INTRODUCING

Governance at The Obesity Society

Explore the leadership, governance, and volunteer groups that guide The Obesity Society’s mission and shape its ongoing work. Together, these boards, committees, and task forces ensure the Society remains forward-thinking, transparent, and aligned with the needs of the obesity community.

QUICK LINKS:
Executive Committee Past Presidents
Governing Board Bylaws
Nominations Board Standing Committees

 

Executive Committee

Jacqueline M. Stephens, PhD, FTOS

TOS President

[email protected]

Dr. Stephens is the Claude B. Pennington, Jr. Endowed Chair in Biomedical Research at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, where she has an active research lab in Adipocyte Biology. She is a Professor in Biological Sciences and teaches an Endocrinology course at Louisiana State University every year. She has a strong commitment to student and junior faculty mentoring and service.

Dr. Stephens earned a PhD in Biochemistry from the School of Medicine at East Carolina University. She is committed to advancing understanding of obesity through rigor and transparency. Dr. Stephens advocates reducing weight stigma and promotes the benefits of exercise and healthy living.

Jonathan Purnell, MD, FTOS

TOS President-elect

[email protected]

Dr. Purnell is Professor of Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon, with board-certification in both Endocrinology and Obesity Medicine. He is also Professor of the Knight Cardiovascular Institute at OHSU. Over the past 20+ years, Dr. Purnell has continued to practice obesity medicine within preventive cardiology clinics and has integrated these therapies to optimize patient health.

His work involves translational research on obesity and its consequences, including the mechanisms underlying the efficacy and health benefits of metabolic-bariatric surgery.

Dr. Purnell recently served as Co-Chair of The Obesity Society’s Education Committee. The committee focused on developing an obesity curriculum for medical schools. A new “Foundations” course was created for primary care providers who are just beginning to incorporate obesity medicine into their practices and are taking the lead on the Obesity Medicine board review course.

Molly Bray, PhD, FTOS

TOS Vice President

[email protected]

Dr. Bray is Professor and Chair of the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. She is also the former Director of the Heflin Center for Genomic Sciences Core Lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Children’s Nutrition Research Center/Baylor College of Medicine Genetics Core Lab. She has long been passionate about the interplay between diet and exercise in determining energy balance, and her research focuses on the genetics of obesity and responses to obesity treatments, including diet and exercise.

Dr. Bray aims to help the Society build on the many efforts underway to synthesize obesity research across fields to create a more comprehensive understanding of obesity etiology.

Ursula White, PhD, FTOS

TOS Secretary / Treasurer

[email protected]

Dr. White is Associate Professor in the Clinical Science division at Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Associate Director of the Human Phenotyping Core for the Louisiana/Pennington Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC). Her research program investigates the physiology underlying body weight regulation and cardiometabolic outcomes during behavioral interventions in adults with obesity, with a special interest in the influence of adipose (fat) tissue responses and distribution.

Dr. White will work with TOS’s Finance Committee and finance team to boost TOS’s revenue by establishing effective partnerships and leveraging charitable giving strategies for fund development. Her vision is for TOS to expand its membership and strengthen its community impact, while remaining true to its mission to lead the charge to understand, prevent, and treat obesity.

Marc-Andre Cornier, MD, FTOS

TOS immediate past President

[email protected]

Dr. Cornier is a Professor of Medicine and Director of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases at the Medical University of South Carolina. He recently transitioned from the University of Colorado, where he had been on the faculty since 2001. He served as the Medical Director of the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center clinic in Colorado, where he oversaw an extensive, multidisciplinary weight-loss program. Dr. Cornier is currently working to expand weight-loss services at MUSC. He actively sees patients, primarily managing individuals with cardiometabolic disorders such as diabetes, lipid disorders, and obesity.

He has been funded by the NIH, ADA, and VA continuously for over 18 years to study the complex regulation of food intake, body weight, and metabolism using a range of tools, including brain imaging. Dr. Cornier also highly values his time spent as an educator and mentor.

