Learn about the Council, which began in 1956, when President Eisenhower established the President's Council on Youth Fitness. After more than 6 decades, we are now the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, and we strive to engage, educate, and empower all Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Administration
- John F. Kennedy Administration
- Lyndon B. Johnson Administration
- Richard M. Nixon Administration
- Gerald R. Ford Administration
- James E. Carter Administration
- Ronald W. Reagan Administration
- George H. Bush Administration
- William J. Clinton Administration
- George W. Bush Administration
- Barack H. Obama Administration
- Donald J. Trump Administration
- Joseph R. Biden Administration
Administration: Dwight D. Eisenhower
Date: 1953 - 1961
Chair: Vice President Richard M. Nixon
Executive Director: Shane MacCarthy, 1956 - 1961
In December 1953, the Journal of the American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation publishes an article, "Muscular Fitness and Health," coauthored by Dr. Hans Kraus and Bonnie Prudden that sounded an alarm about the poor state of youth fitness in America. Within two years, another article by Dr. Kraus and Bonnie Prudden (under the name Ruth P. Hirschland) in the New York State Journal of Medicine reports the results of a study that administered the Kraus-Weber Tests to approximately 4,400 students between ages 6 and 16 in public school systems across the United States and to approximately 3,000 European students in the same age range in Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. A report by Dr. Kraus and Dr. Sonja Weber created concern about the physical fitness of America's children relative to their European counterparts.
Following the President's Conference on Fitness of American Youth (held at U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD) in June 1956, President Eisenhower creates the President's Council on Youth Fitness with cabinet-level status, specifying "one" objective for the first Council to be a "catalytic agent" concentrating on creating public awareness. A President's Citizens - Advisory Committee on Fitness of American Youth, the equivalent to today's Council, is confirmed to give advice to Council.
On September 9 and 10, 1957 at the Conference on Physical Fitness of Youth (again held at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY), a plan of action is developed for the Council. The first nationwide pilot study of 8,500 boys and girls, ages 5-12 results in the start of a national testing program (known today as the Presidential Youth Fitness Program).
Administration: John F. Kennedy
Date: 1961 - 1963
Chair: Charles (Bud) Wilkinson, Consultant to the President on Physical Fitness, 1961 - 1963
Council Administrator: Richard Snider
President Kennedy changes the name to the President's Council on Physical Fitness to address all age groups and amended the Executive Order by one objective - enlisting the aid of citizens, civic groups, etc.
With the aid of the Advertising Council, a nationwide public service advertising campaign was launched with President Kennedy promoting taking the 50 mile hikes previously required of U.S. Marine officers. His brother, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, completed the challenge in the snow and slush wearing dress shoes.
State demonstration centers were designed in 1961 to showcase model elementary and secondary schools.
In that same year, President Kennedy speaks at the Conference on Physical Fitness of Youth. Regional clinics and educational films are initiated.
Administration: Lyndon B. Johnson
Date: 1963 - 1969
Chair: Stan Musial, Consultant to the President on Physical Fitness, 1964 – 1967
Chair: Hubert H. Humphrey, Consultant to the President, 1967
Chair: James A. Lovell, 1967 – 1969
Council Administrator: Robert Stewart, 1964 – 1967
Council Administrator: John P. Wilbern, 1967 – 1970
During his Presidency, President Johnson changes the name to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to encourage lasting fitness gains through sports and games and added five objectives to the Executive Order. The Council was placed administratively under Department of Health, Education, & Welfare.
The second national fitness survey of 10- to 17- year-olds takes place in 1965. The following year, based on the survey results, the President establishes the Presidential Physical Fitness Award for exceptional achievement by 10- to 17-year-old boys and girls.
The Council supervised the National Youth Sports Program for disadvantaged youth.
