council of Reno County, Policy Council for Kansas State Department of Education, Child Nutrition and Wellness, Policy Council for Reno County Head Start and the Reno County Child Care Task Force.
She looks forward to serving on the NCA Board of Directors beginning October 2023 and shares, “I am excited about working on the NCA Board because it is my desire that not one more child grows up with food insecurities. Having the opportunity to work on policies, trainings and promoting the CACFP on a national level will help to make that desire more of a reality.”
Deborah Gillison-Wilson, CMP, CCNP
Certification Chair, Events, CEO Review
Executive Director, Georgia Nutritional Services, Inc.
Conyers, Georgia
470.419.4674
Deborah was named to the NCA Board of Directors in October 2021. She brings over 24 years of experience working with child and adult care programs and has been in business as a CACFP sponsor since 1996. Under her directive, guided by her passion for the cause and with an outstanding and committed team, GNSI exists to improve and maintain the health and nutritional status of children and adults.
In her role as the Executive Director of GNSI, Deborah operates adult, child care centers, day care homes, at-risk afterschool sites and summer food sites. As part of the Board of Directors, Deborah looks to become part of an organization that is about change, compliance in CACFP and SFSP, and the support of all organizations participating in the CACFP/SFSP.
Deborah Gillison-Wilson, CMP, CCNP
Deborah Gillison-Wilson, CMP, CCNP
Certification Chair, Events, CEO Review
Executive Director, Georgia Nutritional Services, Inc.
Conyers, Georgia
470.419.4674
Deborah was named to the NCA Board of Directors in October 2021. She brings over 24 years of experience working with child and adult care programs and has been in business as a CACFP sponsor since 1996. Under her directive, guided by her passion for the cause and with an outstanding and committed team, GNSI exists to improve and maintain the health and nutritional status of children and adults.
In her role as the Executive Director of GNSI, Deborah operates adult, child care centers, day care homes, at-risk afterschool sites and summer food sites. As part of the Board of Directors, Deborah looks to become part of an organization that is about change, compliance in CACFP and SFSP, and the support of all organizations participating in the CACFP/SFSP.
Susan Ison, CMP
Policy Chair, Events, Scholarships
Executive Director, Helping Hands
Taylorsville, UT
801.955.6234
Susan Ison joins the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) Board of Directors through September 2021. She is the Executive Director of Helping Hands Inc. in Taylorsville, Utah and has also served as the regional representative for the USDA Mountain Plains region.
Working with CACFP for 25 years, she has seen the NCA grow from a group of small regional association directors to the national coalition it is today. Throughout the future of NCA, Ms. Ison would like to continue to make important relationships with those who make decisions and policies for the CACFP program. She believes in the spirit of cooperation and the importance of our voice for the direction this program takes. “I truly feel that this program is very important to the well-being of the most vulnerable part of our population - our children. The NCA has, and continues to serve as, a valuable ally and resource in our ongoing battle against childhood hunger and obesity.”
“I have a lifelong commitment to community improvement and involvement. I believe that the individual can effect change person-by-person; and that is it up to each of us to do what we can to change our world for the better.”
Susan Ison, CMP
Susan Ison, CMP
Policy Chair, Events, Scholarships
Executive Director, Helping Hands
Taylorsville, UT
801.955.6234
Susan Ison joins the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) Board of Directors through September 2021. She is the Executive Director of Helping Hands Inc. in Taylorsville, Utah and has also served as the regional representative for the USDA Mountain Plains region.
Working with CACFP for 25 years, she has seen the NCA grow from a group of small regional association directors to the national coalition it is today. Throughout the future of NCA, Ms. Ison would like to continue to make important relationships with those who make decisions and policies for the CACFP program. She believes in the spirit of cooperation and the importance of our voice for the direction this program takes. “I truly feel that this program is very important to the well-being of the most vulnerable part of our population - our children. The NCA has, and continues to serve as, a valuable ally and resource in our ongoing battle against childhood hunger and obesity.”
“I have a lifelong commitment to community improvement and involvement. I believe that the individual can effect change person-by-person; and that is it up to each of us to do what we can to change our world for the better.”
