White House names new executive director for first lady’s anti-childhood obesity initiative

WASHINGTON – Michelle Obama’s anti-childhood obesity initiative is getting a new leader.

The White House announced Thursday that Debra Eschmeyer has joined the staff in a dual role. She’ll be executive director of the “Let’s Move” program and senior policy adviser for nutrition policy.

Eschmeyer takes over from Obama personal chef Sam Kass. He held both titles before leaving the White House last year.

Mrs. Obama says Eschmeyer spent her career making learning about nutrition fun and accessible for kids across the country.

Eschmeyer is a co-founder of a national service program called FoodCorps. Its members go into schools in 16 states and the District of Columbia to teach about food and nutrition, build and care for school gardens, offer cooking lessons and help revamp school lunches.