Administration: Richard M. Nixon
Date: 1969 - 1974
Executive Director: C. Carson Conrad, 1970 - 1974
Chairman: James A. Lovell, 1969 - 1974
Under the Nixon administration, the Council expanded the Presidential Physical Fitness Awards to include recreation departments and groups, such as boys and girls clubs. In 1970, Special Advisors were developed to stimulate the development of physical fitness programs for employees, enhanced public relation activities, and instigated the possibility of private support for Council projects.
Three conferences were held on fitness in business and industry in 1972, 1973, and 1974.
The Presidential Sports Award was established in 1972 to motivate Americans to participate regularly in fitness/sports activity.
Administration: Gerald R. Ford
Date: 1974 - 1977
Executive Director: C.Carson Conrad, 1974 - 1977
Chairman: James A. Lovell, 1974 - 1977
The Executive Order was amended with two additional objectives in 1976 to charge the Council with informing the general public of the importance of exercise, and assisting business and industry in establishing sound physical fitness programs.
In 1975, the third national youth fitness survey takes place and results did not show as much improvement as those of 1965.
A year later in 1976, the Presidential Sports Award was available in 43 categories.
Administration: James E. Carter
Date: 1977 - 1981
Executive Director: C. Carson Conrad, 1977 - 1981
Chairman: Governor Jerry Apodaca, 1978 - 1980
Chairman: Al McGuire, 1980 - 1981
During President Carter's tenure, Council membership expanded to 15 members. In 1979, physical fitness and exercise become one of 15 priority areas in a national health promotion/disease prevention initiative with the Council as the lead agency.
In addition to Congress passing Amateur Sports Act of 1978 reorganizing the United States Olympic Committee, President Carter speaks at 1st National Conference on Physical Fitness.
Administration: Ronald W. Reagan
Date: 1981 - 1989
Executive Director: C. Carson Conrad, 1981 - 1984
Executive Director: Ash E. Hayes, 1985 - 1989
Chairman: George Allen, 1981 - 1988
Chairman: Richard Kazmaier, 1988 - 1989
During Reagan's Administration, the Executive Order is amended to 10 objectives (See pages 37-41 of President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports, The First 50 Years: 1956-2006 - [PDF - 20.6 MB]). Some of Chairman George Allen's goals between 1981 and 1984 include: the National Fitness Foundation; U.S. Fitness Academy; National Fitness Classic; Adult Fitness Card; National Fitness Testing Week; and Youth Fitness Forums.
The 1985 National School Population Fitness Survey spurs the development of the National Physical Fitness Award.
The Council joins National Recreation and Parks Association in the National Fitness Coalition to stimulate recreation and parks officials to initiate fitness programs.
The Healthy American Fitness Leaders Award begins and a physical fitness postage stamp is issued.
In 1983, the White House Symposium on Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine and May is proclaimed National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. In 1984, National Conference on Youth Fitness and six regional public hearings on physical fitness and physical education take place. The first National Women's Leadership Conference on Fitness takes place with First Lady Nancy Reagan as Honorary Chair.
In 1987, the Amateur Athletic Union is awarded the contract to administer today's President's Challenge.
In the public health arena, the Council reports on the 1990 Objectives in the exercise and fitness priority area.
Administration: George H. Bush
Date: 1989 - 1993
Executive Director: Wilmer "Vinegar Bend" Mizell, 1989 - 1991
Executive Director: John Butterfield, 1991 - 1993
Chairman: Arnold Schwarzenegger, 1990 - 1992
Between 1989 and 1993, the Council is expanded to 20 members. Chairman Arnold Schwarzenegger visits all 50 states to advocate for daily, quality physical education. This is a prolific era for public/private collaboration on physical fitness programs and initiatives, such as the Great American Workouts held on White House lawn.
In 1989, the Council is named lead agency on physical activity and fitness priority area of Healthy People 2000 with CDC as the science advisor.
In 1990, the National Conference on Military Fitness takes place to review important physical fitness issues facing the service members.
In 1991, the Participant Physical Fitness Award is added. The Presidential Sports Award recognizes the first family that earns the Family Fitness Award.
