The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior is pleased to announce that Melissa Heeke, CAE, assumed the role of Executive Director on August 1, 2026. In this role, Melissa will lead SNEB’s strategic and operational efforts, strengthen member and volunteer engagement, and advance the Society’s continued growth and impact in the field of nutrition education and behavior.
Since joining SNEB in 2025 as Associate Executive Director, Melissa has worked closely with the Board of Directors, committees, division leaders, members, and staff to strengthen the Society and advance its mission. Her deep understanding of SNEB, combined with more than 20 years of association leadership experience, positions her well to guide the organization into its next chapter.
Melissa expressed her excitement in her new role: “I have always believed in the power of a small group of committed people to create meaningful change. I am honored to serve as SNEB’s Executive Director alongside an incredibly talented team of association professionals and an engaged and committed Board of Directors. Together, we have an opportunity to build on SNEB’s strong history and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of communities around the world.”
Along with Melissa, SNEB welcomed Adrienne Markworth, MA, as its new president on August 1, 2026. “SNEB, like many professional associations, has navigated real fiscal pressures in recent years. Your Board of Directors takes that seriously, and we’re committed to a responsible, resilient financial strategy. We will keep SNEB structurally sound so we can show up for this field for years to come. The stakes are high, and so is my confidence in this community.”
Melissa brings more than 20 years of association leadership experience, with extensive expertise in association strategy, organizational leadership, membership growth, volunteer engagement, and governance. Throughout her career, she has developed and strengthened association programs that engage diverse professional communities, create meaningful member value, expand organizational reach, and build lasting connections between members and their professional societies.
An active volunteer leader herself, Melissa has served in leadership roles with the Indiana Society of Association Executives and the American Society of Association Executives. Her professional and volunteer experience reflects a longstanding commitment to helping associations thrive by connecting strategy to action, strengthening relationships with volunteer leaders, and creating meaningful experiences for members.
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