Governing Board

William Troy Donahoo, MD, FTOS

University of Florida

Governing Board: Clinical Practice
2024-2026

Emma Adriana Chávez Manzanera, MD

Instituto Nacional De Ciencias Medicas Y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran

Governing Board: At-Large-Mexico
2024-2026

Blandine Laferrère, MD, PhD

Columbia University

Governing Board: At-Large
2024-2026

Beverly Tchang, MD, FTOS

Cornell University

Governing Board: At-Large
2025-2027

Adam Gilden, MD, FTOS

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Governing Board: Advocacy/Public Affairs/Regulatory 2025-2027

Susanne Votruba, PhD, FTOS

National Institutes of Health – NIDDK

Governing Board: At-Large
2025-2027

Denise Wilfley, PhD, FTOS

Washington University School of Medicine

Governing Board: Population/ Epidemiology/ Community
2026-2028

Emily Noble, PhD, FTOS

University of Georgia

Governing Board: Basic/Experimental/Preclinical 2025-2027

Kristina Lewis, MD

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

Governing Board: Clinical Research
2026-2028

Geoff Ball, PhD, FTOS

University of Alberta, CAN

Governing Board: At-Large-Canada 2025-2027

Nominations Board

Marc-Andre Cornier, MD, FTOS CHAIR – Imm Past Pres.
William Dietz, MD, PhD, FTOS Member
Catherine Kotz, PhD, FTOS Member
Robert Kushner, MD, FTOS Member
Sarah Barlow, MD Member
Gary Foster, PhD, FTOS Member
Lee Kaplan, MD, PhD, FTOS Member
Regina Williams, Dir., Governance & Admin. Staff Liaison

Are you interested in being considered for
a position on a committee or network?

Standing Committees

The standing committees play a critical role in the Society’s effective operation. The work of these committees encompasses a wide range of activities, including providing operational oversight; overseeing programmatic, educational, and other societal activities; and serving in an advisory capacity to the organization’s executive leadership.

Participation on a committee is recognized as an essential commitment to the Society and the broader community, and it is a critical step in leadership development within the Society.

Are you interested in being considered for
a position on a committee or network?

Governance Committees

The Audit Committee is charged with reviewing and approving audits, reviews of agreed-upon procedures, or other financial reports prepared by a professional third-party financial accounting firm, as necessary to provide proper oversight of the Society’s financial activities and operations.

Amy Rothberg, MD, PhD Ex-officio – Chair of Finance
Ursula White, PhD, FTOS Ex-officio – Secy/Treas
Marc-Andre Cornier, MD, FTOS Imm Past-President
Sherlyn Celone-Arnold, MS CEO

The Ethics Committee is charged with providing review and oversight on all aspects of Society activities to ensure adherence to the highest ethical standards in all TOS’s interactions and relationships. Specifically, the Ethics Committee reviews and makes recommendations on advertisements in TOS publications and sponsorships of TOS events. Under the direction of the Ethics Committee is the CME Oversight Sub-Committee.

Joshua Brown, PhD, FTOS CHAIR
Perry Bickel, MD CO-CHAIR
Genna Hymowitz, PhD, FTOS Member
Meera Shah, MB., ChB Member
Angela Fitch, MD Member
Robert Considine, PhD, FTOS Member
Dimpi Desai, MD Ex-officio, CHAIR of CME
Kim Vadas, Sr. Dir., Compliance and Educ. Strategy Staff Liaison
Regina Williams, Dir., Governance & Admin. Staff Liaison

 

CME Oversight Sub-Committee

The CME Oversight Sub-Committee is under the direction of the Ethics Committee. This committee is responsible for ensuring that all requirements for maintaining ACCME accreditation are met and that TOS can provide CME at the annual meeting and in other educational activities.

