She served as the Academy’s treasurer from 2013-2015 and President from 2017-2018. Donna was the first School Nutrition Director to be President of the Academy. Martin is a graduate of the University of Georgia and earned a master’s degree from the University of Alabama – Birmingham and an education specialist degree from Augusta University.

In 2016, Donna’s work in the Burke County Public Schools nutrition program gained national attention when Michelle Obama and Al Roker visited Burke Middle School to help plant a school garden. Donna was then invited to speak at the White House for Michelle Obama’s capstone event celebrating all the work that had occurred in changing how children eat. Donna was also awarded the 2016 Golden Radish Award for the state of Georgia because of her efforts in the Farm to School Movement. Donna has been involved in numerous public policy initiatives including testifying before Congress about the new School Nutrition Standards and to the House of Representatives Staff on the Farm to School Bill. Donna got to speak at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health on the importance of School Meals.

Donna is on the GenYouth Board of Directors, The Chef Ann Foundation Advisory Board, National Dairy Ambassador and a consultant for No Kid Hungry. She is also a trainer for the Institute of Child Nutrition.