IHRSA appoints its first female Chief Executive

The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association has appointed Elizabeth Clark as their next president and Chief Executive. Clark, a seasoned association executive, joins IHRSA at a critical time for the fitness industry and the association.

Clark previously led government relations and advocacy at the National Confectioners Association (NCA ) and beginning 16th August, she will be the first female chief executive in the association’s 40-year history.

Clark succeeds IHRSA Interim President and Chief EXecutive Brent Darden who stepped in last August at the Board’s request and led the association back to stability and united the industry during the pandemic until a permanent Chief EXecutive was selected.

“IHRSA’s mission, to grow, protect, and promote the health and fitness industry, has never been more important,” notes 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.

Wagner adds “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.

“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 has led advocacy efforts at NCA since 2011, serving as the industry’s voice on Capitol Hill and in state capitals across the country. Among her notable accomplishments, Clark successfully lobbied the administration to have confection manufacturing deemed "essential" during the pandemic. Prior to NCA, she was an executive director at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  

Clark advised “I am honoured to work alongside and on behalf of this dynamic and evolving 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.”  

Clark is a lifelong athlete whose commitment to fitness included rowing crew as an undergraduate at the University at Dayton. She holds a Master of Arts in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University.

Executive search firm Spencer Stuart led the nationwide search for IHRSA’s next president and Chief EXecutive. 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).