Board of Directors 

Laura Van Tuyl has been a member of WLSFA since 2010 and a board member since 2011, and the president and CEO since 2019. She is actively involved in her local support groups since her April 2003 weight loss surgery, and has led a peer support group in Portland, Oregon for the last 10 years. During her years as a WLSFA board member, Laura has helped to coordinate the organization’s annual fundraising conferences, directed the Stomp Out Obesity Virtual 5Ks and has overseen the development of the online social media platform.

“I am committed to helping others thrive along their life journey,” Laura said. “I now lead an amazing team of board members who share with me in the mission of the WLSFA.”

Cleo Savala has served on the WLSFA board of directors since 2015 and, in 2019, was named Treasurer and CFO. Having watched her mother’s success as a weight loss surgery patient, Savala originally had a gastric band procedure in June 2010 and underwent a revision surgery in 2016, opting this time for a Roux-en-Y bypass.

“I take great personal pride in the fact that I have the opportunity to affect change and help others in the process. …I look forward to meeting more members of the WLS community, fellow weight loss surgery patients, while working together to make a difference and ‘saving lives one grant at a time.’” – Cleo Savala

Bill Streetman took his life back after choosing to undergo RNY bypass surgery. He once again enjoys the sports and physical activity he loved growing up and into his 20s—and was even named the 2017 male BariAthlete of the Year by the WLSFA. Having joined WLSFA in 2017, Streetman founded the Tour of Hope, a weeklong bike ride that raises money for the organization. 

“My new life has been possible because I was able to afford my WLS. I want those who need WLS . . . but who cannot afford to pay for it themselves … to be able to receive the same life-saving tool that has helped me change my life.” –Bill Streetman