Everyone who works at The Obesity Society (TOS) is dedicated to helping you, our members. In fact, that is our mission. Whether you want information regarding the Society, memberships, collaborations, awards or grants, our journal Obesity or our annual meeting at ObesityWeekSM, we are here to assist you.
TOS staff includes:
Anthony Comuzzie, PhD, FTOS
Chief Executive Officer
Primary role: Executive Leadership and Governance, Strategic Direction
Anthony “Tony” Comuzzie, PhD, FTOS, provides overall strategic direction and executive leadership at The Obesity Society’s headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. Tony is a world-renowned obesity researcher and scientist, having served on the faculty in the Department of Genetics at Texas Biomedical Research Institute. He has spent nearly 25 years researching the genetics of obesity, including work on numerous genetic epidemiological studies, and authored more than 250 journal articles.
Laura Tester Meyer, CPA/CGMA
Chief Operating Officer
Primary role: Financial, Management, and Operations Support for TOS, CEO, and Governance
Laura is a financial and operations executive with a long record of transforming industry and non-profit organizations by providing fiscal and management strategies designed to drive mission success. Prior to joining the staff at The Obesity Society as the chief financial officer in June 2017, she held the same position at the National Society of Professional Engineers and the Associated Sulpicians of The United States. Laura obtained her MBA from Loyola University in Baltimore and is an active CPA/CGMA in the state of Maryland.
Regina Williams
Manager of Governance and Administration
Primary role: Governance, Administration, Grants and Awards
Regina has more than 20 years of non-profit experience, having previously worked at Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC), Inc., in Washington, DC. She is the staff liaison to the Council for the Society. Regina works closely with the chief operating officer on office administration and information technology projects. She also manages the Society’s awards and grants programs.
Anita Wiler, CMP
Senior Director of Education and Meetings
Primary role: ObesityWeek, Continuing Medical Education (CME)
Anita is a 20+ year veteran medical/scientific conference planner, having previously worked at the American Nurses Association. She has coordinated national and international conferences with up to 10,000 attendees. Anita has extensive experience in logistics, abstract management, contracting, and conference marketing. She coordinates all aspects of the Society’s annual meeting at ObesityWeek. Anita is the staff liaison to the Annual Program Committee and Continuing Medical Education Oversight Committee.
Darnella Parks, CMP
Manager of Scientific Meetings
Primary role: TOS Review Course, Abstracts, ObesityWeek
Darnella brings nearly 10 years of non-profit meeting and event planning experience to TOS after working at the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs and the International Dyslexia Association. Darnella oversees the TOS Review Course for the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) Certification Exam. She coordinates the abstract management process for ObesityWeek. Darnella also supports the senior director of education and meetings in all aspects of the logistical planning for the Society’s annual meeting at ObesityWeek.
Kristin Collins
Director of Communications
Primary role: Communications Management, Media and Public Relations, TOS Website
Kristin is a 25-year communications professional, having worked for non-profits including the Endocrine Society and the National Science Teachers Association. Kristin handles media and public relations for TOS. She is also the point of contact for communications and marketing efforts with peer organizations, and the staff liaison to the Advocacy Committee. She also manages the organization’s website. Kristin obtained her bachelor’s degree in Communications from Mary Baldwin University and holds a graduate certificate in Leadership and Management from the University of Maryland University College.
Robyn Gordon
Communications Manager
Primary role: Digital Marketing, Social Media, E-Newsletters, Media Relations
Robyn manages multiple activities focused on communications, digital marketing, and social media. She designs e-blast campaigns, coordinates e-newsletters, and handles the Society’s social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Robyn has experience writing press releases. She handles the registration for and supports media representatives covering the Society’s annual meeting at ObesityWeek. Robyn earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Allison Templet
Managing Editor, Obesity
Primary role: Journal Management and Production
Allison has been an editor and publications coordinator for more than 20 years. As the managing editor of the Society’s flagship journal, Obesity, Allison oversees all aspects of the submission, peer review, and publications processes, including coordination between TOS staff, the Publications Board, journal editors, authors, and our publisher Wiley. Allison also develops and implements strategies for obtaining high-quality research, improves author guidelines and procedures, and facilitates member engagement. Allison is based at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Deborah Rice
Editorial Coordinator
Primary role: Support for Journal Staff (managing editor, editors-in-chief, and associate editors)
Deborah has more than 15 years of non-profit experience, having worked at the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities. Deb supports the managing editor for Obesity and works with the journal’s editors. She also manages the manuscript database and coordinates various monthly notifications (e.g., embargoed research alerts for the media and author notifications for Editor’s Choice articles). She also manages student volunteers for the Society’s annual scientific meeting at ObesityWeek. Deb also provides operational support at TOS headquarters.
Shameeka Green
Senior Manager, Membership and Sections
Primary role: Memberships, Staff Liaison to Sections, Special Interest Groups, and Committees
Shameeka has more than 12 years of experience working in customer service, meetings and conferences, and other areas of association management. She is the key contact person for memberships and our Association Management System (AMS) MemberSuite. She also serves as the staff liaison to Sections for the Society. Shameeka is also the liaison to the Diversity, Membership, and Early Career Committees.