Thought leadership that informs, connects, and moves people to act.

Dr. Caree helps organizations translate complex nutrition, health, and policy challenges into clear, practical strategies that reflect real life and move communities toward action.

Former USDA Director

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PhD, Nutrition
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Registered Dietitian
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20+ Years Experience
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National Speaker
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Next Dr. Caree Appearance

Former Director of Nutrition Security at USDA, Dr. Caree helps organizations and audiences make sense of complex health challenges through science, strategy, and storytelling.

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WHAT DR. CAREE DOES

Thought leadership that informs, connects,

and moves people to act.

Speaking

Keynotes & Conversations Inspiring, evidence-based talks that help audiences think differently about nutrition, childhood health, and community impact.

Speaking

Keynotes & Conversations Inspiring, evidence-based talks that help audiences think differently about nutrition, childhood health, and community impact.

Leadership

Expert insight at the intersection of food policy, public health, early childhood, and community-centered change.

Leadership

Expert insight at the intersection of food policy, public health, early childhood, and community-centered change.

Strategy

High-level advisory sessions for organizations seeking sharper messaging, stronger partnerships, and practical nutrition security solutions.

Strategy

High-level advisory sessions for organizations seeking sharper messaging, stronger partnerships, and practical nutrition security solutions.

Philosophy

Improving health outcomes starts with access, but it doesn’t end there. True impact requires culturally relevant strategies, meaningful engagement, and systems that support families in making sustainable choices.

Philosophy

Improving health outcomes starts with access, but it doesn’t end there. True impact requires culturally relevant strategies, meaningful engagement, and systems that support families in making sustainable choices.

National-Level Expertise

Former Director of Nutrition Security at USDA, Dr. Caree brings insight shaped by national policy, cross-sector collaboration, and large-scale impact.

National-Level Expertise

Former Director of Nutrition Security at USDA, Dr. Caree brings insight shaped by national policy, cross-sector collaboration, and large-scale impact.

Real-World Application

Her work bridges science and practice, offering audiences strategies that are both evidence-based and immediately actionable.

Real-World Application

Her work bridges science and practice, offering audiences strategies that are both evidence-based and immediately actionable.

Engaging, Memorable Speaker

Dr. Caree doesn’t just present information—she connects, inspires, and leaves audiences thinking differently about health, food, and community.

Engaging, Memorable Speaker

Dr. Caree doesn’t just present information—she connects, inspires, and leaves audiences thinking differently about health, food, and community.

Warmth + Authentic Connection

With a signature blend of clarity, compassion, and energy, Dr. Caree creates an experience that resonates across diverse audiences.

Warmth + Authentic Connection

With a signature blend of clarity, compassion, and energy, Dr. Caree creates an experience that resonates across diverse audiences.

Why book Dr. Caree

A rare combination of national leadership, scientific expertise, and powerful storytelling.

Bio

Dr. Caree Jackson Cotwright is a nationally recognized nutrition security leader, speaker, and registered dietitian with more than 20 years of experience in public health, early childhood nutrition, and community-based strategy.

She previously served as Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity at the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, where she led national efforts to improve access to healthy food and advance equitable health outcomes. Her work supported key priorities from the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.

Dr. Caree is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Georgia, where her research focuses on improving dietary habits among young children, particularly in underserved communities. Her work integrates science, storytelling, and community engagement to create sustainable, real-world impact.

SIGNATURE TALKS

Conversations designed to inspire action.

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Beyond Food Insecurity: Building a Future of Nutrition Security

A keynote on moving beyond food access toward true nutrition security so children and families can thrive.

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From Science to Story: Communicating Nutrition in Ways That Move People

A dynamic talk on translating nutrition science into messages, stories, and strategies that resonate with real people and inspire healthier communities.

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The First Five Years: Building Health Where It Begins

An inspiring session on why early childhood nutrition matters and how healthier futures begin early.

WHY BOOK DR. CAREE

Dr. Caree brings fresh insight, warm storytelling, and practical takeaways that help audiences think differently and leave ready to act.

testimonials

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Dr. Caree Cotwright’s leadership and voice were a defining force at the Medicaid Food Security Network Summit. From the opening Conversations on Food Justice session to her powerful call to “stay on the bus” of advocating for nutrition security, she inspired collective action by elevating nutrition security, SNAP and WIC navigation, and Food is Medicine as critical vehicles for change. Dr. Cotwright’s collaboration with Share Our Strength also includes a memorable episode of the Add Passion and Stir podcast, where she discusses the role that equitable access to healthy affordable food has in helping everyone thrive. Regardless of the occasion, Dr. Cotwright brings invaluable expertise and energy that resonates and deepens our collective commitment to food and nutrition security.
K. Zubick
Conference Organizer
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Dr. Cotwright was a standout keynote speaker at our 34th Annual CACFP Conference and was so warmly received by our community. She brought a rare mix of heart, humor, and nutrition expertise — even rapping about healthy eating! We were truly honored that someone with her national‑level of leadership showed up with such openness and care, engaging so fully with our attendees and helping each person feel genuinely valued.
E. Vitale
Conference Organizer
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Dr. Caree J. Cotwright, PhD, RDN, served as a lead evaluator for Hand, Heart + Soul Project prior to transitioning into her federal role, bringing insight to our evaluation and impact reporting. She compiled our organization’ first Nutrition Education and Food Access Evaluation Report and translated complex data into clear, actionable findings that strengthened our ability to demonstrate outcomes and deepen our impact. Her work ensured our programs remained both evidence-informed and community-centered.
Wande Okunoren-Meadows
Executive Director Hand, Heart, + Soul Project

contact us

Ready to bring Dr. Caree to your next event, convening, podcast, panel, or strategy session? Complete the form below to start the conversation.

    Dr. Caree Jackson Cotwright is a nationally recognized nutrition security leader, speaker, and registered dietitian who believes every child deserves access to healthy food, supportive communities, and joyful relationships with food.