Get to know the candidates running for the 2026 SNA-VA Executive Board. Those elected will begin their terms of service on August 1, 2027. We extend our gratitude to all who stepped forward to volunteer, run, and serve our association.
Running For: Vice President
School District: Chesapeake Public Schools
Years in School Nutrition: 11
For the past 11 years, I have proudly served in school nutrition, where I have developed a passion for ensuring that students receive nutritious meals while supporting the professionals who make that possible each day. In addition to my work in school nutrition, I have had the privilege of serving as the Conference Chair for the past three years, helping plan engaging and successful conferences for our members. I also served as the Supervisory Industry Chair for SNA-VA, where I have enjoyed supporting leadership development and strengthening our profession.
What I love about school nutrition is the powerful impact it has on students every single day. It’s more than just serving meals—it’s about fueling minds, supporting growth, and creating a positive environment where every child feels cared for. I love that school nutrition ensures all students, no matter their background, have access to healthy, balanced meals. Knowing that a child can focus better in class because they’ve had a good breakfast or lunch is incredibly rewarding.
Most of all, I love that school nutrition is truly “powered by purpose.” Every tray served is an opportunity to nourish, uplift, and make a lasting impact.
In the Vice President role of SNA-VA, I would serve the members by being a strong, supportive leader who is fully committed to their success and the success of our association.
I would serve by standing beside the President and leadership team, ensuring continuity, collaboration, and progress in everything we do. I would take an active role in learning all aspects of the organization so I can effectively support both leadership and members. I would serve by being a voice for the members—listening to their needs, concerns, and ideas, and bringing those forward to help shape decisions that truly reflect the membership.
I would serve by strengthening engagement across the association. I would work to increase participation in meetings and events, encourage involvement at every level, and help members feel connected and valued, no matter their role.Most importantly, I would serve with purpose—uplifting our members, and ensuring that everything we do strengthens their ability to nourish and support students across Virginia.
Shaun Sawko
Running For: Vice President
School District: Fairfax County Public Schools
Years in School
Nutrition: 11 Years in School Nutrition and 3 Years in Child Nutrition
I am a proud lunch-lad with more than a decade of experience in school nutrition and a passion for creating diverse, inclusive, and student-centered meal programs. Equipped with a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and leadership experience with Hillsborough County Public Schools, DC Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools, and now as Executive Director of Food and Nutrition Services for Fairfax County Public Schools, I lead a team of more than 1,400 culinary professionals and nutrition advocates serving over 180,000 students each day.
I believe school nutrition is about far more than serving meals. Every breakfast and lunch is an opportunity to nourish students’ minds and bodies while creating welcoming spaces where every child feels seen, valued, and included. School cafeterias have the power to foster belonging, strengthen communities, and help students succeed. As SNA-VA Membership Chair, I have enjoyed connecting with members across the Commonwealth and learning from the incredible work happening in school divisions of every size. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that our Association is strongest when we collaborate, share ideas, and invest in one another.
If elected Vice President, I am committed to building on SNA-VA’s strong foundation by bringing fresh ideas, encouraging innovation, and expanding opportunities for professional growth and member engagement. I believe in leading with purpose, listening to members, mentoring future leaders, and ensuring our Association continues to evolve alongside the ever-changing field of school nutrition. It would be an honor to serve as your next SNA-VA Vice President and work alongside members to strengthen our profession while ensuring every Virginia student has access to nutritious meals served with care and pride.
Running For: Treasurer
School District: Lynchburg City Schools
Years in School Nutrition: 22
For the past 22 years, I have found a true sense of purpose through serving students in school nutrition. I am proud to contribute to our shared mission of providing nutritious meals that support student wellness and achievement. I also value working alongside dedicated professionals who care deeply about this work and collaborating with colleagues across Virginia and throughout the country to strengthen school nutrition programs and increase student participation.
If elected Treasurer, I will serve SNA-VA with integrity, collaboration, and thoughtful stewardship. I believe listening to members is the foundation of good decision-making, and I am committed to understanding their needs and ideas as we plan for the future. I also believe in engaging members to develop practical strategies that support today’s school nutrition professionals. By working together and making responsible financial decisions, I will help ensure SNA-VA remains a strong, relevant, and sustainable association that continues to serve its members for years to come.
