• Streamline processed
  
• Improve internal communications
  
• Promote and empower members
  
• Increase impact of grassroots
  
• Reach key legislators and other state contacts at critical moments
  
• Increase overall visibility and recognition for the affiliates and the profession

Because Illinois is such a large state, IDA has chosen to have representatives from both the northern and the southern parts of the state for some of the positions.

Members of the IDA Legislative Team

ADA Public Policy Coordinator (PPC)
Serves as key connection/conduit between ADA government relations and grassroots leaders on ADA public policy stances and processes.

North: Lisa Eaton-Wright
Email: iameatonwright@gmail.com
and
North: Julie Patterson
Email: jpatterson@uicalumni.edu

South: Open
Email:

State Policy Representative
Responsible for tracking state legislative and regulatory issues of importance to RDs and DTRs and coordinates appointments with state contacts.

North: Rachel Roggi
Email: Rachel.roggi@gmail.com
South: Karla Kennedy-Hagan
Email: kjkennedyhagan@eiu.edu

State Regulatory Specialist (SRS)
The SRS tracks regulatory issues and oversees the affiliate's response to emerging opportunities and challenges within state agencies. This person supports members who connect with community leaders, and works to ensure that the affiliate stance on emerging regulatory issues is consistent with that of ADA.

Carla Honselman
Email: carlahonselman@agristar.net

Legislative Consultant/Lobbyist
Identifies, reviews, and provides tracking and updates of all legislative proposals and bills of interest to IDA. This person also assists with the development of positions on legislation, serving as a guide for advancement of IDA position and response; assists with planning and implementation of the IDA annual Lobby Day in Illinois State Capitol.

Judy Buchanan
Email: Judyblm1@gmail.com

Licensure Chair
Provides suggestions and assistance to persons seeking the Illinois Dietitian Nutritionist License. This is advice and guidance only, as all definitive/legal answers must come from the Department of Professional Regulation.

Connie Locher-Bussard
Email: CLBussard@comcast.net

Health Care Finance Chair/Reimbursement Chair
Mmaintains current resources on reimbursement and serves as a contact for IDA members on issues relating to costs and reimbursement.

Mary Ann Hodorowicz
Email: hodorowicz@comcast.net