Alliance For A Healthier Generation CEO Howell Wechsler To Speak At OneShow
Source NAMA
CHICAGO – February 6, 2015 – Today, NAMA announces that Howell Wechsler, EdD, MPH, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, will be a featured speaker at the 2015 OneShow in Las Vegas during Thursday’s general session.
“We are delighted that Dr. Wechsler will share his highly-regarded views with our membership. Our goals are aligned: we are trying to be part of the nutrition solution. As a health scientist and national expert on childhood obesity, Dr. Wechsler’s key message, “The Power of Partnership,” is particularly relevant as we as an industry continue to meet the changing needs of the millions of Americans our members serve every day,” said Carla Balakgie, NAMA’s President and CEO.
“I’m thrilled to speak with NAMA at this year’s OneShow on how the food and beverage industries can become part of the childhood obesity solution,” said Dr. Wechsler. “The ongoing success of the Alliance’s partnerships with the food and beverage industry proves that the private sector can do well by doing good.”
“We have proudly partnered with the Alliance since the 2005 launch of FitPick, our nationally recognized nutrition initiative,” said Balakgie. “We greatly value our relationship with the Alliance and welcome Dr. Wechsler’s involvement at the OneShow,” she continued.
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation, empowers kids to develop lifelong, healthy habits. The Alliance works with schools, companies, community organizations, healthcare professionals and families to build healthier environments for millions of children.
Prior to taking on the role of Alliance CEO in 2013, Dr. Wechsler spent 18 years at the CDC, joining as a health scientist in 1995. Dr. Wechsler was the lead author of CDC's “Guidelines for School Health Programs to Promote Lifelong Healthy Eating,” and also led the development of the “School Health Index: A Self-Assessment and Planning Guide.” Dr. Wechsler earned a doctorate in health education from Teacher's College, Columbia University, NYC; a Master's Degree in Public Health from Columbia University, and a Bachelor's Degree in journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. Dr. Wechsler entered the field of public health during his service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zaire.
The OneShow, NAMA’s premier event, offers attendees an invaluable, directly applicable education program delivered by more than 25 industry experts. From April 22-24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, attendees will have 40 plus hours of networking opportunity with more than 4,500 vending and refreshment services operators and suppliers. The 2015 NAMA OneShow will also offer the chance to discover thousands of new business-building ideas and the latest innovations on an expansive show floor boasting more than 250 exhibitors.
Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $42 billion U.S. vending and refreshment service industry. With more than 1800 member companies – including many of the world’s most recognized brands – NAMA provides advocacy, education and research for its membership. Visit NAMA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
