Scott Goudeseune, president and CEO of American Council on Exercise (ACE), has been named president of the Board of Directors of the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA). The policy consortium promotes all sectors of American society working together to improve the public's health, and prevent and manage chronic diseases through increased levels of physical activity.

"Given ACE's dedication to promoting the benefits of physical activity and commitment to strong collaboration among leaders in the fitness industry, government, corporations and allied health and education providers, Scott is a natural fit to lead the Board," said Laurie Whitsel, director of policy research at American Heart Association and NCPPA's immediate past-president. "Scott's new role with NCPPA heralds an important alignment between the fitness industry and the coalition to help prepare communities to engage in the fight against the obesity epidemic."

Goudeseune joined ACE in 2000, and held various leadership positions before being named president and CEO in 2006. The nonprofit organization is the world's largest provider of fitness certifications, and health and wellness information to the public. Since its formation in 1985, ACE has played a critical role in the proper training of fitness professionals and the protection of society against ineffective fitness products and practices.

"I am professionally and personally committed to improving people's lives through physical activity, and I look forward to broadening NCPPA's influence among key health and policy decision-makers," said Goudeseune, whose term began Jan.31 and will continue through 2013. "ACE is prepared to lend its direct support to NCPPA in uniting the strengths of public, private and industry efforts into partnerships that give people the resources to live their most fit lives. With our resources combined, ACE and NCPPA can inspire and empower Americans to lead more physically active lifestyles and motivate people to work together to eliminate the nation’s obesity epidemic."

About ACE
Since 1985, American Council on Exercise (ACE) has evolved from a small nonprofit dedicated to educating people about proper fitness to a 50,000-strong network of certified Personal Trainers, Group Fitness Instructors, Health Coaches, and Advanced Health and Fitness Specialists. As the largest NCCA-accredited nonprofit fitness certification organization in the world, ACE provides quality continuing education to professionals and conducts independent science-based research to protect all Americans from unsafe and ineffective products. Our goal is to inspire people to live their most fit lives through free fitness resources including workouts, nutrition information and expert advice. For more information, call (800) 825-3636 or visit ACEfitness.org. AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EXERCISE, ACE and ACE logos are Registered Trademarks of American Council on Exercise.

About the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity
Founded in 1996, NCPPA is the leading force in the country for promoting physical activity and fitness initiatives. The coalition represents a diverse blend of associations, health organizations, and private corporations, advocating for policies that encourage Americans of all ages to become more physically active.