Cooper Aerobics Fitness Director Honored with Fitness Award
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07/09/2009
Brad Wilkins of Cooper Fitness Center Awarded 4th Annual John McCarthy Institute Merit Scholarship
The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) announced that Brad Wilkins, Director of Fitness Management and Development for Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas, Texas, has been named the recipient of the 4th Annual John McCarthy Institute Merit Scholarship. Established in 2006 through donations from industry founders and friends, the scholarship, which is awarded annually, provides full tuition and a $500 travel stipend to IHRSA’s Institute for Professional Club Management.
“Brad has done an exceptional job of growing the personal training services at Cooper Fitness Center and establishing a team approach among the staff,” said Roger Ralph of the selection committee and Hockessin Athletic Club. “The great results of Brad’s Trainer Advisory Board is a testament to his leadership and team building talents. He is a very deserving recipient of this award.”
Wilkins has served as the Director of Fitness Management and Development for Cooper Fitness Center since November of 2005, and serves as the team leader of the Cooper Corporate Solutions commercial consulting line. Over the last 13 years, he has served in many different roles including: intern, personal trainer, equipment supervisor, assistant fitness director, and fitness director. In his current role as Director of Fitness Management and Development, he is responsible for the strategic business development and daily operations of a multi-million dollar department. Wilkins has aided greatly in the restructuring of the club’s fitness department and creating the Trainer Advisory Board in 2007. He has demonstrated his passion and commitment to the future of the health clubs industry through his emphasis on professional development, education, and leadership.
A selection committee comprised of the following industry professionals evaluated applications for the scholarship: Rick Caro of Management Vision, Inc., Jarod Cogswell of ClubSport Oregon, Nestor Fernandez of Western Athletic Clubs, Roger Ralph of Hockessin Athletic Club, and Karen Wischmann of Total Woman Gym & Day Spa.
IHRSA will host the 21st Annual IHRSA Institute for Professional Club Management, sponsored by Precor, August 2-5, 2009 at the Resort at Squaw Creek in Lake Tahoe, California, USA. This four-day intensive club management education program includes a graduate-level curriculum taught by some of the industry’s most respected leaders, adventure team building activities and a variety of social and networking opportunities that encourage learning, sharing and collaboration. Additional information can be found online at www.ihrsa.org/institute or by contacting IHRSA by phone at 800-228-4772 or by email at IHRSAMeetings@ihrsa.org.
The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) is a not-for-profit trade association representing health and fitness facilities, gyms, spas, sports clubs, and suppliers worldwide. The association’s membership includes over 9,750 clubs in 75 countries, along with over 740 industry suppliers.
About Cooper Fitness Center
Cooper Fitness Center, part of the world-renowned Cooper Aerobics health and wellness brand, helps members achieve their wellness goals and Get Cooperized™. Recognized internationally for its effective adult and youth programs, expert personal trainers and sports professionals, Cooper Fitness Center is the fitness center of choice for those who want to join a healthy-living community. Individual, family and corporate memberships are available with locations in Dallas, Texas. For more information, call 972.233.4832 (Dallas) or visit cooperfitnesscenter.com.