KANNAPOLIS – The UNC Nutrition Research Institute has expanded its advisory board to include Craig Richardville and Patrick Burgess.

The institute conducts basic and translational research in precision nutrition by studying how individual differences in requirements and responses to diet affect individual needs. NRI was established in 2008.

The advisory board is a group of individuals with experience in a broad range of areas who are committed to the NRI mission. Board members help position NRI for continued growth and achievement. 

Craig Richardville is former chief information officer of one of the country’s largest health care systems and president of his own consulting firm.

“It is an honor to be asked to join this prestigious group of board members,” Richardville said. “This is exciting research that will lead to our optimal health through individualized nutrition.” 

Dr. Patrick Burgess is the 2003 founder and inventor of EndoTool. Burgess remains an active contributor to the development of this technology. Beginning his health care career at Carolinas Medical Center, Burgess introduced EndoTool with the goal to perfect glucose management for patients in hospitalized care.

“I’m flattered to join this advisory board and welcome the opportunity to assist and advise the NRI in their exploration of the understanding of nutritional influences on human life, a field of research that has much potential for improving human health,” Burgess said 

Advisory board Chairman Tom E. Smith said NRI is grateful that Richardville and Burgess were available at a crucial time in the board’s development. 

Other NRI board members include: 

• Smith, retired president and CEO of Food Lion, Salisbury.

• Fred T. Brown Jr., retired group vice president of Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte.

• Byron Bullard, retired president of Presbyterian Hospital, Charlotte.

• John Fennebresque Jr., managing director of Fennebresque & Co., Charlotte.

• Steve Fisher, chairman and CEO of F&M Bank, Salisbury.

• Dr. Erika Gantt, a surgeon at OrthoCarolina, Charlotte.

• Brien Lewis, president of Catawba College, Salisbury.

• James G. Martin, former governor of North Carolina and senior adviser at McGuire Woods LLP, Charlotte.

• Jeff Petry, managing director for life sciences and health care, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Charlotte.

• Rina K. Shah, vice president of clinical programs, Beacon Laboratory Benefit Solutions, Research Triangle Park.

• Richard Vinroot, an attorney with Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson PA and former mayor of Charlotte.

• Phyllis A. Wingate, president of Carolinas HealthCare System NorthEast, Concord.

• James H. Woodward, chancellor emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.