A President With Taste

Barbara Rougier joined MVES as Director of Nutrition in January 2005.

It’s unlikely that you know Barbara Rougier, the MVES Nutrition Director who recently completed her tenure as president of the Mass Meals On Wheels Association (MMOW). Barbara didn’t make any televised prime time addresses during her two-year term, but her leadership of the statewide organization helped to improve the processes and products provided by nutrition programs across the state. Although you probably don’t know Barbara, it is likely that you know someone who enjoys Meals On Wheels or lunch at a senior dining site. You may have even had a taste of Barbara’s hard work.

Barbara’s efforts were far reaching. MMOW comprises 27 agencies from across Massachusetts. Its ultimate goal is to support nutrition programs in their efforts to help elders remain living independently. In addition to running the Meals On Wheels programs and senior dining sites, these nutrition programs offer nutrition education and information to elders.

With over 30 years in the food service business, Barbara, a registered dietitian, had a vast amount of experience when she became president in 2007. Still, while past experience helps any leader, it is determination and a willingness to tackle obstacles that sets the good leaders apart from the rest. Barbara spearheaded such accomplishments as revising the MMOW by-laws so the organization could better handle change. In concert with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) and her peers, Barbara identified outcome measures for the statewide nutrition program. Not surprisingly, these outcomes showed that nutrition services are an important part of elders’ well being. Also, while Barbara was president, MMOW and EOEA implemented a universal satisfaction survey that measured quality in a consistent format across the state’s nutrition programs.

Challenge is perhaps inherent in the responsibility of any president and Barbara’s role was no different. Faced with declining revenue, she and the other members of MMOW worked together to try to do more with less. When presented with a new software system, MMOW teamed with the software engineers to enhance the software’s benefit to nutrition programs. As a result, the software now helps staff better serve elders.

Last year nutrition programs across the state—all a part of MMOW—served 8.9 million meals. MVES is proud to say that Barbara was big part of that effort. We offer congratulations for a term well served.