In her role as Director of Public Policy and Research at the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger, Dorigen Keeney leads the Campaign's work with state and federal policymakers. She focuses on improving state and federal policies affecting food and nutrition programs to reduce hunger. She was instrumental in the passage of two important pieces of state legislation: Act 22 and H.333: both of which have increased access to school meals for thousands of Vermont children.
Widely considered a nutrition expert, Dorigen is sought out by journalists and community groups for analyses and commentary on hunger issues and legislative and budget developments.
Dorigen is a member of several anti-hunger commissions and task forces providing technical assistance, strategic guidance, and communications support. Dorigen’s previous clinical experience includes working with malnourished children, homeless families, as well as children with special health care needs. Since joining the Campaign, she has become an integral part of Vermont’s public health community.
In 2008 Dorigen received the Outstanding Service Award from KidSafe Collaborative. In 2006 she was chosen to be a Carsey Institute Leadership Fellow at the University of New Hampshire, and in 2005 she was awarded Outstanding Dietitian of the Year by the Vermont Dietetic Association.
Dorigen received her Master of Science degree from the University of Vermont and is a Registered Dietitian. She is also currently Nutrition Faculty with the Vermont Interdisciplinary Leadership Education for Health Professionals, affiliated with the University of Vermont.
