Melinda Hillis
Melinda Hillis, MS, RDN, LD, is a seasoned Registered Dietitian and proven leader in school nutrition. She currently serves as an Assistant Director at Dallas ISD’s Food & Child Nutrition Services—Texas’s second-largest school district. With more than 18 years of experience spanning graduate research, clinical practice, hospital foodservice, tactical military nutrition, and large-scale K-12 programs, Melinda brings deep expertise in designing strategic, compliant, and impactful nutrition services that strengthen both health outcomes and operational performance.
Her career began in graduate research at Texas Woman’s University before she moved into diabetes care at an outpatient clinic in San Antonio, TX. Then in 2010, Melinda commissioned to the U.S. Navy as an Officer Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG), where she specialized in clinical and tactical nutrition, delivering performance-focused therapy to Marines, Sailors, Retirees, and their families. Her work included inpatient and outpatient Medical Nutrition Therapy, traumatic brain injury recovery, and combat readiness support. Following her active duty military service, she transitioned to civilian healthcare management, leading clinical and foodservice teams across multiple hospital systems—all while continuing to serve as a U.S. Navy Reservist at NAS JRB Fort Worth totaling 10 years of service achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander (LCDR).
Today, Melinda, works in the K-12 public education sector where she oversees menu planning, procurement, marketing, training, and special dietary accommodations for over 140,000 Dallas ISD students. She ensures that meals are nutritious, culturally appropriate, and fully compliant with federal and state regulations—always balancing efficiency with care.
Melinda holds a Master’s degree in Exercise and Sports Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University and a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from the University of Texas Pan American. A committed advocate for military and civilian families as well as youth wellness, she has authored a Department of Defense article demystifying energy drinks. Across her career—whether in uniform, healthcare, or schools—her mission has remained the same: to advance nutrition as a foundation for performance, health, and equity.
• Balancing Multiple Roles as a Leader
• Registered Dietitian
• Licensed Dietitian
• Texas Woman's University
• University of Texas Pan American
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Texas Association of School Business Officials
• School Nutrition Services Dietetics Practice Group
• School Nutrition Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the resilience instilled in me by my mother. Watching her overcome adversity taught me the importance of perseverance, staying focused on my goals, and pushing forward—even when the path isn't easy. Her example has shaped how I approach both personal and professional challenges with determination and purpose.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
In the Military, the best advice was Trust but verify. In my current career the best advice I was given was to learn how to say No at times you know you are at your limit.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to lead with passion and stay open to new opportunities—even the unexpected ones. Every experience, big or small, holds a lesson that can shape your growth. Say yes, stay curious, and trust that each step forward is building your expertise and confidence.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the dietetics field right now is the disconnect between the increasing educational requirements—like the master's degree mandate—and the compensation structure for all RDs across all business lines, particularly for sports dietitians and school dietitians who are often underpaid. While this creates real barriers for professionals entering or advancing in the field, there’s also a growing opportunity: dietitians are gaining more recognition as the true nutrition experts. More healthcare providers and industry professionals are referring clients to us, which signals a positive shift in how our expertise is valued.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me—both professionally and personally—are balance, perseverance, and compassion. As a mom of six kids ranging from ages 2 to 12, I’ve learned the importance of staying grounded, flexible, and committed, no matter the chaos. Whether I’m supporting a client’s nutrition goals or juggling family life, I bring the same mindset: show up with purpose, stay active (literally and figuratively), and lead with empathy. Swimming, walking, and jogging help me stay centered and reflect those values in action.