Dottie Ryan is a registered dietitian with more than 27 years experience in clinical dietetics and nutrition education. She is currently serving as a Program Account Manager for the Southeast Dairy Association. Prior to coming to work for the Dairy Association, she was employed as the Chief Clinical Dietitian for an acute care hospital in New Jersey. In addition to managing and providing state of-the-art medical nutrition therapy to hospital patients, Dottie’s responsibilities included providing community nutrition education and wellness programs.

Dottie received a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition from James Madison University in Virginia. She completed a dietetic internship at the Medical College of Virginia, and has advanced certification in medical nutrition therapy support. She completed her course work for a Master's degree in human nutrition and foods from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. Dottie has received several awards during her career, including Outstanding Young Dietitian of the Year for the state of Virginia, and the Outstanding Dietetic Intern at the Medical College of Virginia.

At the Dairy Association Dottie is responsible for developing and conducting nutrition education programs for educators, health professionals and consumer leaders. She serves as a regional media communicator and has appeared on a number of television and radio news segments and interview shows in North and South Carolina.

Dottie is married and the mother of four children. She is an active volunteer for Operation Smile, a non-profit, medical organization that repairs facial deformities on children all over the world. Dottie enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, especially hiking and running. She has completed four marathons and has hiked the Inca Trail in Peru. One of Dottie’s most cherished honors was being selected to carry the Olympic Torch during the 2002 Winter Olympic Torch Relay.

Laura Buxenbaum, M.P.H., R.D., L.D.N.
Southeast United Dairy Industry Association

Laura Buxenbaum is a Registered Dietitian with experience in clinical dietetics and nutrition education.  She is currently serving as a Program Account Manager for the Southeast Dairy Association.  Prior to coming to work for the Dairy Association, she was an outpatient dietitian for The Nutrition and Diabetes Management Center affiliated with Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina.  In this position, Laura provided medical nutrition therapy for prevention and treatment of heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and eating disorders.

Laura received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Guilford College and a Master’s Degree in public health and nutrition from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  She completed her dietetic internship at New Hanover Regional Hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina and at The Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas.  

At the Dairy Association, Laura is responsible for developing and conducting nutrition education programs for educators, health professionals and consumer leaders.  She serves as a regional media communicator and has appeared on a number of television and radio news segments in North Carolina.