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2025 PQA Annual Meeting Main banner
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Eligible for CE
Eligible for CE
Networking
Networking
Must be 21+
Must be 21+
Industry Showcase
Industry Showcase
Poster Session
Poster Session

Dorothea K. Vafiadis, MS, FAHA

Senior Director
National Council on Aging

Ms. Vafiadis, MS, is the Senior Director of the Center for Healthy Aging at the National Council on Aging where she oversees strategic program operations for the enterprise's health portfolio. She directs a team of 18 staff members and manages numerous grants that secure millions of dollars to support the organization’s mission. Ms. Vafiadis builds business alliances and leads collaborative initiatives focusing on chronic disease management. Her initiatives include educating and raising awareness about obesity, developing the Obesity Bill of Rights, advocating for policies that support older adults quality of life, promoting bone health, preventing falls, supporting older adult nutrition, enhancing well-being, addressing social isolation, improving behavioral health, and managing pain. Dorothea develops national demonstration projects in partnership with community organizations across the country. With over 25 years of experience in public health, government, and non-profit sectors, she specializes in nutrition innovation and chronic disease prevention. Before joining NCOA, she worked at the American Heart Association (AHA), where she directed a Healthy Living strategy, including program and asset development. At AHA, she led an industry nutrition advisory panel and established relationships with numerous multinational food companies to transform the food environment. Prior to her role at AHA, Dorothea served as a senior nutritionist at the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. She is a member of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Food Forum, an advisory panel member for Cecelia Health, and co-chair of the National Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN).

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