It has been confirmed that Liz Clark, CEO of the Health & Fitness Association, will be leaving the organisation when her contract ends in July.

Clark came to the role from the candy/confectionery industry during the pandemic, not realising that she was walking into an association that was almost bankrupt as a result of having to cancel the 2020 trade show.

“I knew things were bad when I accepted the role, but I didn’t know quite how bad they were, both financially and organisationally. The association was US$8 million in debt,” Clark told HCM. “It was 18 months of putting out daily fires. I wasn’t sleeping and lost chunks of hair.”

Now the organisation is back on track and Clark has left a legacy of increased advocacy efforts and the rebrand from IHRSA to the Health & Fitness Association.

“Liz stepped into one of the most challenging periods in this industry’s recent history and helped lead HFA through it with real resolve,” board president Luke Carlson said in a statement. 

“Because of her leadership, HFA enters this next chapter from a position of strength – with growing momentum, a stronger policy voice and an industry that is increasingly recognised as essential to the nation’s health. We are grateful for everything she built and wish her well.”

A nationwide hunt for her successor is now on.