MEMBERSHIP
IT’S ALL ABOUT Being Involved
BY DIANA MCCARTHY Director of K12 Northeast Sales Pilgrims For me, it’s all about being involved.
Fun fact: This conference marked my 26th NYSNA Fall Conference and my 22 nd year volunteering and serving this incredible association. As I look back on those years, this weekend has always felt like our Super Bowl. It’s big, it’s full of energy, and it’s something we look forward to all year long. The excitement, the laughter, the learning, and the friendships all come together to remind us why we do what we do. NYSNA membership is more than just belonging to a professional organization. It’s about being part of a community that understands the challenges and rewards of feeding students across New York State. The relationships we build here strengthen programs in every district, from the smallest schools to the largest. When we connect and share ideas, we help each other grow and create better experiences for the students we serve. This year, as we celebrated milestones, welcomed new members, and recognized those who have given their time and talents, I was reminded once again how powerful our network is. So many members have found mentors, discovered leadership opportunities, or gained inspiration through their involvement. Those connections make a lasting impact, not only on our programs but on us personally. Volunteering with NYSNA has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. It’s never too late to say yes to getting involved. I promise you, it’s worth it. The fulfillment that comes from giving back and being part of something bigger than yourself stays with you long after the conference ends. As we turn the page on another successful conference season, I’m already looking forward to renewing my annual membership and continuing to support the work of this amazing organization. I also hope each of you will take a moment to invite a colleague or friend to join. There’s no better way to grow our community and strengthen school nutrition programs across New York State than by sharing the value of NYSNA membership. I hope you left the conference feeling recharged and excited, with new friends, new ideas, and that special sense of joy that comes from being part of this incredible association. Because at the heart of it all, that’s what NYSNA is about, connection, collaboration, and community. ■
WINTER 2026 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR Diana McCarthy is the Northeast K12 Regional Sales Manager for Pilgrims, bringing 27 years of experience to the K12 segment. Her background includes roles as a local broker and as a Regional Sales Manager, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the industry’s evolving needs. Diana applies her expertise and long-standing commitment to Child Nutrition and the association in her role as Chair of the Membership Committee for the New York School Nutrition Association (NYSNA). FreshBites Diana McCarthy
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