HFA Ushers In New Leadership; Luke Carlson To Serve as Board Chair
The Health & Fitness Association begins its 2025-2026 board term with new officers and directors, and a new chairman of the board
The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) kicked off its 2025–2026 board term this week with three newly elected officers, five new directors and Luke Carlson, the CEO of Discover Strength, officially assuming his role as board chairman.
Carlson is joined by vice chair Al Noshirvani, managing partner of Alta Technology Group and owner of Method Gym; finance chair Ahmar Azam, founder and CEO of TriFit; and secretary Jeff Sanders, chief growth officer and partner at Energy Fitness.
“It’s an honor to step into the chair role at such a pivotal time for our industry,” Carlson said. “I’m looking forward to helping drive this next chapter of the association as we build on the momentum gained in recent years. The members of this board bring a wealth of experience across all segments of the industry, and I am eager to collaborate with them to ensure all of our members—large and small, national and international – have a seat at the table.”
The global trade association represents health and fitness facility operators and fitness professionals, serving the fitness industry through advocacy, education and research. As the global fitness sector continues to evolve, the HFA board plays a key role in shaping priorities and executing on the association’s mission.
The new term also welcomes five incoming directors, each set to serve through June 2029:
- Shafiq Ahmed, founder, CEO and chairman, NRG Gym Limited
- Cory Brightwell, co-founder and CEO, Chuze Fitness
- Dimple Manghnani, general counsel and vice president, Solidcore
- Chyna Willman, founder and CEO, Grit City Wellness
- Mark Harrington Jr., president, Healthworks
They join a returning board that includes Richard Beddie, J.J. Creegan, Bill Davis, Debbie Fiorella, Maria Gonzalez, Ori Gorfine, Richard Idgar, Mel Kleist, Erik Lindseth, Matthew Stevens and Barry Walsh.
Former chairman Chris Smith, along with outgoing board members Aaron Moore and Loni Wang, were recognized for their contributions during a year marked by growth and renewed advocacy.
“Each new board term brings fresh energy and new ideas, and this group is no exception,” HFA president and CEO Liz Clark said. “We’re grateful to Chris and all our departing leaders, and we’re excited to welcome a dynamic new class of directors who reflect the values, innovation and leadership that will shape the future of fitness.”
Most recently, HFA led industry-wide efforts to pass the PHIT (Personal Health Investment Today) Act, which would have allowed Americans to use funds from health savings accounts to cover fitness-related expenses such as gym memberships and fitness classes. Although the proposed legislation was included in the House of Representatives version of President Trump’s 2025 tax bill, it was ultimately cut from the final version passed by the Senate.
“We are deeply disappointed that the Senate-passed reconciliation bill excluded the physical activity HSA provision, despite its thoughtful inclusion in the House version,” HFA wrote in a note to members this week. “This provision wasn’t just smart health policy. It was a targeted, bipartisan tax break for middle-class Americans. At a time when chronic disease is on the rise and families are feeling financial pressure, it would have made staying active and healthy more affordable for millions. …. Physical activity is one of the most effective, low-cost tools to prevent disease, reduce healthcare spending and improve quality of life.”
While the setback is a blow, HFA is now urging lawmakers to “revisit and restore” the provision in future legislation.
Founded in 1981, HFA operates global events including The HFA Show, HFA European Congress and the Fly-In and Advocacy Summit.