June 4/Oak Brook, Ill./PRNewswire-FirstCall -- McDonald's USA announced that Dr. Cynthia M. Goody has joined the company as director of Nutrition. In her new role, Goody will oversee all aspects of menu nutrition for McDonald's 13,800 restaurants in the United States.

"Dr. Goody is a well-known and well-respected thought-leader in consumer nutrition literacy and advocacy," said Susan Forsell, vice president, Quality Systems, McDonald's USA. "We're excited to have her join our team."

Goody, a registered and licensed dietitian, member of the American Dietetic Association and former Peace Corps volunteer, will lead McDonald's U.S. team of food and nutrition professionals to develop plans that align with McDonald's menu strategy. Working with McDonald's U.S. executive leadership, Menu Management, Supply Chain, Suppliers, Owner/Operators and Staff, Goody will provide nutritional science expertise and oversee the company's nutritional information development process.

"McDonald's is uniquely positioned as a lifestyle brand with tremendous influence on the lives of more than 26 million consumers in the U.S. every day," said Goody. "The ability to positively impact the dietary choices our customers make is an enviable position for any food and nutrition professional. I'm very fortunate to be a part of a brand with such influence and impact," added Goody.

Prior to joining McDonald's USA, Goody served as a retail and clinical dietitian for HY-VEE Food Stores, Inc. where she provided nutritional counseling and developed wellness education programs focused on cardiovascular health, diabetes, food allergies and weight management.

Since 2003, Goody also has served as a consultant to the American Dietetic Association, in the Diabetes Care and Education, and Food and Culinary Professionals Practice Groups. Goody also served as a faculty member for the Culinary Institute of America and the Harvard School of Medicine Continuing Medical Education.

Goody holds PhD and Master's degrees from The University of Iowa, a Master's degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition, Family and Consumer Sciences Education as well as a Bachelor's degree in Food and Nutrition, Dietetics from Iowa State University.

From the June 9, 2008, Prepared Foods e-Flash