Lisa Mack
BOD Elections & Nominations, Calendar & Nutrition Education, Certification, Events, Governance, Membership, Policy, Scholarships
President & CEO, National CACFP Sponsors Association
Round Rock, TX
512.850.8278
Lisa Mack is responsible for developing and implementing the long-term operating plan to ensure the growth and success of the National CACFP Sponsors Association. Central to that plan is managing member and partner relationships, resource and product development, and training and conference programming.
Lisa previously served as the director of corporate communications for a food service software corporation where she was responsible for client communications and newsletters, user group conferences, and partnerships with industry organizations such as Second Harvest, Research Chefs Association, Women's Foodservice Forum and the Society for the Advancement of Food Service Research.
Lisa is a graduate of Pace University with a BBA.
Lisa Mack
Lisa Mack
BOD Elections & Nominations, Calendar & Nutrition Education, Certification, Events, Governance, Membership, Policy, Scholarships
President & CEO, National CACFP Sponsors Association
Round Rock, TX
512.850.8278
Lisa Mack is responsible for developing and implementing the long-term operating plan to ensure the growth and success of the National CACFP Sponsors Association. Central to that plan is managing member and partner relationships, resource and product development, and training and conference programming.
Lisa previously served as the director of corporate communications for a food service software corporation where she was responsible for client communications and newsletters, user group conferences, and partnerships with industry organizations such as Second Harvest, Research Chefs Association, Women's Foodservice Forum and the Society for the Advancement of Food Service Research.
Lisa is a graduate of Pace University with a BBA.
Sarah McAleavy, CMP, CCNP
Calendar & Nutrition Education, Membership, Certification, Scholarships
CACFP Supervisor, Frederick Community Action Agency
Frederick, MD
301.600.1506
Sarah brings almost 20 years of CACFP experience to the board and is currently the Supervisor of CACFP at Fredrick Community Action in Frederick, Maryland. Frederick Community Action is a sponsor of family day care homes, At-Risk Afterschool and the Summer Food Service Program, and serves over 1,200 children in the area.
Starting with the CACFP in 2004 and working with homeless and low socio-economic populations, Sarah became passionate about the food program. She began with afterschool snacks and summer meals, growing into a sponsorship across two counties in Maryland. “As a mom of three children, I cannot imagine not being able to provide a meal to my children, and that is why I have been involved with CACFP to ensure healthy meals are available.”
As a board member, Sarah hopes to reach as many sponsors, providers, and organizations with NCA’s message of working towards food access for children and adults. She adds, “increasing participation in the food program and ending hunger is the ultimate goal.”
Sarah McAleavy, CMP, CCNP
Sarah McAleavy, CMP, CCNP
Calendar & Nutrition Education, Membership, Certification, Scholarships
CACFP Supervisor, Frederick Community Action Agency
Frederick, MD
301.600.1506
Sarah brings almost 20 years of CACFP experience to the board and is currently the Supervisor of CACFP at Fredrick Community Action in Frederick, Maryland. Frederick Community Action is a sponsor of family day care homes, At-Risk Afterschool and the Summer Food Service Program, and serves over 1,200 children in the area.
Starting with the CACFP in 2004 and working with homeless and low socio-economic populations, Sarah became passionate about the food program. She began with afterschool snacks and summer meals, growing into a sponsorship across two counties in Maryland. “As a mom of three children, I cannot imagine not being able to provide a meal to my children, and that is why I have been involved with CACFP to ensure healthy meals are available.”
As a board member, Sarah hopes to reach as many sponsors, providers, and organizations with NCA’s message of working towards food access for children and adults. She adds, “increasing participation in the food program and ending hunger is the ultimate goal.”
Annetta F. Rutland, CMP, CCNP
Membership Chair, Nominations, Events, Certification, CEO Review
Strategic Director, Quality Programs, 4C for Children
Cincinnati, OH
513.758.1203
Annetta F. Rutland is the Strategic Director of Quality Programs at 4C for Children, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit that serves as an advocate and resource for high-quality early childhood education and care. She has been with the agency for more than 30 years. She works to develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures and standards for professional development programs in identified content area. In addition, she supports the agency’s Team Leaders of Quality Programs to help them make consistent and progressive steps toward organizational and programmatic consistency and sustainability.
