Leaders Who Make a Difference

Jim Worthington Advocate of the Year: Chris Craytor, CEO, Welld Health and acac Fitness & Wellness Centers

Introduced by 2025 award recipient Erik Lindseth, vice president and general counsel of Life Time

A former HFA Board chair (2022 to 2024), Craytor oversaw the rebranding of the association and helped redefine HFA’s mission by focusing on advocacy work. Retired from the board, his advocacy work continues, as he recently worked with the HFA advocacy team to help stop two bills from being passed in the Virginia state house that would have raised taxes on fitness services. (See here for more on Craytor.)

Accepting the award, he said: "We have the opportunity to make our political leaders understand that we are truly essential, but this moment may not last.”

He encouraged his peers to get involved in HFA advocacy, comparing the association to a coxswain of a rowing crew.

“Like the coxswain, HFA can steer the boat. But they can't make it move on its own. It's up to you all to decide how far and fast we travel. The more people we have in the boat, with oars in the water, the faster and further we can go. ”

The stakes are high, he said, and now is the time to act.

“The potential energy of our industry is immense, and the opportunity for impact is profound. In my 20-plus year career, there's never been a stronger wind at our backs,” Craytor said.

In the end, it’s about unity and working together.

“Proving to our governments that we matter takes a unified voice," he said. "The team at HFA is working tirelessly to promote and protect our industry, and they need your help. Raise your hand and ask how you can contribute with your time, with your knowledge, and importantly, with your money.”