Kristen Hicks-Roof
PhD, RDN, LDN, FAND, FNAP
SPEAKER BIO
Kristen Hicks-Roof, Ph.D., RDN, LDN, FAND, FNAP, has more than a decade of experience spanning academia, clinical practice, corporate nutrition and industry leadership. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Human Nutrition at the National Pork Board, where she leads the organization’s strategic nutrition initiatives on behalf of more than 60,000 American pig farmers. Her work focuses on advancing the role of pork in balanced dietary patterns, guiding and overseeing nutrition research, and building collaborations to bridge the gap between nutrition science and consumer behavior. She is also the host and owner of the Nutrition Connection podcast, a blend of science and storytelling to showcase dietitian and nutrition experts across niche and sectors.
KEYNOTE – Career Development
The Modern Dietitian Playbook: Finding Your Niche and Building an Impactful Career
The role of the registered dietitian is evolving rapidly, creating exciting opportunities far beyond traditional practice settings. This session will explore how dietitians can leverage their unique expertise to build fulfilling careers in emerging fields such as retail, communications, media, entrepreneurship, consulting, food and agriculture, technology, and beyond. Through practical frameworks, real-world examples, and personal career insights, attendees will learn how to identify their unique niche, communicate their value, and proactively create opportunities in an ever-changing profession. Participants will leave with actionable strategies and renewed confidence to design a career that aligns with their passions, strengths, and the future of nutrition.