Let’s Move! hires Judith Palfrey as new director

Sept. 7—Judith Palfrey has been named the executive director of the Let’s Move! campaign. Dr. Palfrey, a mother of three, is a professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and is the past president of AAP, the nation’s largest pediatric organization with a membership of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists. Palfrey will be taking leave from her post as director of the Children’s International Pediatric Center at Children’s Hospital in Boston.

“I know how important fighting the epidemic of childhood obesity is, and I’ve seen firsthand the struggles families can face in keeping their kids healthy,” Palfrey said in a press release. “That’s why I’m so eager to work with the first lady to build on the successes of Let’s Move! and continue to empower parents to make the healthier choices. I look forward to working with communities all over America as they support families and children.”

First lady Michelle Obama said of Palfrey: “It was my children’s pediatrician who first told me that I needed to pay closer attention to my children’s health so I understand the significance doctors play in family health. That’s why we are eager to welcome Judy Palfrey to the White House where I know that she will take the Let’s Move! program to new heights. Judy has worked with families one-on-one and partnered with communities on health promotion initiatives. She is a leading researcher and respected voice in the field. Her tremendous experience and insight in pediatrics and community health will make her a strong leader for Let’s Move! and make a real difference in the lives of our nation’s children.”