Jennifer Runz, Mrs. Michigan United States® 2004

Jennifer was born in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, raised in a suburb of Cleveland, and, as a seven-year resident of Michigan, calls the entire midwest her home. Jennifer is the oldest of seven children and is the daughter of active marathon runners.

She holds a bachelor's degree from Ohio University in nutrition, is a registered dietitian, and is board certified in nutrition support. She also has an MBA from the University of Michigan - Flint where she was president of her class. Currently, Jennifer is a pharmaceutical sales specialist for Sepracor, Inc. Jennifer is a member of a number of professional organizations including the American Dietetic Association and the Michigan Dietetic Association. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Jennifer's platform "Take a Diet from Dieting" attempts to change the public's perception of obesity and its cure by promoting long-term lifestyle modifications.

Jennifer met her husband, Christopher, while working at Genesys Regional Medical Center as a registered dietitian. After marrying in May 2001, they relocated from Grand Blanc to the Detroit suburbs where Chris is training to be a urologist.

In addition to being a wife, full-time professional, and volunteer, Jennifer is an active community leader. She is on the Board of Directors of Heritage Pointe subdivision and is also their financial officer. She is responsible for budgeting, taxes, and collections. She also designed and published the community's first website and currently chairs the website committee.

Jennifer would like to thank her family and friends for their support and enthusiasm. She was honored to represent Michigan and treasured the opportunity to make a difference. She is pictured here on the far right along with friends Maria Torres and Martha Morgan.