Ivan Zacarias
Phoenix
Summary
Seasoned healthcare leader with over 11 years of progressive experience in the Arizona WIC program, and 8+ years in clinical nutrition. Currently directing WIC and Nutrition Services at Valle Del Sol Inc., an FQHC, with demonstrated expertise in overseeing program operations, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and optimizing patient care delivery. Adept at managing multidisciplinary teams, streamlining workflows, and implementing patient-centered nutrition care plans. Recognized for being motivated, energetic, and collaborative, with strong critical thinking skills to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence within community-based healthcare settings.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
National WIC Association Representative - Arizona
Arizona Local Agency WIC Association
Phoenix
10.2024 - Current
- Serves as the statewide representative for Arizona’s local WIC agencies in federal policy discussions and decision-making forums, advocating for program needs and priorities.
- Compile and distribute information regarding proposed federal program changes.
- Leads stakeholder engagement and consensus-building initiatives to gather statewide input on federal policy and procedure changes, serving as Arizona’s representative in national-level decision-making and voting processes.
Director WIC and Nutrition Services
Valle del Sol Inc
Phoenix
05.2021 - Current
- Led strategic planning initiatives to align organizational goals with community needs.
- Establish and maintain the growth of the Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC), Outpatient Nutrition Services, and Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support (DSMES) program.
- Directed the program's daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Developed partnerships with stakeholders to enhance service delivery and outreach.
- Oversees the performance of WIC and Nutrition Services staff through staff training, and the completion of the Local Agency Self-Assessment.
- Maintains appropriate expenses of the 1.4 million annual WIC budget and monthly CER, in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and procedures.
- Conducted performance evaluations to assess staff effectiveness and program impact.
- Coordinated community events to promote services and engage local populations.
- Analyzed data trends to inform decision-making and improve service offerings.
- Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and organizational standards.
President
Arizona Local Agency WIC Association
Phoenix
03.2022 - 10.2023
- Led strategic initiatives and stakeholder engagements on behalf of the Arizona Local Agency WIC Association (ALAWA), representing collective interests in policy, program, and operational discussions.
- Advocated for policy changes to support public health nutrition programs.
- Serving as a liaison between ADHS and ALAWA.
- Facilitated executive meetings to align on priorities and initiatives.
- Led statewide initiatives to improve nutrition services for women and children.
Clinical Registered Dietitian
Compass Group - Valleywise Health
01.2016 - 06.2021
- Conducts comprehensive nutrition assessments and provides nutrition recommendations that align with the hospital's standards of care and the Nutrition Care Manual.
- Develops, revises and individualizes nutrition care plans based on medical record, nutrition assessment and cultural needs.
- Provides effective written and verbal communication to paraprofessionals participating in the patient's plan of care.
- Complies with all regulatory standards including patient's rights policies, HIPPA, federal and state accrediting agencies.
WIC Nutrition Consultant
Arizona Department of Health Services
Phoenix
12.2019 - 05.2021
- Conducted site visits to evaluate contract implementation, delivery of clinic services in compliance with federal and state standards of service, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Assisted local agencies in developing and maintaining operational policies to guide program activities effectively.
- Analyzed operational data to identify areas for process improvement initiatives.
- Oversaw compliance with local agency contract requirements and deliverables, managing annual awarded budgets ranging from $1 million to $7.4 million, to ensure fiscal accountability and program performance.
- Assisted local WIC agencies in streamlining daily operations to enhance the workflow efficiency of the WIC program.
- Directed quality assurance and compliance review processes to ensure readiness for state and federal finance and program management audits, safeguarding organizational compliance, and funding integrity.
- Engaged in strategic planning for the Arizona Health Improvement Plan (AzHIP), delivering key feedback, and ensuring the priorities of the Bureau of Nutrition and Physical Activity were integrated into statewide health initiatives.
Nutrition Program Supervisor
Pinal County Public Health Services District
06.2018 - 12.2019
- Optimized clinic operations by coordinating efficient client flow across multiple service sites, monitoring daily productivity metrics, and implementing workflow modifications to increase service capacity, reduce client wait times, and improve overall customer satisfaction.
- Directed performance management processes for the WIC team, including annual evaluations, performance improvement plans, corrective actions, and quality assurance reviews—ensuring adherence to organizational standards, regulatory compliance, and professional development goals.
- Oversaw multi-site program administration for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), managing inventory logistics, scheduling, compliance with USDA and state requirements, and operational continuity across three distribution centers serving high-volume, at-risk populations.
- Leveraged data-driven decision-making to assess service delivery outcomes, identify operational gaps, and implement solutions that enhanced efficiency, maximized resource utilization, and aligned with division-wide public health objectives.
- Collaborated cross-departmentally with finance, procurement, and community partners to ensure efficient allocation of funds, compliance with grant requirements, and seamless service delivery across programs.
WIC Nutritionist
Pinal County Public Health Services District
08.2013 - 12.2017
- Facilitated new employee training and mentorship, following the Arizona WIC New Employee Training Plan.
- Delivered effective and timely high-risk counseling while meeting agency and state caseload goals.
- Assessed nutritional needs of clients using established guidelines and protocols.
- Developed personalized nutrition plans for diverse populations within the community.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
Education
Hispanic Leadership Institute
05-2025
Master of Science - Nutrition, Focus In Maternal and Child Health
Arizona State University
05-2022
Intensive training - Maternal and Child Health through the Translational Training, Education, and Leadership Program In MCH Nutrition and Childhood Obesity Prevention (TRANSCEND)
Arizona State University
05-2022
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition and Dietetics
University of Arizona
01.2011
Skills
- Bilingual proficiency
- Program management
- Team leadership
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Stakeholder engagement
- Compliance assessment
Certification
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, December 2018, Present
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, August 2015, Present
Training
Intensive training in Maternal and Child Health, Translational Training, Education, and Leadership Program in MCH Nutrition and Childhood Obesity Prevention (TRANSCEND), Arizona State University, 08/01/20, 05/01/22
Leadership Experience
President, ALAWA, Leading conversation and Initiative on behalf of the Arizona Local Agency WIC association. Serving as liaison between ADHS and ALAWA., 03/01/22, 10/01/23
Timeline
National WIC Association Representative - Arizona
Arizona Local Agency WIC Association
10.2024 - Current
President
Arizona Local Agency WIC Association
03.2022 - 10.2023
Director WIC and Nutrition Services
Valle del Sol Inc
05.2021 - Current
WIC Nutrition Consultant
Arizona Department of Health Services
12.2019 - 05.2021
Nutrition Program Supervisor
Pinal County Public Health Services District
06.2018 - 12.2019
Clinical Registered Dietitian
Compass Group - Valleywise Health
01.2016 - 06.2021
WIC Nutritionist
Pinal County Public Health Services District
08.2013 - 12.2017
Hispanic Leadership Institute
Master of Science - Nutrition, Focus In Maternal and Child Health
Arizona State University
Intensive training - Maternal and Child Health through the Translational Training, Education, and Leadership Program In MCH Nutrition and Childhood Obesity Prevention (TRANSCEND)
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition and Dietetics
University of Arizona
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