WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National WIC Association (NWA) announced today that Dr. Jamilia Taylor has resigned as President & CEO. Dr. Georgia Machell, a long-term NWA staffer and current Chief Operating Officer (COO), was appointed by the Board of Directors to serve as Interim President & CEO.
The following statement is attributed to the National WIC Association:
"Dr. Taylor has tendered her resignation as President & CEO of the National WIC Association, and the Board has accepted. We thank her for her time and efforts and wish her the best in her future endeavors."
The following statement is attributed to Kate Franken, Board Chair of the National WIC Association:
"Having been with NWA for almost 9 years, Georgia brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role, and we are confident in her ability to guide the association during this interim period. Georgia has a PhD in food policy from City University of London and a certificate in nonprofit executive leadership from the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. Georgia originally came to NWA as the Research and Evaluation Manager, however, in recent years, she has worked diligently to secure grant funding for NWA, develop new programming to support NWA members, manage NWA staff, and significantly improve internal operations, policies and procedures.
"The National WIC Association board and staff remain steadfast in our commitment to our plans and priorities. The organization is laser-focused on working hard to ensure WIC receives sufficient funding to meet growing caseloads; NWA members are engaged and supported, and we continue to convene WIC stakeholders at high-quality, meaningful events that provide education and networking opportunities. Additionally, at every level of the organization, the NWA team is actively engaged in equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging work through internal training and assessments, as well as supporting members in their efforts to diversify the field further. The NWA board is actively collaborating with leadership and staff to ensure a seamless transition.
"The 50th anniversary of WIC is around the corner, and next year is a milestone moment for all of us. We look forward to celebrating alongside each of you and continuing to evolve our work as we honor yours. Our vision remains the same - to build a nation of healthier women, children and their families.
"I also want to express our unwavering confidence in the NWA team. Their dedication, expertise and passion have always been the backbone of our Association. We are certain they will continue to support the needs of our membership and the WIC Program with the same level of excellence during this transition. Thank you for your continued support and trust in the National WIC Association. Together, we are working toward a brighter future for the families we serve."
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