This month we are honoring Jeannie McGovern, CDM, CFPP, of the Florida (FL) ANFP chapter as our Volunteer of the Month. Jeannie joined ANFP in 1996 while a student at the University of Florida, and began her volunteer career at the district level, eventually moving on to serve at the state level. Over the years, she has held many volunteer positions with FL ANFP including district president, chapter secretary, and co-treasurer, as well as newsletter editor, education chair, webmaster, and government affairs liaison.
Jeannie started her career in foodservice as a cook at a truck stop in Lloyd, FL. However, she would later make the switch into healthcare (LTC) as an inventory clerk/sanitation for the Dietary Department of Brynwood Nursing Center (formerly Meadowbrook Manor) in Monticello, FL. Currently, Jeannie is employed at Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee, FL where she is one of the Clinical Nutrition Supervisors.
Through her mentor, Virgie Reams, Jeannie was urged to obtain her certification in dietary management. Jeannie gained her certification via dietetic correspondence course taught by Ruby Puckett, who was the instructor at the University of Florida in Gainesville at the time. After earning her CDM, CFPP, Jeannie worked in several LTC facilities from the Florida panhandle to Georgia. Jeannie prides herself on being able to teach others what she has learned in her experiences as a dietary manager and as part of ANFP.
As a long-time volunteer, Jeannie is the “glue” that holds the chapter together. She regularly communicates with National on behalf of the chapter, in addition to stepping into roles to ensure the job duties are completed, outside of her current roles. Moving forward, Jeannie would like to see Florida back on the map as the foremost chapter within ANFP.
As someone who has dedicated many years to ANFP and the FL chapter, Jeannie states, “Don’t hesitate to volunteer. You can bring your creativity, your business sense. If you are someone that likes to get involved, likes to get things done, come on board."
We thank you, Jeannie! Your dedication, hard work and perseverance are immensely appreciated and an inspiration to our members.
We are grateful for you and your contributions and time given to the organization over the years! Thank you, Jeannie!