Dimpi Desai, MD – Chair Laura Goetz, MD – Co-Chair
Monica Agarwal, MD Cynthia Akagbosu, MD
Sarah Barenbaum, MD Jennifer Black, MD
Alyssa Button, PhD Victoria Catenacci, MD
John Clark, MD, PhD Alina Elperin, MD
Chellse Gazda, MD Richel Avery, MD
Van Hubbard, PhD, FTOS (Emeritus) Harsha Karanchi, MD
Sarah Khan, MD Prasanna Khandavilli, MD
Victoria Lu, DO Mara Matkovic, MD
Fazia Mir, MD Sri Prakash L. Mokshagundam, MD
Wudeneh Mulugeta, MD Eric Nolen-Doerr, MD
Melissa Shoemaker, MD Robert Siegel, MD, ABOM
Joseph Skelton, MD Elizabeth Thomas
Alyson Weiner, MD Jamie King, MD, ABOM
Angela Golden, VP, Clinical Affairs – Staff Liaison Kim Vadas, Sr. Dir., Compliance and Educ. Strategy – Staff Liaison

The Finance Committee is charged with regularly reviewing the organization’s financial statements and investment portfolio and making recommendations to the Executive Committee on these matters. In addition, the Finance Committee assists TOS’s Chief Executive Officer and Director of Finance & Operations, along with TOS’s Secretary/Treasurer, with the creation of the organization’s annual operating budget.

Amy Rothberg, MD, PhD CHAIR
Justin Brown, PhD CO-CHAIR
Edward L. Melanson, PhD, FTOS Member
Faith Heeren, PhD Member
Jose Galgani, PhD Member
Leah Whigham, PhD, FTOS Member
Ursula White, PhD, FTOS Treasurer, Ex-officio
Sherlyn Celone-Arnold, MS, CEO CEO, Ex-officio

The Membership Committee assists the Governing Board in promoting programs and activities that support members of The Obesity Society in their professional work and encourages Society membership among individuals whose professional and personal interests overlap with the organization’s goals. The Membership Committee includes the Early-Career Professional Sub-Committee and the Fellowship Sub-Committee.

Mary Elizabeth Patti, MD, FTOS CHAIR
Corby Martin, PhD, FTOS CO-CHAIR
R. Scott Rector, PhD, FTOS Member
Sabyasachi Sen, MD, PhD, FTOS Member
Frank Greenway, MD FTOS Member
Brenda Davy, PhD, FTOS Member
Angela Golden, VP, Clinical Affairs Staff Liaison
Shameeka Green, Sr. Manager, Membership & Sections Staff Liaison

Early-Career Professional Sub-Committee

The Early-Career Professional Sub-Committee is under the umbrella of the Membership Committee and functions to assist the Committee and the Governing Board in promoting successful professional development of current and potential members of The Obesity Society who are in the early phases of their careers.

Nashira Brown, PhD CHAIR
Hanim Ecem Diktas, PhD CO-CHAIR
Ann Davis, PhD, FTOS Sr. Advisor
M. Catherine Prater, PhD Member
Bre MacDonald, MS Member
Diego Anazco, MD Member
Yu Mi Kang, MD Member
Shameeka Costley, Sr. Manager, Membership & Sections Staff Liaison


Fellowship Sub-Committee

The Fellowship Sub-Committee, under the umbrella of the Membership Committee, is charged with reviewing applications and recommending members to the Governing Board for acceptance into Fellowship in The Obesity Society. They work with the parent committee to revise the fellowship criteria as needed.

Mary Elizabeth Patti, MD, FTOS CHAIR
Corby Martin, PhD, FTOS CO-CHAIR
R. Scott Rector, PhD, FTOS Member
Sabyasachi Sen, MD, PhD, FTOS Member
Frank Greenway, MD FTOS Member
Brenda Davy, PhD, FTOS Member
Angela Golden, VP, Clinical Affairs Staff Liaison
Shameeka Green, Sr. Manager, Membership & Sections Staff Liaison

Programs & Education Committees

The Education Committee is charged with developing and expanding TOS’s educational offerings across a range of topics of interest to the full membership and to the broader scientific and clinical community. In addition, this committee works with peer organizations that may be developing their own educational materials, serving either as content consultants or collaborators.

Sriram Machineni, MD CHAIR
Thomas George, NP CO-CHAIR
Lee Kaplan, MD, PhD, FTOS Member
W. Scott Butsch, MD, FTOS Member
Milay Luis Lam, MD, FTOS Member
Jessica Bartfield, MD Member
Robert Kushner, MD, FTOS Ex-Officio
Anita Wiler, CMP, Sr. Director of Scientific Meetings Ad hoc
Darnella Parks, CMP, Manager of Scientific Meetings Ad hoc
Angela Golden, VP, Clinical Affairs Staff Liaison
Shameeka Costley, Sr. Manager, Membership & Sections Staff Liaison

The Annual Meeting Program Committee is responsible for developing and programming TOS’s annual meeting. The committee is responsible for identifying critical emerging topics and issues in obesity research and treatment, and for developing symposia and other programming that deliver cutting-edge information to meeting participants.

