Susan Combs Joins CATCH’s High-Powered Board of Directors

December 3, 2014  | By CATCH Global Foundation

Child health non-profit organization the CATCH Global Foundation is excited to announce this week that Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Susan Combs, is joining their Board of Directors.

“Susan Combs has been an effective crusader for child health and nutrition for many years, and has exemplified public stewardship and transparency in office,” said CATCH Global Foundation Executive Director, Duncan Van Dusen. “As such, she is an ideal addition to our board and we are delighted that she will bring her passion and experience to our mission. I personally very much look forward to working with her.”

During her tenure as Agriculture Commissioner and Comptroller, Combs made child obesity a top priority. As Comptroller, she issued three reports and updates outlining the cost of obesity to Texas businesses, with recommendations to help reduce the incidence of obesity. This continued her focus on believing fitness is crucial to academic success. In 2007, Combs designed and secured funding for Texas Fitness Now (TFN), a grant program administered by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that supported in-school PE, nutrition and fitness programs for middle schools with high percentages of economically disadvantaged students. From 2008 to 2011, TFN distributed $40 million in grants. As Agriculture Commissioner, TIME Magazine dubbed her “The Cafeteria Crusader” in a 2004 article highlighting her policies to cut carbonated drink sizes and cookie, candy and chip portions in public schools.

“I am so pleased to join the CATCH Global Foundation Board because all of us share a deep concern about the health of our children,” said Combs. “It is my hope we can devise effective strategies and move the CATCH model further across the country.”

Combs makes a remarkable addition to a board comprised of leading child health advocates.

Steve Kelder, PhD, MPH, is an original co-creator of CATCH, Associate Regional Dean and Distinguished Professor of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Science at the University of Texas School of Public Health, Austin Regional Campus, and Co-Director of the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living. He is a world-renowned child health expert with specialties in tobacco control, physical activity promotion and nutrition education.

Eduardo Sanchez, MD MPH, is Deputy Chief Scientific Officer of the American Heart Association. Eduardo was formerly Texas State Health Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He has special expertise and concern working with populations at risk for chronic disease, as exemplified by his childhood obesity prevention work with the Institute of Medicine.

The board is rounded out by Peter Cribb, M.Ed, and Duncan Van Dusen, MPH, longtime supporters of CATCH and experts in the program.

For the full press release of the above information, click here.