Ms. Rutland also helps align 4C programs with industry best practice standards and regulations and helps make systematic change in the delivery of professional development. She pursues program expansion opportunities, incubates new projects and manages key program and stakeholder relationships and committee involvements. She started recruiting unaffiliated child care centers for the federally funded Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in 2014. To date, she has helped recruit 25 child care centers for participation in the CACFP.
Helping 4C and family child care providers adapted to changing landscapes in child care regulations at both local and state levels has also been a key responsibility in her career. She has worked with her team to develop a series of trainings for new family child care providers that include Family Child Care Orientation, How to Maximize Your Dollars (tax workshop), How to Market Your Business, and How to Establish Personal Insurance Benefits. She has also supervised two AmeriCorp members who led a special literacy project for CACFP child care providers, developing literacy packets for use with infants to school-age children.
During COVID-19, there was a change in how we all did our work. The beginning of March 2020, she worked with staff to implement the use of technology to conduct virtual visits to accommodate child care programs to be in compliance with USDA requirements. She also extended her role at 4C for Children by overseeing the work of Family Community Services who assist parent seeking quality child care find the care they need. This team includes a team lead and two staff members in the main office and two staff members in the 4C Miami Valley office.
Annetta F. Rutland, CMP, CCNP
Annetta F. Rutland, CMP, CCNP
Membership Chair, Nominations, Events, Certification, CEO Review
Strategic Director, Quality Programs, 4C for Children
Cincinnati, OH
513.758.1203
Annetta F. Rutland is the Strategic Director of Quality Programs at 4C for Children, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit that serves as an advocate and resource for high-quality early childhood education and care. She has been with the agency for more than 30 years. She works to develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures and standards for professional development programs in identified content area. In addition, she supports the agency’s Team Leaders of Quality Programs to help them make consistent and progressive steps toward organizational and programmatic consistency and sustainability.
Ms. Rutland also helps align 4C programs with industry best practice standards and regulations and helps make systematic change in the delivery of professional development. She pursues program expansion opportunities, incubates new projects and manages key program and stakeholder relationships and committee involvements. She started recruiting unaffiliated child care centers for the federally funded Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in 2014. To date, she has helped recruit 25 child care centers for participation in the CACFP.
Helping 4C and family child care providers adapted to changing landscapes in child care regulations at both local and state levels has also been a key responsibility in her career. She has worked with her team to develop a series of trainings for new family child care providers that include Family Child Care Orientation, How to Maximize Your Dollars (tax workshop), How to Market Your Business, and How to Establish Personal Insurance Benefits. She has also supervised two AmeriCorp members who led a special literacy project for CACFP child care providers, developing literacy packets for use with infants to school-age children.
During COVID-19, there was a change in how we all did our work. The beginning of March 2020, she worked with staff to implement the use of technology to conduct virtual visits to accommodate child care programs to be in compliance with USDA requirements. She also extended her role at 4C for Children by overseeing the work of Family Community Services who assist parent seeking quality child care find the care they need. This team includes a team lead and two staff members in the main office and two staff members in the 4C Miami Valley office.
Lisa Mack is the President & CEO of NCA, responsible for working with the board of directors to develop and implement the long-term operating plan to ensure the growth and success of the National CACFP Sponsors Association. Central to that plan is managing member and partner relationships, resource and product development, and training and conference programming. Lisa previously served as the director of corporate communications for a food service software corporation where she was responsible for client communications and newsletters, user group conferences, and partnerships with industry organizations such as Second Harvest, Research Chefs Association, Women's Foodservice Forum and the Society for the Advancement of Food Service Research. Lisa is a graduate of Pace University with a BBA.
