[Editor's Note: This story was updated with all three options offered to 2020 IHRSA exhibitors.]
Joe Moore has resigned as CEO of IHRSA, a position he held since 2006, the trade association for commercial club operators announced on Aug. 19. His resignation was effective immediately.
An interim CEO will be named in a few days while the IHRSA board of directors forms a CEO search committee to find a new CEO.
No reason was given for Moore’s resignation.
Some people in the industry have been calling for changes at IHRSA. Some have shared with Club Industry their dissatisfaction with the lobbying efforts of IHRSA and the inability to get the fitness industry included in the stimulus packages Congress passed to help businesses during the COVID-19 shutdowns. IHRSA hired additional lobbyists in April after Congress passed three stimulus packages to provide relief for businesses and specific industries, none of which included the health club industry.
In addition, several suppliers have been upset with IHRSA’s handling of the cancellation of the 2020 IHRSA event and the refund and credit process . The 2020 event was to be held March 18-21 in San Diego, but it was cancelled on March 12 after the California Department of Public Health recommended cancellation or postponement of gatherings of more than 250 people due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jay Ablondi, executive vice president of global products for IHRSA, told Club Industry earlier this summer that IHRSA had offered exhibitors three options: 100 percent credit for the 2021 event, 50 percent credit and 50 percent refund (minus 20 percent on that amount for IHRSA's expenses) or an 80 percent refund on their full amount (taking 20 percent for IHRSA's expenses). The refunds were being staggered but were being paid, he said.
IHRSA indicated in the announcement that it would be reviewing its mission and direction.
“Given the pandemic’s impact on the entire industry, the board is assessing the mission and strategic direction of the association as it builds for the future,” IHRSA acting Chairperson Carrie Kepple said in the announcement. “I want to thank our board members and staff for their dedication and hard work. We wish Joe all the best and thank him for all he has done and for his many years of distinguished service.”
Kepple became acting chairperson last week after Jason Reinhardt, who had served as chairperson of IHRSA’s board of directors for 14 months, resigned on Aug. 12, announcing his departure during a board meeting. Kepple had been serving as vice chairperson and was named acting chairperson.
Reinhardt said he would concentrate on his family and his business. He is the owner of Go M.A.D. Fitness.
In the announcement about Moore’s resignation, Jim Worthington, board ex-officio, said, “IHRSA’s board of directors will undertake an even greater role in promoting, protecting, and growing the fitness industry, which is so vital to so many people. We wish Joe the best and look forward to working with our members and vendor partners around the world to continue their resurgence during these unprecedented times.”
Moore has been in the health and fitness industry for more than 45 years, starting in 1972 when he opened his first commercial facility that grew from a single club to a health club chain with 20 locations in three states. Moore sold the company in 2004. He served as chairman of the IHRSA board during the 2005–2006 fiscal year prior to being named president and CEO.