Running For: Member Services ChairSchool District: Loudoun County Public SchoolsYears in School Nutrition: 21
For the past 21 years, I have had the privilege of serving students through school nutrition, and I currently serve as a School Nutrition Specialist with Loudoun County Public Schools. I still love coming to work each day because no two days are ever the same. I enjoy the everyday challenge of the unknown and finding ways to make a positive impact on the students we serve.
There is nothing better than seeing children excited to try new foods, especially when we introduce fresh, local produce. Watching their curiosity turn into excitement as they discover something they may have never tasted before is incredibly rewarding. Moments like these remind me why school nutrition is so important. We do much more than serve meals. We help nourish students, encourage healthy habits, and provide an essential service that supports their success every day. I truly believe our work is one of the most important roles in our schools because students depend on us and what we have to offer.
If elected Member Services Chair, I hope to serve with dedication, organization, and a willingness to learn. I believe good leaders listen, remain open to new ideas, and value the perspectives of others. I want to be someone members feel comfortable approaching with questions, concerns, and suggestions. Open communication is important to me, and I will work to keep members informed, connected, and supported. My goal is to help ensure every member feels valued and has opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed within SNA-VA. Together, we can continue building a strong association that supports school nutrition professionals across Virginia.
Running For: Region 1 Director
School District: Orange County Public Schools
Years in School Nutrition: 22 Years in School Nutrition and 41 Years in Food Service
My name is Delores Walton, and I have been working as a school food manager for 22 years with 41 years of food service. I believe that dedication, kindness, and a willingness to learn are the qualities that define me. Throughout my life, I have enjoyed helping others and taking on responsibilities that make a positive difference. I am applying to become an SNA-VA candidate for Region 1 Director because I want to grow both personally and professionally while serving with integrity and commitment. I understand that success requires discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, and I am prepared to work hard to achieve my goals.
I take pride in being reliable, respectful, and eager to learn new skills. I enjoy working with people from different backgrounds and believe that every challenge is an opportunity to improve. My ambition is to make my family proud and contribute positively to my community and organization. Becoming an SNA-VA Regional Director would be an important step toward building a meaningful future. I am committed to giving my best effort, learning from every experience, and carrying out my responsibilities with honesty and determination.
Running For: Region 3 Director
School District: Chesterfield County Public Schools
Years in School Nutrition: 21
I started my career in school nutrition August 2002. I worked one year as a FSA, then became a manager. What is there not to love about my job? I get to interact with the students daily. Get to know them a little better each day. I enjoy the challenges this job gives me on a daily basis. The best part is providing nutritional meals for our students.
If reelected as our Region 3 Director, I want to continue to promote school nutrition programs and the importance of providing healthy meals to students. To encourage and support the dedicated school nutrition professionals who make these programs possible. Every school nutrition employee plays an important role, and together we can continue making a difference for the students we serve.
MaRendia Garner
Running For: Region 5 Director
School District: Gloucester County Public Schools
Years in School Nutrition: 8
I am the School Nutrition Director for Greensville County Public Schools. I have worked in school nutrition for 8 years and I am passionate about creating programs that make a difference for students every day. What I love most about school nutrition is the opportunity to innovate and create meal programs that students are excited about. I believe student choice is key to increasing participation, and I enjoy finding new ways to improve the dining experience while serving nutritious, high-quality meals.
If elected as Region 5 Director, I will be an advocate for our members by listening, sharing ideas, and encouraging collaboration across our region. I believe we all have something to learn from one another, and I am committed to supporting the growth and success of school nutrition professionals throughout Virginia. It would be an honor to serve as Region 5 Director and represent the dedicated professionals who work every day to feed Virginia’s students.
Running For: Region 7 Director
School District: Bristol Virginia Public Schools
Years in School Nutrition: 10
I love knowing that the work we do nourishes students in ways that shape their health, confidence, and success. School Nutrition is more than meals; it’s a daily investment in the well being of children. I hope to serve Region 7 by being a steady, accessible, and collaborative leader. My focus is on ensuring members feel valued and represented, keeping everyone informed of changes and opportunities, and encouraging new leaders to step forward. Together, we can strengthen our programs, elevate our profession, and continue building a supportive network for all school nutrition professionals.
If you are interested in serving your community and leading Region 2 as Region 2 Director, please reach out to SNA-VA at info@sna-va.org.
