Meet Nakia Spencer-Graham, MBA, RD, LDN, the National Director of Clinician Nutrition Development and Deployment at Aramark Healthcare+. Nakia embarked on her management journey with Aramark as an Assistant Director of Patient Services, later transitioning into various operational leadership roles, including serving as the General Manager for the esteemed Houston Methodist Hospital. Her tenure within Aramark’s corporate healthcare sector has been marked by numerous achievements in marketing, program development, and growth leadership, all aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction, improving patient outcomes, fostering growth and retention, boosting revenue, and nurturing employee capabilities.
In her current role, Nakia spearheads the development of program solutions, training initiatives, and performance metrics in clinical nutrition. Under her guidance, her team crafts innovative clinical nutrition programs aligned with industry standards, professional practice norms, and regulatory requirements, thereby ensuring Aramark remains at the forefront of the healthcare nutrition landscape.
Nakia’s academic journey includes completing her dietetic internship at Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis and earning a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, followed by an MBA from Belmont University’s Massey School of Business in Nashville, TN. Outside of her professional commitments, Nakia dedicates her time to volunteering with the Clinical Nutrition Management DPG, serving as the Membership Committee Chair and IDEA Task Force member.
Now, let’s turn our attention to Jessica Leonard, MBA, RD, LDN, the Regional Director of Clinical Nutrition Development and Deployment at Aramark Healthcare+. A graduate of West Virginia University, Jessica became a Registered Dietitian in 2012 and furthered her education by obtaining an MBA with a concentration in International Business from Louisiana State University-Shreveport in 2020.
Jessica’s professional journey commenced in 2012 as a Dietary Director in long-term care, followed by a stint as a program coordinator for an ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. Joining Aramark in 2016 as a dietitian, Jessica swiftly ascended the ranks, eventually assuming the role of Clinical Nutrition Manager in 2017. By 2019, she had become the General Manager of a prominent 500-bed hospital in Arlington, Virginia.
In her current capacity as Regional Director, Jessica provides clinical nutrition expertise to healthcare facilities across 25 states and Washington DC, collaborating closely with regional leadership to ensure adherence to clinical program standards, support human resource initiatives, and streamline the clinical agenda. Notably, Jessica led the successful launch of Aramark’s inaugural Digitally Enabled Care Inpatient Telehealth Program as the project lead.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Jessica actively engages in volunteer work, managing social media relations for both the Clinical Nutrition Management Dietetic Practice Group and the Aramark Nourish Employee Resource Group, thereby furthering her commitment to advancing nutrition and wellness initiatives.
