Election 2026
An official election is being held for members to vote for candidates interested in serving on the 2026-2027 DCMAND Board of Directors (BOD).
To participate in the election, please:
- Review the slate of candidates below.
- Confirm you are an Academy member and have selected DCMAND as your affiliate.
- Submit your ballot by April 3, 2026.
Professional Development Committee, 1st Seat - Noah Praamsma
My name is Noah Praamsma, and I'm applying to serve on the Professional Development Committee. I have been in DC for four years and currently serve as Secretary on the DC MAND board. Previously, I served as Public Policy Coordinator for my Vermont affiliate. Through my work with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, I have helped plan and attend virtual and in-person professional development–style events, and I would be excited to contribute that experience to expanding opportunities for dietitians in DC. Serving our local affiliate is important to me because it represents the most tangible expression of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at the community level.
Professional Development Committee, 2nd Seat - Matthew Bond
My name is Matthew Bond, and I’m applying to join the Board as a member of the Professional Development Committee (2nd Seat). I would bring both enthusiasm and experience to this role. I have planned large events and conferences in multiple roles: as a Program Coordinator working for a Bethesda, MD health research NGO; as a Peace Corps Volunteer; and as an executive member of Serve DC, a government volunteering initiative. I want to help RDs meet their goals for professional growth through events, trainings, networking, and more. In the process, I hope to learn more about DCMAND, grow relationships between our profession and outside stakeholders, and achieve common goals with the broader DC community. I passed my RD exam late last year. In my personal life, I serve on the leadership board of my local church, and I enjoy being a member of both a local barbershop chorus and a running group.
Nominating Committee, 1st Seat - Frances Perkinson
I am a registered dietitian based in the DC area and currently work full-time with Nourish providing outpatient nutrition counseling. My background includes clinical nutrition in long-term care and rehabilitation, and I recently completed my master’s degree focused on health program design and nutrition education. These experiences have strengthened my passion for supporting fellow dietitians and helping translate nutrition science into meaningful, real-world impact.
I am especially interested in the Nominating Committee because I value the importance of community within our profession. I would love the opportunity to connect with and encourage fellow members to get involved, support emerging leaders, and help ensure DCMAND continues to grow as a welcoming and engaged professional community. Being part of this process would be a meaningful way for me to give back while building connections with other dietitians across the DC area.