LOS ANGELES—The National WIC Association (NWA) has reelected Samar McGregor, MPH, as secretary of its board of directors, marking her second term in the leadership role. A longtime advocate for maternal and child health, McGregor is deputy director of PHFE WIC, a program of Heluna Health.
McGregor will serve as NWA secretary for the 2025–2028 board terms. With 38 years of experience in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), she is recognized as a leader in her field within California and across the country. She previously served as board president of the California WIC Association and has been an active member of the NWA board of directors.
“It’s an honor to continue serving as secretary,” McGregor said. “With the experience I’ve gained over the past three years, I’m committed to ensuring seamless communication across the board of directors and with NWA staff. I’m excited to support the organization’s transition into its new board structure and to help advance our shared mission.”
McGregor’s leadership has extended beyond board governance. She has presented at multiple NWA policy conferences and played a key role in advocating for federal legislation that strengthens the WIC program. She also brings experience from national grant-funded projects and partnerships with a range of local WIC agencies, broadening her perspective on the program’s challenges and opportunities.
“Samar’s dedication to WIC and her commitment to excellence have long made her a valued member of both the PHFE WIC and NWA leadership teams,” said Kiran Saluja, MPH, executive director of PHFE WIC. “Her reappointment will offer stability and vision as we navigate the critical years ahead.”
As secretary, McGregor is responsible for documenting board meetings and facilitating timely, effective communication between the executive committee, general board and NWA staff.
McGregor holds a master’s degree in public health nutrition from Loma Linda University and is a registered dietitian nutritionist.
NWA is a nonprofit education and advocacy organization representing 12,000 WIC provider agencies and the 6.7 million mothers, babies and young children served by WIC nationwide.
About PHFE WIC
PHFE WIC, a program of Heluna Health, is the largest WIC agency in the country. The program serves parents, infants and children in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties. PHFE WIC is nationally recognized as a leader and innovator in nutrition education, breastfeeding support, staff training, customer service and outreach to community partners.
About Heluna Health
For more than 50 years, Heluna Health has collaborated with community-based organizations, public health agencies, healthcare systems, providers and policymakers to enhance public health interventions that support expanded access to disease prevention, treatment, care and social resources. Heluna Health is at the forefront of efforts to research, develop and expand community-led interventions aimed at systemic change and improved health outcomes.