It's kind of fun to do the impossible. ~ Walt Disney
Elizabeth Sherman is the association’s director of operations and your first point of contact for inquiries regarding memberships, conference registrations, product orders and certification applications. She manages the certification program along with daily administrative tasks such as database maintenance, financial deposits, social media updates and data entry. Elizabeth was a CACFP provider for several years in South Dakota before moving to Texas 10 years ago. Since then, she has spent the majority of her administrative professional career with the City of Round Rock's Parks and Recreation Department, most recently as office manager.
There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made. ~ Michelle Obama
Alexia Thex is our director of policy and partnerships, charged with expanding NCA’s advocacy on policy matters and advancing the mission and interests of association members and stakeholders while forming long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with corporations and organizations that fit the mission of NCA. Alexia utilizes her past experience in nonprofit management and development and community and corporate health and wellness to build capacity and garner support for the CACFP. She firmly believes that nutrition security is a right and is committed to expanding access and modernizing the program. Alexia holds a Master of Education in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Austin.
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. ~ Dr. Seuss
Jennifer Basey has served in many roles for the association including membership, website, conference, sales, and education. Jennifer serves currently as our certification coordinator. Jennifer graduated from Texas A&M with a BA in business administration, then went on to obtain her Master of Education degree from Texas State University. Jennifer spent ten years in the education field as an elementary teacher and later on became an instructional coach working directly with teachers.
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. ~ Aesop
Laurie McDonnell is the organization's accounting assistant, with her primary responsibilities including processing accounts payable and tracking accounts receivables. She also tracks the monthly budget and prepares financial reports and documents for the association. With a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Virginia Tech, Laurie has worked in different marketing communications roles in a variety of different industries including window treatment, industrial gardening equipment and engineering software and hardware. Over the last few years, she has been very involved in her children's schools and the PTA. This included 6 years as an executive officer; three of these years as budget coordinator and treasurer of an elementary school PTA.
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. ~ C.S. Lewis
Halley Ramirez is our senior administrative assistant primarily responsible for contact management. She makes it possible to get education resources and policy information delivered directly to over 95,000 members of the CACFP community by ensuring information accuracy and integrity. Halley graduated from California State University of Bakersfield with a BA in child, adolescent, & family Studies. Her career history includes administrative responsibilities coupled with team leadership. In addition, she also has employment and volunteer experiences with various childcare facilities.
There is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift mankind a little higher. ~ Henry Van Dyke
Chloe Smith is our senior marketing communications specialist. She maintains the NCA's website, creates and sources content for publication online and in weekly eNews, manages and designs the association's graphic elements, produces segmented communications for members and marketing efforts, and develops showcase materials, training modules and webinar materials. Chloe previously worked in collegiate athletic communications, and also served as the marketing coordinator for the indie video game Brukel. She graduated from Central Arkansas with a BA in mass communications and earned her MS in sport management from Eastern Michigan.
Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time. ~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Hannah Morris is our senior event specialist and is primarily responsible for planning the National Child Nutrition Conference. She organizes all aspects of the conference, including hotel logistics, volunteer opportunities, workshops, speakers, attendee experiences and assists with marketing the conferences. Hannah graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BS in Hospitality Management. She has planned events for various Marriott/Hilton properties and assisted with multiple hotel openings. Hannah is a member of the National Association of Catering & Events, which provides ongoing education and access to a large network of event professionals.
Today is your opportunity to build the tomorrow you want. ~ Ken Poirot
Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD is our nutrition education specialist, whose primary function is to develop nutrition education materials & provide informational webinars on nutrition to support stronger program operations. She has a strong background & passion in working with low-income communities of various cultural backgrounds, while working on graduate research projects and working in the nonprofit, food banking environment for eight years. Isabel has an MS in Nutritional Sciences and is a registered dietitian and nutritionist. She believes that all children and adults should have access to balanced, nutritional foods to aid in childhood development and adult health in the long term.
Brittany Uribe is our virtual event specialist, who is primarily responsible for planning and coordinating all webinars and virtual events, including those during the National Child Nutrition Conference. Brittany graduated from Florida State University with a BS in Family and Child Science. She began working for a CACFP sponsor in South Florida in 2013 and grew passionate about expanding CACFP training opportunities and educational resources.