Administration: William J. Clinton
Date: 1993 - 2001
Executive Director: Sandra Perlmutter, 1993 - 2001
Co-Chair: Florence Griffith Joyner, 1993 - 1998
Co-Chair: Tom McMillen, 1993 - 1997
Chair: Lee Haney,1999 - 2002
Vice Chair: Don Casey, 2000 - 2002
In 1993, the Council conducted a Strategic Planning Forum to discuss the adult fitness survey, and develop recommendations on how to improve Americans' physical activity and fitness status. Plans are also put in place to develop and launch the Council website.
In 1994, the Council releases the Silver Eagle Award to promote fitness among seniors.
HHS Secretary Shalala releases Nolan Ryan Fitness Guide, which is made available free of charge to every American who asks for one – more than 850,000 guides are distributed. In 1996, The landmark Physical Activity and Health: A Report by the Surgeon General is released.
A year later, Fit Start is added to the Presidential Sports and Health Fitness Awards and materials made available in Spanish.
In cooperation with the National Archive and Records Administration, the Council sponsors Flexing the Nation's Muscle: President's, Physical Fitness and Sports in the American Century, a traveling exhibit featuring twentieth century presidents and their participation in activity and fitness. Sponsored by Sporting Good Manufacturers Association (SGMA) and International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), the Council partnered with the Advertising Council to develop a 3-year ad campaign focusing on youth fitness, "Get Off It!" and "Get Up, Get Out."
The Council and CDC are named co-leads for the physical activity and fitness goals of Healthy People 2010 and physical activity is named one of 10 Leading Health Indicators. President Clinton issues Executive Memorandum directing Secretaries of HHS and Education to identify strategies to improve our nation's youth fitness. In November 2000, a report is presented to the White House, Promoting Better Health for Young People through Physical Activity and Sports.
Administration: George W. Bush
Date: 2001 - 2009
Executive Director: Lisa E. Oliphant, 2001 - 2002
Executive Director (Acting): CDR Penny Royall, Dec 2002 - Oct 2003
Executive Director: Melissa Johnson, MS, Oct 2003 - Jan 2009
Chair: Lynn C. Swann, 2002 - 2005
Vice Chair: Dorothy G. Richardson, M.D., 2002 - 2009
Chair: John P. Burke, 2005 - 2009
The Council launches its gateway website at www.fitness.gov.
For the 2001-02 school year, the President's Challenge expands to three areas and the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award is made available for children and youth.
On June 6, 2002, President Bush signs Executive Order 13265 that emphasizes the Council's role in advising and assisting the President and the HHS Secretary in expanding national interest in the health benefits of regular physical activity and sports.
On June 20, 2002, President Bush holds Fitness Expo on the South Lawn of the White House and introduces his new Council members, including (See List of Council Leadership (including Council members) by Administration - [PDF - 182 KB]).
On January 15, 2003, Chairman Lynn Swann speaks at the National Press Club about the Council's programs to help Americans "Be Physically Active Every Day," introduces the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award to the media, and announces the future President's Challenge interactive website under development.
On July 18, 2003, President Bush and Chairman Lynn Swann launch a new website for the President's Challenge at the Lakewest Family YMCA in Dallas, Texas. Within the next year, 300,000 individuals register on the new website.
In October 2003, Melissa Johnson is appointed Executive Director, and just months later in December, the Council's Science Board formed and first meeting held.
On June 16, 2004, HealthierUS Fitness Festival is held on the National Mall with the Congressional Fitness Caucus. A year later, on May 2, 2005, the second HealthierUS Fitness Festival is held on the National Mall to observe National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. The third HealthierUS Fitness Challenge is held at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC to celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month on May 6, 2006. In fall 2007, the second HealthierFeds Physical Activity Challenge is held. The expanded program included all three branches of government and independent agencies. Approximately 40,000 Federal workers, contractors, and their family members register.
The Council launches its collaboration with the American College of Sports Medicine.
In fall 2004, the President's Council launches the Healthier Feds Physical Activity Challenge for federal employees (30,000 Federal employees from 30 agencies participate).
