Staff

Courtney Gaine, Ph.D., R.D., is the President and CEO for the Sugar Association in Washington, D.C. Prior to this appointment in January 2016, Dr. Gaine served as the Vice President of Scientific Affairs at the association. Dr. Gaine previously served as senior science program manager at the North American branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI North America), a public, nonprofit scientific foundation that advances the understanding and application of science related to the nutritional quality and safety of the food supply. Prior to ILSI, Dr. Gaine held positions of project director, nutrition and wellness, at the nonprofit organization Convergence and science manager at FoodMinds, a public relations firm. She began her career in academia as an assistant professor at East Carolina University. A native Washingtonian, Dr. Gaine obtained her Ph.D. in nutritional sciences and biochemistry and bachelor’s degree in dietetics from the University of Connecticut, where she was also a co-captain of the UConn women’s basketball team.

Stephanie is the Head of Communications for the Sugar Association. In this role, she is responsible for developing and executing SAI’s communications strategy to tell real sugar’s story, promote industry-leading research, and advocate for evidence-based policy. Before joining SAI, Stephanie was the Vice President of Public Affairs at the American Securities Association where she led the strategic communications efforts on behalf of the organization’s regional financial services member-firms. Stephanie grew up on a working sixth-generation cattle ranch and cotton farm in West Texas and is looking forward to returning to her roots to work in agriculture. She began her career in Washington interning for her hometown congressman Representative Randy Neugebauer (R-TX) before joining Representative Jeb Hensarling’s (R-TX) staff. She went on to serve the House Agriculture Committee as a press secretary under former Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) leading up to the 2018 Farm Bill. She left Capitol Hill to lead communications for the National Association of Conservation Districts before joining the Farm Credit Council as the Senior Director of Communications where she led internal and external marketing and communications efforts. Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and political science from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree from Georgetown University in public relations and corporate communications. She and her husband, Steven, reside in National Harbor, Md., and enjoy spoiling their six nieces and nephews as well as their cat, Sir Lancelot.

Campbell is the Senior Director of Nutrition Policy for the Sugar Association, where she works to ensure that policies are grounded in strong science and recognize the multi-faceted role that sugar plays in nutrient dense foods and an overall balanced diet. Before SAI, Campbell was a Senior Advisor to the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture where she advised the Secretary on nutrition and food safety policy, as well as food loss and waste. Campbell graduated from the University of South Carolina’s Honors College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Campbell resides in Alexandria, VA and enjoys getting outdoors with her husband, their baby, and their golden retriever, Piper.

Alison Swietek is the Director of Meetings and Education for the Sugar Association. In this role, she attends and manages the Association’s exhibit program at health conferences and assists with day to day operations to help achieve the association’s mission. Before coming to SAI, Ms. Swietek worked as the marketing and events coordinator at East Coast Saloons. There she organized fundraisers, group events and brand promotions for multiple restaurants. She also worked with promotional staff to help increase the reach and visibility of the restaurants. Ms. Swietek came to Washington, DC, in 2010 to attend American University where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Audio Production. Although she now considers the DMV area her home, she’s originally from the small town of York, Maine.

Maria Osterhaus Scott, MPH, is a Scientific Affairs consultant to the Sugar Association. She has worked with the association since 2015. Throughout her career, Ms. Scott has worked with both academia and industry in public health nutrition and science communications. Ms. Scott has held positions as Academic/Scientific Editorial Manager at the University of Iowa as well as Associate Writer and Project Assistant. She began her career as an Account Coordinator at FoodMinds, a public relations firm. Ms. Scott obtained her Master of Public Health degree from the University of Iowa. She served as a captain on the track and field team and also ran cross country at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Biology. Maria enjoys family time with her husband and six children.