Rita Mays, MS, RD, LN

Minnesota Dept of Health
Diabetes Program
PO Box 64882
St. Paul, MN
USA 55164-0882
Email: rita.mays@state.mn.us

Biographical Sketch:
2006-present – Diabetes Prevention Coordinator/Planner, Minnesota Department of Health, Diabetes Program, St. Paul, MN 2003-2006 – American Indian Children Walking for Health School Intervention Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Health, Health Behavior Research Program, St. Paul, MN 1999-2003 –Cafeteria Power Plus School Intervention Coordinator in Anoka Hennepin School District, Minnesota Department of Health, Health Behavior Research Program, St. Paul, MN 1998-1999 – Acting Director, MN State Women’s Infants and Children Supplemental Foods Program, Minnesota Department of Health, WIC Program, St. Paul, MN 1994 -1998 –5 A Day Power Plus School Intervention Coordinator in St. Paul School District, Minnesota Department of Health, Nutrition Program, St. Paul, MN 1992 -1994 –Public Health Nutritionist consultant, St. Paul Ramsey County Nutrition Program, St. Paul, MN 1993 -1995 –Nutrition consultant, United Hospital Optifast Program, St. Paul, MN 1991-1994 – Nutrition consultant, Sandoz Nutrition Optifast Program R & D, St. Paul, MN 1990-1991 – Assistant Director of Corporate Recruitment, National Marrow Donor Program, St. Paul, MN 1988 – 1990 – Coordinator, NHANES III Data Collection System, Nutrition Coordinating Center, University of MN, Minneapolis, MN 1976-1988 – Manager, Nutrition Marketing and Technical Services, General Mills, Inc, Minneapolis, MN 1974-1976 – Masters of Science Program, Nutrition, Food Science minor, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 1972-1974 – Research Chemist, Pillsbury R & D, Minneapolis, MN 1971 – Bachelor’s of Science. Food Science and industries, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN Currently responsible for planning diabetes prevention and pre-diabetes lifestyle balance awareness and programs in Minnesota, including the 16 week Diabetes Prevention Program called I CAN Prevent Diabetes. Worked with CDC’s Diabetes Primary Prevention Initiative as Intervention Focus Area staff from 2003-2009.