Biography
Karen Payne Schwartz, MS, RDN has been a practicing Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist for 29 years. As the National Sales Director for Nutricia North America, Karen leads a specialized sales force and oversees strategic decisions related to product marketing and development for the adult nutrition product division. Prior to her current role she spent 5- 1⁄2 years as a National Account Manager for Nutricia, which included management of the hospital channel strategy and execution for the specialized pediatric & metabolic nutrition divisions. Karen also spent 2 years working in the corporate wellness space, both with Optum/United Health Group and as a self-employed business consultant and had an 11-year tenure in various sales and leadership roles with Nestlé Health Science. Before entering the corporate arena, Karen spent 7 years working as a clinical dietitian and food service director in both acute and long-term care. She speaks at conferences and virtually on a variety of topics, including business skills for professionals and various medical nutrition therapy topics. Karen has also held several leadership roles within the national Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, including being a member of the Academy’s Nominating Committee, the Chair for the Dietitians in Business & Communications DPG and as the Colorado State Affiliate President. Karen, originally from Washington State, now resides in Denver, Colorado with her husband, Jim, and their 5-year-old daughter, Anna.