John Thyfault, PhD, FTOS CHAIR
Hollie Raynor, PhD CO-CHAIR
Track 1 – Metabolism/Integrative Physiology
Saroja Voruganti, PhD CHAIR
Barbara Gower, PhD, FTOS CO-CHAIR
Maren Laughlin, PhD
E Matthew Morris, PhD
Sarah E. Deemer, PhD
Track 2 – Neuroscience
Kevin Williams, PhD CHAIR
Julio Ayala, PhD CO-CHAIR
Kristy Townsend, PhD
Vance Albaugh, MD, PhD
Elizabeth G. Mietlicki-Baase, PhD
Track 3 – Intervention/Clinical Studies
Joseph Skelton, MD CHAIR
John Apolzan, PhD, FTOS CO-CHAIR
Maria “Daniela” Hurtado Andrade, MD, PhD
Kimberly Gudzune, MD, FTOS
Kai Ling Kong, PhD
Track 4 – Population Health/Public Health
Katherine N. Balantekin, PhD CHAIR
Alpa Patel, PhD CO-CHAIR
Catherine M. Champagne, PhD
Sarah-Jeanne Salvy, PhD
Robin Shook, PhD
Track 5 – Clinical/Prof. Practice 
Laura Goetz, MD, MPH, DABOM CHAIR
John Cleek, MD, FTOS CO-CHAIR
Gretchen Ames, PhD
Deborah Horn, DO
Tiffany Cortes, MD
Track 6 – Policy
Joshua Petimar, ScD CHAIR
Anna Grummon, PhD, MSPH CO-CHAIR
Ana M. Palacios, MD, PhD
Juliana Cohen, PhD
Ross Hammond, PhD
Patricia Nece, JD Patient Advocate
Jennifer Kucera, NP
Angela Thatcher, PA-C
Robin Gosdin Farrell, DNP, CRNP Student
Jacqueline Stephens, PhD, FTOS President
Sherlyn Celone-Arnold, MS CEO
Angela Golden, VP, Clinical Affairs Staff Liaison
Anita Wiler, CMP, Sr. Director of Scientific Meetings Staff Liaison
Darnella Parks, CMP, Manager of Scientific Meetings Staff Liaison

Public Engagment Committees

The Policy & Advocacy Committee is charged with assisting the Governing Board in developing and promoting statements of policy that further the goals and interests of The Obesity Society and supporting advocacy for those statements. In addition, this committee is responsible for coordinating and overseeing TOS’s Advocacy Network.

Kathleen Robinson, MD, PhD CHAIR
Richele Corrado, DO CO-CHAIR
Jamie Kane, MD Member
Chelsea Yost, MD Member
Christina Nguyen, MD Member
Stephen Cook, MD, FTOS Member
Ivania Rizo, MD Member
Sarah Barenbaum, MD Member
Chris Gallagher Advocacy Consultant
Ted Kyle, RPh Advocacy Advisor
Lindsey Shaw,VP, Operations & Corp. Affairs Staff Liaison
Jeanne Blankenship, Exec. Consultant Staff Liaison
Shameeka Costley, Sr. Manager, Membership & Sections Staff Liaison

The Communications Committee’s function is to assist the Governing Board in disseminating information that furthers the goals and interests of The Obesity Society. In addition, this committee is responsible for coordinating and overseeing TOS’s Spokesperson Network.

Renee Rogers, PhD CHAIR
Travis Masterson, PhD CO-CHAIR
Sarah Hales, PhD Member
Marsha Novick, MD, FTOS Member
Stephanie Compton Member
Allison Grupski, PhD Member
Lindsey Shaw,VP, Operations & Corp. Affairs Staff Liaison

 

Publications Committees

The Publications Committee is charged with providing guidance and oversight on the organization’s scholarly publications, including TOS’s two journals, Obesity and Obesity Science & Practice.

