The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) has elected three new members to its board and appointed existing member Robert Brewster as chair, having been elected to the board in 2011.

Brewster – who is president of the The Alaska Club, a network of 18 facilities based in Anchorage, Alaska – will chair the IHRSA board of directors for the 2014/15 term.

“My primary priority is to engage as many clubs, worldwide, in IHRSA as possible, by communicating the value of membership and the importance of a strong association,” he said.

The IHRSA board also welcomes the three newly-elected members who will serve four-year terms from 1 July, 2014 to June 30, 2018. These are Brazilian swimming gym operator and Olympic medallist Gustavo Borges; senior VP of Fitness & Retail for New Evolution Ventures fitness brands, including Crunch and UFC Gym, Derek Gallup; and the founder of Portland, Oregon’s Stafford Hills Club, Jim Zupancic.

The IHRSA board is eager to attract further new recruits, due to a number of board members stepping down, having finished their terms. Each year two to four new fitness industry leaders are elected to the board to replace outgoing members. The deadline to apply for the 2015-2019 term is July 31, 2014.

"I would encourage all IHRSA club operators to consider applying for the IHRSA board of directors,” said Brent Darden, ex-officio and past chairperson.

“Serving our industry at the highest level is a rewarding opportunity for those that are passionate about helping guide the future of our association and ultimately having a positive impact on the health and fitness of others."