IHRSA has appointed Elizabeth Clark as its new president and CEO.

Clark joins the industry body from the National Confectioners Association (NCA) – the trade association for the US sweets industry – and becomes IHRSA's first female CEO in its 40-year history.

She will officially begin in her new role on 16 August, concluding a five-month national search process completed by a six-member "search committee".

Clark is an experienced executive and has led advocacy efforts at NCA – which promotes chocolate, candy, gum and the companies that make them – since 2011, serving as the industry’s voice on Capitol Hill and in state capitals across the country.

During the pandemic, Clark successfully lobbied the administration to have confection manufacturing deemed "essential".

“This is an exceptional opportunity to bring my experience to bear for an industry I have been personally committed to for my entire life, and I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work," Clark said.

Clark succeeds IHRSA Interim President and CEO Brent Darden, who stepped in last August at the board’s request to "lead the association back to stability" amid the pandemic and until a permanent CEO was selected.

Carrie Kepple, chair, IHRSA Board of Directors, said: “IHRSA’s mission, to grow, protect, and promote the health and fitness industry, has never been more important.

“For the past year, the board of directors and IHRSA team have been focused on reopening, rebuilding, and reimagining our industry and our association.

"Liz’s long, successful career in association management, her expertise in advocacy, and her commitment to member service – not to mention her energy and passion – will serve IHRSA and all our members very well.”