ANA Staff

Nicola Chilcott – Executive Director

Nikki's background includes many years of experience in both the health and education sectors, specifically working in teaching and working to improve the nutrition environment for New Zealanders. Nikki has a nutrition degree and Diploma in Public Health from Otago University. Her work has included lecturing at Otago University and various tertiary institutes, setting up a private dietetic practice and working for the National Heart Foundation in health promotion. Over the last eight years she has carried out the Executive Director's role for Agencies for Nutrition Action.

Recently Nikki took part in the inaugural Public Health Leadership course which has provided impetus to take on a leadership role in the public health nutrition and physical activity sector. She is applying what she learnt over this course and previous experience in the sector to help draft a sector vision to bring the sector together with a shared purpose, to guide and inspire those working in this area.

Not only does Nikki believe our work is vital to improve the lives of New Zealanders, but she gets a huge amount of enjoyment working with the people in the sector. ANA is often in a position of asking others for their time and commitment to projects and is delighted that people are more than willing to be involved ANA's work. We have seen many projects to fruition – including the Scientific Committee systematic reviews and ethnic specific forums. ANA continues to look at new ways of adding value to the sector. Hence we are particularly excited about the two new pieces of work we are embarking on this year, namely, Vision 2022 and the Knowledge Translation and Exchange project.

Nikki's personal interests include reading, keeping active and enjoying the outdoors by tramping, cycling and swimming. She lives in Wellington with her two sons.

Julia Lyon – National Coordinator

Julia holds a Bachelor of Consumer and Applied Science from Otago University and is a New Zealand Registered dietitian. More recently she has completed a Diploma in Public Health. Her previous role was with Regional Public Health in Wellington, where she worked as a Community Diabetes and Public Health Dietitian.

As National Coordinator, Julia's focus is on connecting people and organisations to the cause of improving nutrition and increasing physical activity. By coordinating ANA's website, newsletters, forums and conferences she facilitates spaces where research, ideas, resources and knowledge may be shared in a way that informs the practice of public health nutrition and physical activity promotion in New Zealand.