IHRSA has named Elizabeth Clark as its new president and CEO, the trade association for commercial health clubs announced on June 10.
Clark previously led government relations and advocacy at the National Confectioners Association (NCA), the trade association for the $44 billion candy industry. While there, she was able to get the government to deem confectionery manufacturing as “essential” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a start date of Aug. 16, Clark will become only the third CEO to lead the association in its 40-year history and will be the first woman to do so.
The first IHRSA CEO was John McCarthy followed by Joe Moore. Moore left last August, at which time Brent Darden stepped in as interim CEO while a committee conducted a search for Moore’s replacement.
Clark has led advocacy efforts at NCA since 2011, serving as the industry’s voice on Capitol Hill and in state capitals across the country. Prior to NCA, she was an executive director at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“IHRSA’s mission, to grow, protect, and promote the health and fitness industry has never been more important,” said Carrie Kepple, chairwoman, IHRSA Board of Directors. “For the past year, the board of directors and IHRSA team have been focused on reopening, rebuilding, and reimagining our industry and our association. Liz’s long, successful career in association management, her expertise in advocacy, and her commitment to member service—not to mention her energy and passion—will serve IHRSA and all our members very well.”
Clark's appointment concludes a five-month national search process completed by a six-member search committee chaired by Greta Wagner, executive director, Chelsea Piers Connecticut, and IHRSA board member.
“The search committee was tasked with working with industry leaders to find a transformational CEO to move IHRSA and its member clubs into a new era," Wagner said. “It was evident to the committee almost immediately that Liz's ability to perform at the highest level along with her business acumen made her a natural fit. She will bring new energy to the mission to scale up our business and advocate for our industry, and I know she’s the right person to lead IHRSA at this important time.”
Clark said she is honored to work alongside and on behalf of the fitness industry.
“This is an exceptional opportunity to bring my experience to bear for an industry I have been personally committed to for my entire life, and I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work,” she said.
Clark is a lifelong athlete. She was on the rowing crew as an undergraduate at the University at Dayton. She holds a master of arts degree in international commerce and policy from George Mason University.
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart led the nationwide search. The process was led by a representative search committee consisting of Wagner, Kepple, Alan Leach (IHRSA chair International Committee), Bryan O’Rourke, Chris Smith and Jim Worthington (IHRSA board ex officio).