HFA chief of staff recognized for exceptional leadership and advancing the fitness industry’s advocacy and policy impact

Washington, DC–February 27, 2026–The Health & Fitness Association’s (HFA) Chief of Staff Mike Goscinski has been named a 2026 Leading Association Lobbyist as part of the Salute to Association Excellence, presented by Association TRENDS and CEO Update. He is one of five Leading Association Lobbyists who will be recognized at an awards presentation on March 5 in Washington, DC. 

For more than 40 years, the Salute to Association Excellence has recognized association professionals who go above and beyond for their members and missions. Honorees are selected by an independent committee for exceptional leadership and meaningful contributions that advance the association community nationwide.

In Goscinski’s role as chief of staff, he oversees the association’s Advocacy, Research, and Communications departments and drives HFA’s efforts to protect, promote, and grow the fitness industry through strategic policy engagement, evidence-based research, and impactful storytelling.

Goscinski is the health and fitness industry’s first registered federal lobbyist and has helped build a first-of-its-kind advocacy program for the industry, focused on direct lobbying, grassroots activation, and sustained political engagement at both the federal and state levels. His leadership has strengthened the industry’s voice in Washington and elevated fitness as a critical component of preventive health policy.

In addition to his work at HFA, Goscinski serves on the board of directors of the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA), a national coalition dedicated to advancing policies that make physical activity a cornerstone of health and well-being. He also chairs PAA’s Policy Committee, where he leads efforts to integrate physical activity into healthcare delivery and preventive health frameworks.

“Mike’s leadership has fundamentally changed how the fitness industry shows up in policy conversations,” said Liz Clark, HFA president and CEO. “He brings strategic clarity, deep credibility, and relentless commitment to our mission. This recognition reflects the outsized impact he has had not only on HFA, but on the broader association and public health communities.”

Prior to joining HFA in December 2022, Goscinski worked in government affairs at the National Automatic Merchandising Association, representing the convenience services industry. He has more than a decade of experience advocating in Washington, DC, on issues spanning food, beverage, and fitness.

About the Health & Fitness Association

The Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA), a global community of industry leaders, is the only worldwide trade association providing a unified voice for the community of leaders who operate health and fitness facilities, offer professional guidance on physical activity, and provide the tools and equipment to do so to the millions of fitness facility members who understand that exercise improves their physical and mental health.

Through advocacy, education, and research, the association speaks to opportunities, challenges, and changes that are moving the industry into a new era.

Founded in 1981, the association publishes a monthly magazine, Health & Fitness Business, and operates The HFA Show, the HFA European Congress, and the Fly-In and Advocacy Summit. The association also partners on events around the world, including Fitness Brasil, ChinaFit, MEFIT Summit and Wellness & Fitness LATAM. Follow the Health & Fitness Association on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.