McKenzie Brunner is our policy and outreach specialist, responsible for tracking nutrition policy trends and legislation and serving as a subject matter expert for CACFP. She is also tasked with developing nonprofit partnerships and promoting collaboration among CACFP providers. McKenzie received her Master’s of Global Policy from the University of Texas at Austin. With a background in international development and foreign policy, McKenzie is passionate about increasing food security through promoting equitable policy and cross-sector collaboration.
Sarah Hogestyn is our membership and registration coordinator. She handles your inquiries regarding membership, event registration and other NCA questions. Sarah graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a BA in Theatre Arts, and in addition to her work with NCA, she is active in the Austin theatre community, where she works as a director and stage manager. Sarah's career history includes extensive work in child care, as well as social media and quality assurance.
Georgie Morell is our partnership specialist. She strategizes and implements outreach initiatives to enhance program participation and form community and corporate alliances. Prior to this role, Georgie spent 12 years in public education and brings over a decade of experience in instruction, partnerships and community engagement. She believes that when people work together, they can make great strides towards bringing nutrition security to all.
Abril Maya is our executive administrator and is responsible for managing the association’s accounting, financials, payroll, benefits, reporting, IRS filings, hiring process, and supporting the CEO and Board of Director. In her previous role, Abril's responsibilities ranged from marketing, recruiting and human resources, as well as providing executive assistance to several founders and owners in the behavioral and occupational therapy industry. Abril graduated from Purdue University Online with her BS in Nutrition.
Laurin Kocurek is our content and graphic design specialist. She produces and designs content that supports the association and helps to educate, empower, and enable the CACFP community. Laurin has extensive experience in nonprofit communication, having served the Abilene Chamber of Commerce for eight years prior to joining NCA. Laurin provided strategic direction and communication for the organization, most notably developing the largest young professional organization in West Texas, leading all crisis communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, and leading the organization’s 60-year-old public/private partnership through a complete re-brand. Laurin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Communications in 2014 from Texas Tech University. She and her husband, Jeff, reside in Anson, Texas, where they assist in the operations of their fourth-generation, family-owned cattle operation and raise their two sons, Werner and Tucker.
Leadership
In 1986, we started as a small, Midwestern association with these few founding members Gaylene Barstow (Nebraska), Thora Cahill (Illinois) Lucille Patterson (Colorado), Cheryl Flaatten (Iowa) and Valerie Cable (Kansas).
We are now a more inclusive association, reaching friends in every state and Puerto Rico, across all seven USDA Regions. Thanks to our founders and to all our members for your support and faith in us throughout these years!
Friend of CACFP Award
The National CACFP Sponsors Association Friend of CACFP Award honors and recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting and improving the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) through leadership and initiative. Individuals awarded have made significant and demonstrable contributions to the CACFP through advocacy, legislation, education or professional endeavors that exemplify a positive impact or advancement of the program.
The National CACFP Sponsors Association's (NCA) Friend of CACFP Award honors and recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting and improving the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) through leadership and initiative.
The care, development and health of children has been Gail’s focus for over thirty years, 25 of them as CEO of Providers Choice, a company with annual revenues of over $24,000,000, which she founded in 1985.
Cheryl started her career in child nutrition in 1975 after she received her degree in Early Childhood Development and was hired as the Director of a child care center participating on the CACFP. This is where her passion for child nutrition flourished leading to her long and distinguished career. In 1979 she started working in Burlington, IA with Community Action of Southeast Iowa, where she sponsored home providers on the CACFP. The agency has grown to now sponsoring 82% of area eligible home providers and two centers in her three decade’s with Community Action.Friend of SFSP Award
The National CACFP Sponsors Association Friend of SFSP Award honors and recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting and improving the USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) through leadership and initiative. Individuals awarded have made significant and demonstrable contributions to the SFSP through advocacy, legislation, education or professional endeavors that exemplify a positive impact or advancement of the program.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Organizational Timeline