Aaron Kelly, PhD, FTOS Chair
Nana Gletsu-Miller, PhD Co-Chair
Jack Yanovski, MD, PhD, FTOS Member
Kristen E. Boyle, PhD Member
Donna H. Ryan, MD, FTOS Member
Leah Schumacher, PhD Member
Amy Ingersoll, PA-C, MMS Member
VACANT Editor-in-Chief, Ex-Officio
Leanne Redman, PhD, FTOS Interim. EIC, Ex-officio
Allison Templet Managing Editor
Angela Golden, VP, Clinical Affairs Staff Liaison
Regina Williams, Dir., Governance & Admin. Staff Liaison

Professional Practice Committees

The Awards Committee is responsible for reviewing and vetting nominations for the Society’s named awards, recognizing outstanding achievement in research, mentoring, clinical practice, and advocacy.

Jon Purnell, MD, FTOS CHAIR, President-Elect
John Jakicic, PhD, FTOS Member
Nikhil Dhurandhar, PhD, FTOS Member
Victoria Catenacci, MD, FTOS Member
Andrew Butler, PhD Member
Kristy Townsend, PhD Member
Regina Williams, Dir., Governance & Admin. Staff Liaison

 

The Clinical Practice Committee is responsible for the Society’s Clinical activities, including proposing programs and initiatives that further the clinical interests of TOS members and advance the overall field of obesity.

Daniel Hsai, MD CHAIR
Robyn Pashby, PhD CO-CHAIR
Justin Ryder, PhD, FTOS Member
Harsha Karanchi, MD Member
Karlijn (Karli) Burridge, PA Member
Tanya Halliday, PhD Member
Leslie Golden, MD Member
Michelle Van Name, MD Member
Angela Thatcher, PA-C Member
Selvia Rajagopal, MD Member
Reema Dbouk, MD Member
Martine Altieri, PA-C Member
Angela Golden, VP, Clinical Affairs Staff Liaison
Shameeka Costley, Sr. Manager, Membership & Sections Staff Liaison

The Science Development Committee is responsible for the Society’s scientific activities, including proposing programs and initiatives that advance our members’ scientific interests and the overall field of obesity. Under the direction of this Committee are the Abstract Review Sub-Committee and the Grants Review Sub-Committee.

Ellen Schur, MD CHAIR
Gina Leinninger, PhD CO-CHAIR
Eunsang Hwang, PhD Member
Katherine N. Balantekin, PhD Member
Aaron Cypess, MD, PhD Member
Sarah Corapi, MS Member
Tim Allerton, PhD Member
Kristy Townsend, PhD Member
Regina Williams, Dir., Governance & Admin. Staff Liaison
Angela Golden, VP, Clinical Affairs Staff Liaison
Darnella Parks, CMP, Manager of Scientific Meetings Ad hoc

Task Forces

Task forces are charged with addressing specific, often pressing issues important to the Society that fall outside the purview of the standing committees or may span multiple committees.

Task forces play a critical role in TOS operations by focusing on urgent issues requiring immediate attention. The Executive Committee sets the charge, composition, and duration of a task force and serves in an advisory capacity to the executive leadership and Board. Participation on a task force is recognized as an essential commitment to the Society and the broader community and is a critical step in leadership development within the Society.

The Pediatric Obesity Treatment Task Force is the leading authority and driver of advances in pediatric obesity medicine. The task force will provide innovative thought leadership and catalyze initiatives to increase the quality and scope of pediatric obesity treatment in the United States and beyond. Meaningful collaborative partnerships will be formed with relevant TOS committees and key external societies and organizations to advance the task force’s mission.

Aaron S. Kelly, PhD, FTOS Co-Chair
Ania M. Jastreboff, MD, PhD Co-Chair
Denise Wilfley, PhD
Alyson Goodman, MD, MPH
Thomas Inge, MD, PhD
Daniel S. Hsia, MD
Ihuoma Eneli, MD
Stephen Cook, MD
Meg Zeller, PhD, FTOS

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force was formed to provide input to The Obesity Society as it continues to plan and implement DEI efforts within the organization. The goal is to ensure representation of individuals of diverse backgrounds at all levels of the Society, including on committees, boards, and at the annual meeting, and to attract and involve members of diverse backgrounds to the Society so that diverse voices are included in all aspects of the organization.

