Health & Fitness Association Expands Research Arm with Addition of VP of Research

WASHINGTON, DC-September 13, 2024-Health & Fitness Association (HFA) President & CEO Liz Clark today announced that Anton Severin has joined the association as vice president, research. He will be based in Washington, DC.

In this newly created position, Severin will conceive and direct a robust series of economic, data, and market intelligence products designed to benefit fitness facilities and supplier partners. He will also lead education sessions, webinars, and custom projects and serve as a research spokesperson to the media, at public events, and with industry partners and coalitions.

"HFA's core pillars are advocacy, education, and research - and the work Anton will provide for our members, staff, and the industry at large will help us take the association to the next level of service, cutting-edge analysis, and insight. Anton's education and early career experience in Europe will also help support our global membership and international efforts with valuable perspectives and accelerate our launch of a host of new data and research-oriented products and services," Clark said.

"Data and products led by Anton will help our industry members better understand the marketplace, share insights with partners, serve customers, and support industry advocacy programs-and most importantly, help us continue to be the leading voice about the positive effects of exercise on physical and mental health and our industry's role in improving individual and public health," Clark added.

Severin said: "I look forward to bringing my international background and association research expertise to HFA and its members. Having spent time in the Swedish military, I know well the importance of physical and mental health, and as an avid cyclist and athlete, I am excited to merge my passion with my profession and support an industry working to improve lives."

Most recently, Severin served as director, research for the American Gaming Association, a national trade association representing the $329 billion U.S. casino gaming industry. In this role, Severin built a track record of advancing the industry's strategic goals through data-driven insights, tackling key issues such as consumer perceptions, economic trends, taxation, sports betting, responsible gaming, and regulatory challenges.

About the Health & Fitness Association

The Health & Fitness Association, a global community of industry leaders, is the only worldwide trade association providing a unified voice for the community of leaders who operate health and fitness facilities, offer professional guidance on physical activity, and provide the tools and equipment to do so to the millions of fitness facility members who understand that exercise improves their physical and mental health.

Through advocacy, education, and research, the association speaks to opportunities, challenges, and changes that are moving the industry into a new era.

Founded in 1981, the association publishes a monthly magazine, Club Business International, and operates its Convention & Trade Show. Follow the Health & Fitness Association on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.