The American Council on Exercise (ACE) and its Board of Directors are pleased to announce that longtime health and fitness executive Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., FACSM, has been named the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective July 1. Bryant succeeds Scott Goudeseune who led ACE as its CEO for more than 15 years during which time ACE grew significantly, expanding its influence and impact in the global health and fitness community.
"I am deeply honored to lead ACE and build on the strong foundation laid by Scott,” Bryant said. “I look forward to advancing our mission and making a meaningful impact on public health globally.”
The transition comes at a time when the health and fitness industry continues to evolve from pre-pandemic ideals, embracing new technologies and efforts to increase health equity and accessibility so individuals can lead more active lives worldwide.
With past and current experience serving on advisory committees for national and international organizations, including the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Academies for Science, Engineering and Medicine, Bryant is committed to collaborative strategies to improve public health through increased movement. He continues to emphasize health equity – evidenced by his strong advocacy for the ACE Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiative – and prioritizes the importance of strong, science-backed education resources to encourage all communities to get moving more.
Bryant joined ACE in 2001 and is the current President and Chief Science Officer. He brings more than 35 years in the health and fitness industry, including extensive work in exercise science and behavior coaching. Bryant has authored more than 300 articles, co-authored or edited more than 40 books, and has been cited in multiple publications, including the New York Times and the U.S. News and World Report. He earned both his doctorate in physiology and master’s degree in exercise science from Pennsylvania State University, where he received Pennsylvania State University’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest recognition presented to its alumni.
"We are thrilled to welcome Cedric as our new CEO,” said John Lally, incoming Chair of the ACE Board of Directors. “His vision for the future of health and fitness aligns seamlessly with the values and mission of ACE. We are equally grateful that Scott will continue to lend his support and expertise to the organization through his role as strategic advisor to the CEO.”