Health & Fitness Association New Board of Directors Term Begins
July 3, 2025
Boston, MA—July 2, 2025—The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) began a new board term yesterday, ushering in a fresh chapter of leadership for the global trade association. The new term marks the official start of CEO of Discover Strength Luke Carlson’s service as chairman of the board, along with three other recently elected officers and five new board members.
In its meeting preparing for this transition last week, the board engaged in strategic discussions around strengthening member value, advancing global growth initiatives, and ensuring long-term organizational sustainability.
“It’s an honor to step into the chair role at such a pivotal time for our industry,” said Carlson. “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.”
In this new term, Al Noshirvani, managing partner of ALTA Technology Group and owner of Method Gym, will act as vice chair; Ahmar Azam, CEO and founder of TriFit, will serve as finance chair; and Jeff Sanders, chief growth officer and partner of Energy Fitness, as secretary.
In addition to the new officers, the board welcomes five new directors:
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
These individuals have begun their four-year terms and will serve through June 30, 2029.
Returning to the board are directors Richard Beddie, J.J. Creegan, Bill Davis, Debbie Fiorella, Maria Gonzalez, Ori Gorfine, Richard Idgar, Mel Kleist, Erik Lindseth, Matthew Stevens, and Barry Walsh.
The organization recognizes and thanks outgoing board members—former Chairman Chris Smith and board members Aaron Moore and Loni Wang—for their contributions to a pivotal year of growth and advocacy.
“Each new board term brings fresh energy and new ideas, and this group is no exception,” said Liz Clark, HFA president and CEO. “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.”
The HFA board plays a critical role in steering the association’s mission to grow, promote, and protect the industry through its priorities of advocacy, education, and research. With strong alignment and renewed momentum, HFA is well-positioned to continue leading the industry forward.