ACE Names Industry Vet Cedric X. Bryant as New CEO
ACE’s former president and chief science officer, Bryant has been a key figure in the fitness org’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiative
The American Council on Exercise (ACE), a non-profit education and certification provider for health coaches and exercise professionals, announced that Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, will take over as CEO starting July 1.
Bryant succeeds Scott Goudeseune, who has led ACE for over 15 years, during which time the organization expanded its influence in the global health and fitness community.
The leadership transition aligns with ongoing changes in the health and fitness industry, which is increasingly incorporating new technologies and focusing on health equity and accessibility. These developments aim to help individuals worldwide lead more active lives.
“I am deeply honored to lead ACE and build on the strong foundation laid by Scott. I look forward to advancing our mission and making a meaningful impact on public health globally,” Bryant said.
Bryant has been with ACE since 2001, serving most recently as president and chief science officer. He brings to his new role over 35 years of experience in health and fitness, with a background in exercise science and behavior coaching.
His past roles include serving on advisory committees for the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Academies for Science, Engineering and Medicine.
A vocal advocate for health equity, Bryant has been a pivotal figure in the ACE Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiative. His commitment to fostering inclusive health practices is evident in his dedication to providing strong, science-backed educational resources to communities worldwide.
In an article he wrote on the topic of healthy equity, Bryant encouraged fitness and wellness professionals to explore their own implicit biases and “to show empathy by demonstrating an active interest in each individual’s internal perspective.”
Bryant’s academic contributions include authoring more than 300 articles and co-authoring or editing over 40 books. He earned both his doctorate in physiology and master’s degree in exercise science from Pennsylvania State University, receiving the institution’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cedric as our new CEO. His vision for the future of health and fitness aligns seamlessly with the values and mission of ACE,” said John Lally, incoming Chair of the ACE Board of Directors.
Lally also noted that Goudeseune will continue to support the organization as a strategic advisor to the CEO.
In related industry news, the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) also recently announced a new CEO. This leadership change among certifying organizations could lay new groundwork for the industry in the coming years.