Marianne Smith-Edge, alumna of the UK School of Human Environmental Sciences (HES), has been chosen to receive the American Dietetic Association (ADA) Medallion Award for 2009. This honor is given annually to eight ADA members who exemplify dedication to the association and its tenets. “I am honored to be recognized by my professional organization and peers for something that I enjoy,” said Smith Edge. “I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve the profession as I have received so much in return over the years in personal and professional growth, a priceless treasure and reward.”
Smith-Edge is a former president of the ADA, where she focused her tenure on leadership development and strategic marketing of the dietetic profession. She is the owner of MSE & Associates, a nutrition communication and strategic counsel consulting firm focusing on nutrition and wellness issues as well as working with companies on health and wellness and sustainability positioning. Smith Edge also provides leadership development and strategic planning for healthcare and non-profit organizations. She is an internationally recognized speaker and has co-authored two books as well as numerous articles in healthcare related journals.
A graduate in dietetics from the University of Kentucky, Smith-Edge earned a masters degree from Western Kentucky University and is a Fellow of the American Dietetic Association. She is a past chair of the national board of the Consultant Dietitians in Healthcare Facilities and a member of the USDA National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board.
She has also served on the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees, is a UK Fellow and in 2001 was inducted into the University of Kentucky’s College of Human Environmental Sciences Hall of Fame. Smith-Edge is active in her community serving as chair of the Healthy Horizons Steering Committee, Citizens Committee on Education and member of the Owensboro Technical and Community College Foundation. She recently was appointed to the Kentucky 4-H Foundation Board.
Founded in 1917, the American Dietetic Association is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals with over 70,000 members. ADA is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.