Press Room

San Diego, Calif., March 18, 2025 – The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Pam Watts, CAE, to its Board of Directors. As the executive director of NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, Watts brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in the health and fitness industry. Her expertise in strategic planning and organizational development supports over 4,500 NIRSA members nationwide, strengthening efforts to promote lifelong well-being through recreation and fitness. 

“I am passionate about fostering lifelong well-being and am honored to join ACE in advancing this mission,” said Watts. “As a member of the ACE Board, I look forward to contributing my insights and guidance to further ACE’s goal of Getting People Moving.” 

The ACE Board of Directors plays a critical role in shaping the organization’s future, offering strategic guidance and oversight to ensure ACE fulfills its mission with sound governance, financial responsibility, and ethical integrity. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Pam to the ACE Board of Directors,” said Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, ACE president and chief executive officer. “Her depth of experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to expand ACE’s impact within the health and fitness industry.” 

About Pam Watts 

Pam Watts, CAE, is the Executive Director of NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, which supports nearly 4,500 members across nearly 900 campuses and an estimated 8.1 million students in the U.S. and Canada. NIRSA is an organization that supports and promotes recreational sports and wellness in colleges and universities. A Certified Association Executive, Watts has held influential leadership positions, including Chair of the Council for Higher Education Management Association’s Steering Committee, member of the American Council on Exercise’s Industry Advisory Panel, and participant in the Advisory Council for the Healthy Campus Initiative within the University of California System. She currently serves as President of the Physical Activity Alliance, sits on the Advisory Board for the Institute for Wellbeing at Butler University, and recently completed her tenure as Vice President of the Higher Education Consortium for Student Affairs Certification Board of Directors. 

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About the American Council on Exercise 
Since 1985, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) has been the leading non-profit education and certification provider for health coaches and exercise professionals in the United States and around the world. 

With more than 90,000 highly respected certified health coaches and exercise professionals, ACE Certified Professionals are on the ground daily helping people move, stay active and make lasting lifestyle behavior changes to build healthier communities.  

Headquartered in San Diego, ACE collaborates with public health partners to educate people of all backgrounds about the importance of physical activity and other healthy lifestyle behaviors; advocates for public policies to increase physical activity opportunities; and supports scientific research that investigates the efficacy of behavior-change interventions and the effectiveness of exercise practices and trends. Learn more at acefitness.org.