Building on Strength: Honoring Leadership and Looking Ahead

On March 30, the HFA Board announced that HFA President and CEO Liz Clark will be leaving the association after her contract ends in July of this year. Following her recent retirement after a distinguished and long-standing career at Chelsea Piers, where she most recently led and expanded their Connecticut operations, Greta Wagner will step into the role of interim president and CEO, bringing seasoned leadership and deep industry expertise to guide the organization forward.

Leadership transitions are often seen as inflection points. But at their best, they are also moments of continuity—a chance to build on a strong foundation and carry meaningful progress forward.

That’s where the Health & Fitness Association finds itself today.

Under Liz’s leadership, the association became stronger, more relevant to policymakers, and more aligned with the needs of its members. She stepped into the role during the uncertainty of the Covid pandemic, when both the association and the industry faced significant disruption. Today, the organization is stable, focused, and well-positioned, and the industry is moving forward with strength.

This progress is meaningful. The association has strengthened its voice on Capitol Hill, expanded its relevance to members, and reinforced its role as a global unifying force.

Because of that work, this transition begins from a position of strength.

The next CEO will not need to rebuild, but to build on—extending momentum, sharpening focus, and continuing to serve members with clarity and purpose.

We are grateful for Liz’s past leadership and contributions and are confident in the organization’s continued momentum under Greta’s interim leadership and excited for the next chapter ahead with the appointment of a new CEO.

The foundation is strong. The opportunity is real. And this moment is both a transition—and a continuation.