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 ObesityWeek®, 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 Rockville, 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.
Christe A Turner
Director of Finance and Operations
Primary role: Oversees Accounting, Financial Management, Contracts, and Operations; Supports CEO
Christe is a seasoned accounting and operations professional and has more than 20 years of experience by working with small and worldwide businesses such as federal government contractors and private, for-profit firms. Because of her multi-faceted background in full-cycle accounting, financial management, human resources, and facilities management, Christe has varied responsibilities at TOS which include supporting the CEO with developing strategic goals, managing the finances, managing contracts, developing banking and vendor relationships, and administering employee benefits. Christe holds a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Information Systems and Marketing from Mount Vernon College in Washington, DC, a Legal Assistant Certificate from Georgetown University, is a Virginia Notary Public, and recently earned a Certificate of Accountancy from Northern Virginia Community College.
Regina Williams
Director of Governance and Administration
Primary role: Governance, Administration, Human Resources, Grants and Awards
Regina has more than 20 years of non-profit experience working in human resources and office administration. She works closely with the CEO overseeing the governance of the Society and is the staff liaison to the Governing Board and Executive Committee. Regina’s varied responsibilities include human resources, office administration and information technology. She also manages the Society’s awards and grants programs. Regina holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management and is a Maryland Notary Public.
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 15 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®.
Chanel Carrington
Director of Communications and Media Relations
Primary role: Communications Management, Media and Public Relations, TOS Website
Chanel is a 25-year communications professional, having worked for non-profits including the Endocrine Society and the National Science Teaching Association. Chanel 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 Communications Committee and Publications Committee. She also manages the organization’s website and serves as the editor of the Society’s weekly e-newsletter. Chanel 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 Global Campus.
Robyn Gordon
Marketing Manager
Primary role: Digital Marketing, Social Media, ObesityWeek® Website
Robyn manages multiple activities focused on digital marketing, and social media. She creates compelling content and promotional material for the web, email, social media, advertisements, and digital platforms, as well as event marketing pieces. She oversees the Society’s social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Robyn has experience writing press releases. 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.
Shameeka Green
Senior Manager, Membership and Sections
Primary role: Memberships, Staff Liaison to Sections, Special Interest Groups, and Committees
Shameeka has more than 17 years of experience working in database management, 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 (Basic Science, Clinical Science, Behavioral Science, Bariatric Surgery and Devices, Clinical Practice, Pediatric Obesity, Population Science and Public Health, and Neuroscience). In addition, Shameeka is also the liaison to seven committees (Membership, Early-Career Professional Sub-Committee, Diversity, Fellowship Subcommittee, Education, Policy & Advocacy, and Clinical Practice). Shameeka holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Hospitality Management with a concentration in meeting, conference and event planning.
Stephanie Garcia
Sponsorship and Exhibits Manager
Primary role: ObesityWeek® Exhibits and Sponsors
Stephanie has nearly 23 years of exhibitions experience working on association and for-profit events. She is responsible for ObesityWeek® sponsorships, exhibit sales and service, corporate supported symposia, and TOS traffic builder areas on the exhibit hall floor. Stephanie credits some very good mentors for training her in sponsorship programs. She is excited to bring this experience to ObesityWeek® to help exhibitors expand their presence in the industry. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University, and two professional certifications: IAEE’s Certified in Exhibitions Management and PMI’s Project Management Professional.