Member Spotlight: Lori Granich, MBA, RDN, CAE, DES
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Lori Granich, MBA, RDN, CAE, DES
Lori Granich, MBA, RDN, CAE, DES
Senior Director, Lifelong Learning and Meeting Operations,
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
How did you come to the association industry?
I started my career as a registered dietitian in a hospital setting but quickly found myself drawn to professional development and continuing education. I wanted to make a larger impact beyond individual patient care, and coming to a national association allowed me to do just that. It gave me the opportunity to apply my subject matter expertise while designing impactful learning experiences that support the professional growth of thousands of practitioners. I’ve now been working in the association space for more than 10 years, with a focus on lifelong learning, event strategy, and member engagement.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is innovating. Whether it’s streamlining internal processes or integrating cutting-edge technology like AI into our annual meeting, I love finding ways to dramatically improve how we work and how we serve our members. There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating those “wow” moments—when a solution not only increases efficiency but also elevates the entire experience for staff, stakeholders, or attendees. Innovation, for me, is about continuously pushing boundaries and finding smarter, more impactful ways to deliver value.
Tell us about a time that your involvement in this community had an impact on your career or life.
Being part of the association community has been invaluable for my professional growth. Through forums, events, and networking, I’ve found inspiration, mentorship, and support from people who truly understand the unique challenges and opportunities of association work. One moment that stands out is a conversation I had at an Association Forum event that gave me the confidence to pursue a leadership role I may not have gone after otherwise. The encouragement and shared experiences from peers helped me see my own potential in a new way.
Tell us something about you that we wouldn’t find on your LinkedIn profile.
I’m a big fan of spontaneous travel—and I’ve booked solo trips to Europe more than once on a whim. I love immersing myself in new cultures, exploring local cuisine, and discovering unexpected connections between global experiences and my work in professional development. Travel keeps me curious and adaptable, both personally and professionally.
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