Dietary Managers Association, a leading organization for nutrition and foodservice professionals, has announced that it will officially change its name on January 1, 2012. The new name, Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals (ANFP), is part of a strategic rebranding effort that began in early 2010 and is designed to better align the association with the needs of its members and a changing professional environment.

DMA President and CEO William St. John, CAE, said the name change reflects the organization's new strategic vision and better conveys the work that its members do in the workplace.

“DMA is at a pivotal moment in its history; it has just celebrated its first 50 years and recognizes that, like so many other organizations, it must evolve and grow with the changes that are occurring around it,” he said.

Focus groups, surveys and other research conducted during DMA's strategic rebranding process indicated that the name “Dietary Managers Association” had become outdated and did not accurately describe the work responsibilities of its members, said DMA Chair Ricky Clark, CDM, CFPP, who was part of the task force that led the process.

According to St. John, DMA's new strategic vision recognizes employers' increasing need for broad skills in their foodservice managers, to help them deal with issues that range from food safety to the national increase in chronic disease. The organization plans to create a more robust offering of products and services for members.

The new strategic plan calls for expanded educational offerings, including the opportunity to develop advanced-level skills. Enhanced leadership training will also be offered to help members advance into more senior positions within their organizations.