We are pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has selected Jaclyn Pederson as Interim Chief Executive Officer of Feeding Matters.Jaclyn, a member of the Feeding Matters team since 2013, is a visionary leader that has created a culture of innovation within our organization. She holds a Masters in Health Innovation and has been behind much of the success we’ve experienced to date.

As the former Vice President, Programs and Strategic Initiatives, Jaclyn has been instrumental in bringing pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) to the forefront as shown by some of her efforts:

• Grew our family support program to meet families where they are in their journey.
• Expanded the Pediatric Feeding Disorder Alliance to ensure collaboration with healthcare professionals, families, government agencies, associations, etc. to advance the system of care for PFD.
• Facilitated the Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire research efforts that will eventually lead to an evidence-based screening instrument.
• Facilitated the development of the Education, Advocacy, and Research strategies for achieving system changes.
• Grew our International Pediatric Feeding Disorder Conference from a local PFD conference to an International must-attend event that reaches all 50 states and over 30 countries.
• Steered the changes that Feeding Matters made to meet the needs of our families and healthcare professionals during COVID-19.

Jaclyn remains steadfast in her commitment and her pledge to carrying out our vision of creating a world where all children with pediatric feeding disorder thrive. That opportunity to thrive is every child’s right and one that every family should be able to pursue. Yet, sadly, in light of recent tragic events, we are reminded that is not the reality of the world we live in. PFD does not discriminate and this issue can impact any family. We continue in our commitment to reflection, education, meaningful action, and long-term sustainable change so that equity, diversity, and inclusion become ingrained in our work to change the system of care for children with pediatric feeding disorder.

Jaclyn will continue to collaborate with the Board of Directors as they determine next steps for the permanent CEO position within the next 90 days. We look forward to keeping you apprised of our progress.

• Rhonda Anderson, RN,
  DNSC(H), FAAN, FACHEBoard Chair
• Craig WillisGovernance and Search
  Committee Chair