Washington, DC—May 19, 2025—Health & Fitness Association (HFA) President and CEO Liz Clark has once again been named to Washingtonian magazine’s prestigious list of “Washington, DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2025.” This marks the third time Clark has earned this distinction, underscoring her unwavering commitment to advancing health and fitness policy nationwide.
Members on this list are selected through a rigorous process and must meet three key criteria: possess deep subject-matter expertise with an understanding of how to effectively drive action in Washington; grasp nuances and complexities of specific policy areas; and display expertise in fields believed to be particularly significant to the current slate of elected officials.
Since joining HFA, Clark has led a transformation of the association’s advocacy efforts, significantly expanding its reach and effectiveness.
She brought seasoned professionals to the advocacy team, establishing positions to lead federal advocacy and to direct state-level efforts. She also secured high-impact partnerships with Fierce Government Affairs and Public Strategies Washington to deepen HFA’s engagement on Capitol Hill and help shape federal policy.
These strategic moves yielded tangible policy wins. In March, thanks in part to HFA’s expanded advocacy efforts, the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act was reintroduced in Congress with bipartisan support. Following HFA’s fourth annual Fly-In and Advocacy Summit in the first week of May, key components of the PHIT Act were included in the House Ways & Means reconciliation package—the only consumer health expense provision in the bill.
Additionally, under Clark’s leadership, HFA was able to secure modifications and an implementation delay in the FTC’s Click to Cancel rule and raise the profile of fitness in congressional confirmation hearings. The association also contributed language to emerging GLP-1 anti-obesity drug legislation and issued a policy statement supporting their safe and effective use, emphasizing the critical role of physical activity in long-term health.
Clark has also led HFA in collaborating with global bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), and others to position the fitness industry as a vital solution to the global health crisis.
“Liz’s leadership has been transformative for our organization and the industry at large,” said HFA Board Chairman Chris Smith. “Her recognition by Washingtonian is a testament to her tireless work and the positive impact she has made on health and fitness policy.”
Clark’s leadership has not only elevated the association’s profile but also helped position the health and fitness industry as a vital stakeholder in public health policy conversations.