The Obesity Society is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organization. We encourage participation of individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation, body size, or economic circumstances. We strive to be a leading force in advancing scientific understanding of obesity and to highlight and promote equitable access to the best evidence-based practices for its prevention and treatment, while working with partner organizations to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with this chronic disease.

The DEI Task Force will:

  • Identify activities to support diversity and work with all committees to ensure a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion is embedded into all aspects of The Obesity Society.
  • Identify and encourage TOS members from underrepresented groups to serve on TOS committees.
  • Develop approaches to add value for current members from diverse backgrounds and recruit new, diverse members.

Past Presidents

Since 1984, The Obesity Society (TOS) has had a rich history of leadership through its Past Presidents. They have provided strategic direction and achieved numerous accomplishments during their years of service, including increasing membership and successfully executing the TOS annual meeting at ObesityWeek®. Our Past Presidents have also chaired and served on multiple committees and received numerous awards for their dedication and service.

2025
Marc-Andre Cornier, MD, FTOS

2024
Jamy Ard, MD, FTOS

2023
Elizabeth Parks, PhD, FTOS

2022
Daniel Bessesen, MD, FTOS

2021
Catherine Kotz, PhD, FTOS

2019-2020
Lee M. Kaplan, MD, PhD, FTOS

2018-2019
Steven Heymsfield, MD, FTOS

2017-2018
Caroline Apovian, MD, FTOS

2016-2017
Allen Levine, PhD, FTOS

2015-2016
Penny Gordon Larsen, PhD, FTOS

2014-2015
Nikhil Dhurandhar, PhD, FTOS

2013-2014
Steve Smith, MD, FTOS

2012-2013
Harvey Grill, PhD, FTOS

2011-2012
Patrick O’Neil, MD, FTOS

2010-2011
Jennifer Lovejoy, PhD, FTOS

2009-2010
Donna Ryan, MD, FTOS

2008-2009
Robert Kushner, MD, FTOS

2007-2008
Gary Foster, PhD, FTOS

2006-2007
Eric Ravussin, PhD, FTOS

2005-2006
Thomas Wadden, PhD, FTOS

2004-2005
Louis Aronne, MD, FTOS

2003-2004
Barbara Corkey, PhD, FTOS

2002-2003
Samuel Klein, MD, FTOS

2001-2002
Michael Jensen, MD, FTOS

2000-2001
Charles Billington, MD, FTOS

1999-2000
David York, PhD, FTOS

1998-1999
George Blackburn, MD, PhD, FTOS

1997-1998
James Hill, PhD, FTOS

1996-1997
Barbara Rolls, PhD, FTOS

1995-1996
Robert Eckel, MD, FTOS

1994-1995
F. Xavier Pi-Sunyer, MD, FTOS

1993-1994
William Dietz, MD, PhD, FTOS

1992-1993
Judith Stern, ScD, FTOS

1991-1992
Claude Bouchard, PhD, FTOS

1990-1991
Richard Atkinson, MD, FTOS

1989-1990
George Bray, MD, FTOS

1988-1989
Anthony Sclafani, PhD, FTOS

1987-1988
M.R.C Greenwood, PhD, FTOS

1986-1987
Aubie Angel, MD, FTOS

1985-1986
Mario DiGirolamo, MD, FTOS

1984-1985
Barbara Hansen, PhD, FTOS

Bylaws

The Bylaws of an organization serve as its guiding document, establishing its governance structure and operational procedures.

The membership voted and approved the current Bylaws on Feb. 25, 2022. Revisions and updates to our Bylaws were needed to improve several operational practices and implement structural changes to better serve our membership and the field. This also included updating language to better reflect the roles and responsibilities of several of our key governance components; updating our membership categories; clearly defining the eligibility and benefits of each; and providing for a more defined and active role for our Sections in the overall governance and operations of the Society.

Current Bylaws

To learn more about The Obesity Society Governing Board Positions, contact us today.