BOARD MEMBERS & Staff

Michelle Braun is a nutrition scientist who leads Global Protein Scientific Affairs for IFF. In her research, she has maintained a focus on nutrition needs of children but spans other health related outcomes in adults as it relates to science translation and communication. In her role, she plays an active role in research, education and outreach across the food, nutrition and agriculture sectors.

She is engaged and active in several organizations related to the field of food and nutrition research and communication. She holds leadership positions in organizations that bring the topic of nutrition to a variety of audiences. Examples include serving as president of the Soy Nutrition Institute (SNI), the Institute of Food Technology (IFT), the International Food Information Council (IFIC) and the American Society for Nutrition (ASN).

Michelle earned her Doctorate and Masters degrees in Foods and Nutrition from Purdue University with a BS in Nutrition Science from Indiana University. Her career has been a journey enriched with experiences in teaching, research, scientific affairs and science communication.

Chi Hee Kim is Senior Director of Global Government Affairs for Herbalife Nutrition, providing strategic guidance for proactive policy and regulatory development and issues management. With her expertise in international nutrition policy and food and dietary supplement regulations, and years of experience in engagement with thought leadership community, she also serves in leadership roles at key trade associations to help advance and protect the industry. In January, Chi was elected president of SNI Global, the interim advocacy organization, which has now become SNI Global, Inc., the larger organization replacing SNI.

Jessica Kiel is a registered, licensed dietitian, a certified personal trainer by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and a certified clinical research professional.

Currently, Jessica serves as the Clinical Research Manager of Medifast, Inc., a Maryland-based company specializing in the use of meal replacements as part of an innovative, evidence-based solution for weight management and health promotion.

As a member of Medifast’s Scientific and Clinical Affairs team, Jessica provides nutrition expertise on a wide range of product and program-related topics; designs, executes, and manages all stages of in-house research and investigator-initiated clinical trials; oversees the Medifast Scientific Advisory Board; and works collaboratively to substantiate new and existing marketing claims.

Jessica is a member of many professional organizations, including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Society of Clinical Research Professionals, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is an advocate of the Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND), where she has held several leadership positions, including Communications Chair, President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past President. Jessica is the current President of the MAND Foundation and has been elected to serve as Vice President for the Soy Nutrition Institute and as the MAND House of Delegates Representative in the upcoming year.

Jessica earned her dietetics degree from Central Michigan University, with a minor in Business Administration. She completed her nutrition therapy internship at the renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation, with a focus on weight management, diabetes education, and disordered eating.