Denice Ferko-Adams, MPH, RD, LDN, director of the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education (COPE) at Villanova University College of Nursing, will receive the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ (AND) prestigious 2012 Medallion Award on October 7th for her outstanding leadership and service to AND and the dietetics profession. The award is to be presented at a special Honors Breakfast at the 2012 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in Philadelphia, Pa. Medallion Awards have been given each year since 1976.
Ferko-Adams’ award is in recognition of:
• Her leadership and dedication to the Academy at the national, state and district levels. Ferko-Adams has held many roles, including president of the Pennsylvania Dietetic Association, Chair for the Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group (DPG), Symposium Chair for the Weight Management DPG leadership and Professional Issues Delegate in the Academy
• Her instrumental role in helping to move the profession in new directions. As president of Wellness Press for over 20 years, Ferko-Adams has been a visionary in the area of wellness through her innovative team-based weight management and health campaigns for worksite employees. She has displayed her creativity and innovation by being one of the first registered dietitians (RDs) to provide an income opportunity by licensing software and training RDs to be providers of her wellness programs.
• Her dedication to the high standards of this profession. Ferko-Adams provides invaluable leadership, displays impeccable professionalism, and serves as a model to her peers whether it is through presentations and workshops on business skills, volunteerism, written professional articles, media interviews or networking with business leaders.
• Her inspiration as an outstanding role model. Her enthusiasm for the profession is contagious and she is a motivator to many. Throughout her career, Ferko-Adams has impacted the lives of thousands of consumers, RDs and future RDs. In her current position as the Director of the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education with Villanova University’s College of Nursing, Ferko-Adams continues to demonstrate how dietitians can work collaboratively with others and continue to build partnerships outside of the dietetic profession.
