Spokespeople
Staci Garcia, B.A.
Staci Garcia is director of industry and public communications for the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. In addition to being a liaison to dairy farmers across the state, she serves as a media spokesperson and manages public relations programs promoting the taste appeal and versatility of dairy products.
Staci has more than 15 years of combined experience in education, public relations and human services. Throughout her career, she has served on numerous local and statewide boards focusing on health and social issues that impact Michigan residents.
Staci received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Michigan State University.
Karen Giles-Smith, M.S., R.D.
Karen Giles-Smith, registered dietitian, is manager of nutrition communications for Dairy Council of Michigan/United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) where she provides health professionals, the media and consumers with current information on nutrition and health. She serves as a media spokesperson on a variety of issues including child nutrition, dental health, lactose intolerance, and osteoporosis prevention.
Karen is active in the state and local district dietetic associations, serving as the annual conference co-chair for the Michigan Dietetic Association and as President of the Lansing Dietetic Association. She received the 2004 Michigan Registered Dietitian of the Year Award and the 2008 Public Relations Individual Award from the Michigan Dietetic Association.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Nutrition from Marygrove College and a Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University. Prior to joining UDIM, Karen was a clinical dietitian at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Sharon Toth, M.P.H., R.D.
Sharon Toth is Director of School Nutrition Programs for the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) where she manages the implementation of nutrition education programs and school wellness initiatives on behalf of the dairy industry. Sharon works closely with state agencies such as the Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Department of Community Health and Michigan State University Extension coordinating projects that encourage schools to implement healthy school nutrition environments. She also serves as the state liaison for the national Action For Healthy Kids Coalition.
Toth received her B.S. degree in nutrition from Cornell University and her M.P.H. (Master of Public Health) degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a registered dietitian and a member of the American Dietetic Association and the School Nutrition Association.
Prior to joining UDIM, Toth was employed as a nutritionist in various health departments in New York, North Carolina and Florida. She is experienced with the Women, Infants, and Children (W.I.C.) program and has practiced as a clinical dietitian, specializing in eating disorders.
UDIM is a member-driven association, which conducts a total promotion program for Michigan-produced milk and other real dairy foods.