Advancing New Discoveries Through Science and Philanthropy

4 PBRF 2010 Annual Report
Dr. Steven B. Heymsfield
Message from the PBRC Executive Director
As of June 1, 2010, I assumed the role of Executive Director at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center,
following ten years of unprecedented growth under the leadership of Dr. Claude Bouchard. I feel privileged
to lead the finest center devoted to nutrition, health and preventive medicine in the world. Baton Rouge has
also provided an exceptionally warm welcome, and I can see why the Center is a magnet for scientists and
their families who come here from all over the world.
Over the past year major accomplishments at the Center include completion of a new clinical research
facility, final planning for an imaging center, leading statewide efforts to improve children’s fitness and
health, as well as exponential growth in the Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention. These advances
would not be possible without the men and women who serve on the board and who are engaged in the
task of creating endowed chairs and professorships, raising funds for specific projects, as well as garnering
support for unrestricted funds. Tim Barfield as the Chairman of the Board, and Jennifer Winstead, President
and CEO of the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation, led the way towards these efforts. We are
grateful for their devotion to these activities on the Center’s behalf.
Our own PBRC faculty continues to be recognized for their scientific accomplishments. Most recently,
Dr. Donna Ryan was elected and is now serving as President of The Obesity Society, a leading professional
and scientific organization dedicated to the study of obesity. Dr. Eric Ravussin recently received the 2010
Willendorf Award from the International Association for the Study of Obesity. This prestigious award for
clinical research in obesity was previously received by other PBRC faculty members, namely Drs. George
Bray, Claude Bouchard, and Lars Sjostrom.
The Center, as you can see, has experienced significant physical and reputation growth over the past decade.
These accomplishments are due in part to your devotion to our mission of promoting healthier lives through
research and education in nutrition and preventive medicine. We are now constructing the next five-year
strategic plan for the Center, Vision 2015, which will guide us over the next stage of growth. With this
updated plan and our new facilities, the Center is poised to make significant contributions to the welfare of
our fellow citizens and the economic development of Louisiana.
I thank you for the warm welcome and value your continued support.
Sincerely,
Steven B. Heymsfield, M.D.
Executive Director, Pennington Biomedical Research Center
George A. Bray, Jr. Endowed Super Chair in Nutrition