This month we are honoring Preeti Padmanabhan, CDM, CFPP of the Illinois (IL) ANFP Chapter.
Preeti began her volunteer career in 2021 as the chapter treasurer for the IL ANFP Chapter and continued for the next three years in this role. She is currently serving as the chapter president-elect. Her volunteer experience also extends to serving as a Hindi Language Teacher for the Chinmaya Mission Chicago for two years.
In her role as president-elect with the chapter, Preeti has made a lasting impact on the members as well as the chapter’s finances. She has ensured financial health of the chapter by keeping detailed records of the chapter’s finances which helped maintain stability and transparency, and implemented strategies to reduce spending, enabling the chapter to fund critical initiatives and events and maximize member benefits and chapter growth.
Through her meticulous financial management and improving the health of the chapter, Preeti has built trust and accountability with the IL ANFP members. Her attention to detail and commitment to transparency have strengthened the trust among board members and the broader chapter, enhancing the chapter’s overall reputation.
She has also had the opportunity to guide the chapter’s direction, implementing new ideas and initiatives that align with the evolving needs of members. Through her volunteer experience thus far she has been able to focus on increasing membership participation, fostering a sense of community, and developing programs that enhance professional growth. In her current position, she also plans to explore innovative approaches, such as new educational programs, partnerships, and networking opportunities for the chapter.
Preeti has her sights set on expanding the chapter's membership base by attracting a more diverse range of professionals, including younger members and those from different backgrounds, which can foster new perspectives and ideas. Acting as a mentor she’ll draw on her leadership experience to cultivate future leaders and inspire fellow members within the chapter as well.
Preeti plans to leverage technology to streamline chapter operations, such as virtual events, online networking, and digital resources, which could help increase member engagement and accessibility. She would also like to see the chapter increase the number and variety of educational programs, and leadership training opportunities that would help members stay current with industry trends and advance their careers.
Preeti also plans to develop partnerships with other healthcare and foodservice organizations to promote joint initiatives and broaden the networking opportunities for members. She also intends to strengthen advocacy efforts at both the state and national levels to raise awareness about how the critical role of nutrition and foodservice professionals in healthcare could enhance the profession’s visibility.
She sees these changes as a way to ensure the chapter remains relevant, innovative, and supportive of its members' growth while contributing to the overall mission of ANFP.
Thank you, Preeti for all you do for the IL ANFP Chapter! We are grateful for your dedication, passion, and hard work. Without volunteers like you, we would not be able to enhance the member experience and achieve our goals. Thank you!
We would like to feature you as our next Volunteer of the Month. To nominate yourself (or another volunteer) please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.