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.

Andy Fiske serves as the Vice President of Finance and Operations for the Sugar Association.

Before joining SAI, Andy was a Senior Manager at Lane & Company, CPAs, a DC-based accounting firm specializing in audit, tax and advisory work for not-for-profit organizations. In this role, he oversaw audit and tax engagements for a variety of tax-exempt organizations, including trade associations, publicly-supported charities, private foundations, and political organizations. He also managed a portfolio of clients to which he provided outsourced controller and CFO services. Previously he was a Senior Associate at KPMG LLP, working in their federal audit practice, focusing on property, plant and equipment for the Army Corps of Engineers audit.

Andy is originally from Massachusetts and moved to Washington, D.C. to attend Georgetown University, from which he graduated in 2008 with a bachelor’s of science in Business Administration. He is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the state of Maryland.

Maria Osterhaus Scott, MPH, is the Senior Director of Scientific Affairs for the Sugar Association. Prior to this appointment in October 2019, she served as a consultant to the association for almost five years. 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.

Alexis Latifi, MPH, is Senior Manager of Nutrition Policy for the Sugar Association in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining the association, Alexis was the Manager of Government Affairs for Florida Crystals Corporation. Alexis received her Master in Public Health from George Washington University with a concentration in Health Promotion and Nutrition. During graduate school, she interned at the US Department of Agriculture and volunteered with GW’s Healing Clinic at Bread for the City to provide health counseling and nutrition education to low-income adults.

Alexis is originally from Huntsville, Alabama, and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Auburn University.

Alison Swietek is the Manager 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.

Aliyah Belinkie is the Digital Marketing Manager for the Sugar Association. Born and raised in Rockville, MD, Aliyah has always called the DC area home. She attended The George Washington University where she earned her Bachelors in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.

Prior to joining SAI, Aliyah was a Digital Advertising Specialist with Yelp at their headquarters in San Francisco. In the role she served as the client partner to approximately 500 small to medium sized local businesses. Aliyah was responsible for maximizing the return on investment for these clients by recommending the best advertising and helping to customize their digital marketing techniques.

In addition to her marketing expertise, Aliyah is an avid baker. She spends her free time testing recipes and decorating cakes.