California Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed California Fitness Alliance President and Co-Founder Francesca Schuler and YMCA of the East Bay CEO Fran Gallati to his 15-member Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being, according to an announcement by the governor on Jan. 31.
The governor announced the launch of the council last summer at an In-Shape Health Club. At that time, Schuler served as CEO of In-Shape. In-Shape is a member of the California Fitness Alliance (CFA), which was created in April 2020 after the governor ordered health clubs, along with other businesses, to close to stem the spread of COVID-19.
The advisory council will provide guidance on the development of physical activity and wellness goals for Californians of all ages; increase awareness among all age groups about the benefits of physical activity, sports, nutrition and mental wellness; encourage intergenerational physical fitness activities; promote equitable access to outdoor and physical activities for underserved communities; and facilitate collaboration among federal, state and local agencies, education, business and industry, the private sector, and others in the promotion of physical activity and mental wellness.
The advisory council is co-chaired by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who was a Division 1 athlete at Stanford University and a member of the women’s junior national soccer team, and Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee Ronnie Lott.
“I am honored to be part of this council and looking forward to bringing expertise and commitment from the fitness industry in California to ensure safe and equitable access to exercise for Californians of all ages” Schuler said in an announcement from the CFA. “Exercise is essential for good physical and mental health, and fitness centers not only provide access to exercise but also can provide a welcoming community which helps people stay motivated to live healthier lives. Including fitness centers as part of the solution can help to accelerate the commitment by the governor and first partner to the health of all Californians.”
Others appointed to the board are:
- Dr. Sergio Aguila-Gaxiola, professor of Clinical Internal Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, and director of the Center for Reducing Health Disparities at UC Davis
- Brandi Chastain, Olympic and World Cup Champion, National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, mother and grandmother, and cofounder of BAWSI
- Jessica Cruz, CEO of NAMI California
- Nisha Devi, founder of Kala Wellness, Eastern Medicine Practitioner
- Ashley Hunter, founder and executive director of Fit Kids
- Savannah Linhares, varsity girls basketball coach, biology teacher, leadership and link crew teacher at Chowchilla High School, and “Double-Goal” 2020 Coach of the Year, Positive Coaching Alliance
- Cheryl Miller, Olympic gold medalist, NCAA College Basketball three-time Player of the Year, head coach women’s basketball at Cal State LA
- Dr. Bill Resnick, psychiatrist and philanthropist, and mindfulness practitioner
- Stephen Revetria, president, Giants Enterprises
- Dr. Dan Siegel, clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and the founding do-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center
- Renata Simril, president and CEO of LA84 Foundation
- Dave Stewart, former major league baseball player
- Dr. Vernon Williams, sports neurologist and founding director of the Center for Sports Neurology and Pain Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute
- Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic gold medalist, founder of Always Dream Foundation