CDR Elections
Crystal Scott Vasquez, MS,RD-AP,LD
Advanced Practitioner in Clinical Nutrition Representative (RDN-AP)
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Position / Skills and Attributes
Employment History
| Employer | Title |
| Morrison Healthcare / DeTar Healthcare System, Victoria, TX | Clinical Nutrition Manager II |
| Mercy Medical Center (Dignity Health), Redding, CA | Registered Dietitian II |
| Morrison Healthcare | Director Nutrition Systems |
Leadership Experience
| Leadership Position | Organization | Years Involved in the Organization | My specific leadership contributions, achievements and outcomes |
| Membership Chair | Cultures of Gender & Age MIG, Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics | 2023-2025 | As Membership Chair for the Cultures of Gender & Age MIG, I lead efforts to expand membership engagement and visibility for this inclusive group. I coordinate outreach, manage recruitment, and collaborate with leadership to design programming that reflects member needs. I actively integrate IDEA principles by amplifying underrepresented voices and ensuring diverse perspectives are included in educational and networking opportunities. I work closely with the MIG Executive Committee to strengthen communications, highlight member achievements, and build community. Through my leadership, membership visibility has grown, engagement in virtual events has increased, and IDEA values have been integrated into strategic planning. This role has allowed me to elevate representation and foster a welcoming environment for professionals across the age and gender spectrum. |
| Vice President of Member Benefits & Services | California Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics | 2020-2020 | As VP of Member Benefits & Services, I developed and implemented statewide membership engagement strategies, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities. I worked to enhance professional development offerings, support district activities, and strengthen volunteer pipelines. I collaborated with the Executive Board to assess member needs, optimize benefits, and expand resources accessible to dietitians across practice areas. I championed transparency and accountability by supporting regular communication between districts and the state board. I also prioritized IDEA principles by encouraging representation of diverse member voices in leadership and programming. My work in this role contributed to improved member satisfaction, stronger connections between district and state leadership, and the development of a more sustainable framework for ongoing member support. |
| Committee for Lifelong Learning | Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics | 2022-2025 | As a member of the Academy’s Committee for Lifelong Learning, I contribute to FNCE and continuing education programming, impacting thousands of professionals nationwide. I review session proposals to ensure alignment with competencies and strategic priorities, emphasizing innovation, evidence-based practice, and IDEA. I support the development of diverse and high-quality educational offerings that advance clinical expertise and professional growth. I collaborate with committee colleagues to identify emerging practice areas and foster leadership pathways through education. In this role, I amplify member voices by ensuring programs reflect the evolving needs of RDNs in diverse settings. My work has directly contributed to the success of FNCE and the Academy’s continuing education mission, strengthening the professional pipeline and supporting credential maintenance for RDNs. |
| President-Elect | California Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics | 2024-2025 | As President-Elect, I led the strategic planning and execution of the 2025 California Academy Annual Conference (CANDAC25), an in-person statewide event serving 461 attendees. I oversaw every stage: theme development, agenda design, speaker recruitment, venue logistics, budgeting, and sponsor engagement. I curated CEU-accredited sessions featuring experts across clinical nutrition, leadership, IDEA, and public policy, supported by 24 industry exhibitors. I managed a diverse planning team to deliver a financially sustainable event that achieved strong post-conference satisfaction ratings. I partnered with the Education Council and Executive Board to ensure programming aligned with the Academy’s priorities and member competencies. Through transparent communication and inclusive outreach, I elevated the conference’s reach and strengthened member engagement, positioning CANDAC as both an educational and community-building experience. |
| President | California Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics | 2025- | As President, I provide strategic leadership for a statewide nonprofit representing 5,000+ nutrition professionals. I chair the Executive Board, guiding governance, policy implementation, and fiduciary oversight, including annual budget approval and operational planning. I spearheaded licensure advocacy by securing a lobbying firm to advance regulation in California, reinforcing public protection and professional recognition. I promote IDEA by embedding inclusion and access into statewide programming and leadership recruitment. I represent California at FNCE, advocacy summits, and in the House of Delegates, ensuring our state voice shapes national policy. I foster accountability and transparency through conflict-of-interest monitoring, financial oversight, and annual reporting. I actively mentor emerging leaders, champion succession planning, and encourage volunteer engagement to sustain the organization. |
Personal and Campaign Statements
What do you see as opportunities for the future of the nutrition and dietetics profession?
The profession of dietetics stands at a pivotal moment. With advances in precision nutrition, expanding roles in value-based care, and increasing recognition of the RD-AP credential, we have an opportunity to elevate our expertise as essential healthcare leaders. By embracing inclusion, diversity, and innovation, we can strengthen public trust, expand access to advanced practice, and ensure dietitians remain at the forefront of improving health outcomes across diverse populations and care settings.
Campaign Statement
Dedicated to advancing the advanced practice and protecting the public, I will champion innovation, inclusion, and evidence-based care to elevate our profession and strengthen the RD-AP credential.