Shape Up RI 2012 Co-Chairs

First Lady Stephanie D. Chafee

"As a registered nurse, I have seen first-hand the importance of exercise and physical fitness for general health. So many conditions could be avoided through even a modest increase in physical activity. That is why I am so proud to be serving as Co-Chair of Shape Up RI. The more Rhode Islanders who are exercising and leading active lifestyles, the healthier our state – and that's an outcome that benefits all of us."

Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts

Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth H. Roberts was inaugurated as the 68th lieutenant governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations on January 2, 2007, making history as the first woman elected to the position. Serving in the Rhode Island State Senate from 1997-2007, she received the highest ranking in the General Assembly from Common Cause, Rhode Island's premier government reform organization.

Roberts currently serves as chair of the Long Term Care Coordinating Council, the Small Business Advocacy Council and the Emergency Management Advisory Board. In January, 2011, Governor Chafee signed into executive order the Rhode Island Healthcare Reform Commission and named Lt. Governor Roberts as its Chair. Roberts graduated from Brown University in 1978 and earned an MBA in health care management from Boston University.

Former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy

“In my family, physical fitness is a way of life instilled in me and my siblings and cousins while we were learning to walk. As my uncle, President Kennedy, said, “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body. It is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.“ Please join me as we encourage all Rhode Islanders to take the first steps on the road to physical fitness.“

Joseph Amaral, MD
Former President and CEO, Rhode Island Hospital

“I am proud to serve as co-chair of this wonderful initiative. Every day at Rhode Island Hospital physicians care for many Rhode Islanders who find themselves in the hospital as a direct result of obesity or lack of exercise. We know we can change that and we urge all Rhode Islanders to consider taking part in the Shape Up RI challenge, begin a healthier lifestyle, and ultimately, be able to enjoy a longer life.“

Karen Adams
WPRI 12 News Anchor

“I think we have all forgotten how to take care of ourselves, because we move through our lives so quickly. Taking care of ourselves and our physical well-being takes time and planning. It is my hope that this innovative program will teach us how to be healthier, how to eat better, and how to get the most out of our time for exercise.“

Rep. Gordon D. Fox
Rhode Island House Majority Leader

“The ancient advice calling for a sound mind in a sound body resonates to this very day. As lawmakers, my colleagues and I are asked to see the connective tissue that links major policy areas. So I can tell you that physical fitness, and the overall good health that it promotes, have direct and significant impacts on the economy and on politics in general.“

Barbara Morse Silva
NBC 10 Health Reporter

Shape Up RI is an amazing, innovative and motivating program. As health reporter, I hear this all too often: “I don't have time to work out. I don't have time to eat right.” We make time to go to work. We make time to take our kids to their football and soccer games and cheerleading competitions. Why not make time to get fit so you can continue to be able to keep up with your busy lifestyle. Shape Up RI helps motivate folks to MAKE THAT TIME. There's the camaraderie factor, the competition...oh, and the added benefit of looking and feeling better. I am honored and privileged to be a part of this campaign to get Rhode Islanders on the healthy track. Staying fit makes ME feel better and it can make YOU feel better too!
View Barbara Morse Silva's coverage on Shape Up RI.

Management

Rajiv Kumar, MD
Founder & Chairman

“I have been thinking for a long time about the health problems that we face as a nation and the tremendous impact they are having here at home in Rhode Island. It is clear to me that right now there is no greater imperative than reversing our growing obesity epidemic by promoting healthy and active lifestyles.“ Click here to read more.

Colin Murphy, RN, MBA
Executive Director

“It is a great opportunity to be serving the mission of Shape Up RI that has done, and continues to do, so much good for the people of Rhode Island. We are having a direct positive impact on the health of Rhode Islanders.”

Ray Rickman
Consultant & President, Rickman Group

“Rajiv Kumar has created a wonderful community-based initiative to fight obesity and related illnesses. Shape Up RI will give us a chance to make Rhode Island an example for the nation as we try to regain a healthy lifestyle.”