In May 2005, President Bush issues Proclamation for National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.
On July 30, 2005, Lynn Swann retires as Council Chairman.
In January 2006, the Council launches its 50th Anniversary year by celebrating the accomplishments of its partners and friends and establishing a partnership initiative, "50th Anniversary Partners to Get America Moving!"
On May 3, 2007, the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award winners announced. The six recipients, Ken Cooper, M.D., Jack LaLanne, Judi Sheppard Missett, Bonnie Prudden, Bud Seretean, and Joe Weider, were honored at a joint awards luncheon with the United States Olympic Committee. The Council also announced its first Community Leadership Award winners, presented to 37 individuals nationwide.
On March 20, the Council launches the first National President's Challenge with a kick-off event at the National Press Club in Washington, DC featuring Council member Eli Manning and Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H. President George W. Bush announced the six-week physical activity challenge in the East Garden of the White House. Alaska was later recognized as the winner of the National President's Challenge.
On May 14, 2008, the Council launched the new national Adult Fitness Test at an event at a local gym in Washington, DC with the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, Acting Surgeon General Dr. Steven Galson, and The Biggest Loser contestant, Bernardo "Bernie" Salazar.
On October 7, 2008, HHS releases the first Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The launch was followed by a partnership forum run by the Council and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, which served as the leading offices in the development of the Guidelines.
Administration: Barack H. Obama
Date: 2009 - 2017
Executive Director (Acting): RADM Penelope Slade – Sawyer, P.T., M.S.W., Jan 2009 – Aug 2009
Executive Director: Sergio Rojas, Aug 2009 – Oct 2009
Executive Director (Acting): RADM Penelope Slade – Sawyer, P.T., M.S.W., Oct 2009 – Feb 2010
Executive Director: Shellie Pfohl, M.S., Feb 2010 – October 2016
Executive Director (Acting): Don Wright, MD, MPH, Nov 2016 – March 2018
Co-chair: Drew Brees, September 2010 - January 2017
Co-chair: Dominique Dawes, September 2010 - January 2017
In January 2009, Penelope ("Penny") Slade - Sawyer is reappointed acting Executive Director, having previously held the position from December 2002 - October 2003.
In August 2009, Sergio Rojas is appointed Executive Director. Due to personal and professional reasons Rojas resigned shortly thereafter in October 2009. Slade - Sawyer steps back into the role as Acting Executive Director.
In February 2010, Shellie Pfohl is appointed as Executive Director.
On June 23, 2010, the White House announces a new Presidential Executive Order changing the Council's name to the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, expands the mission of the Council to include nutrition, and increases the number of Council members from 20 to 25. President Barack Obama names Drew Brees and Dominique Dawes as Council Co-Chairs, and appoints 14 additional members to the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition.
On September 14, 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announce the Million PALA Challenge —to get one million Americans to complete the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA). Between September 2010 and September 2011, 1.7 million Americans earned their PALA.
On September 14, 2010, the President's Council holds its annual meeting at George Washington University in Washington, DC.
On May 9, 2011, with First Lady Michelle Obama, the Council announces the Joining Forces Fitness Initiative to provide free fitness benefits to National Guard and Reserve members and their families.
On May 10, 2011, the Council announces at its annual meeting the launch of the congressionally chartered National Foundation on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, and recognizes the appointment of its inaugural board of directors at a ceremony in the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, DC.
On September 24, 2011, at Worldwide Day of Play on the National Mall in Washington, DC, the same day the President's Council announces the success of the Million PALA Challenge, the Council launches the new Presidential Active Lifestyle Award called PALA+ to include physical activity AND nutrition.
On October 17, 2011, President Barack Obama appoints Dr. Jayne Greenberg to serve as a member of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition.
On April 30, 2012, Secretary Sebelius announces innovative partnership between the President's Council and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) to promote healthy lifestyles through active video games. The Active Play PALA+ Challenge was launched during an Active Gaming Showcase at a local school in Washington, DC with 40 elementary and middle school students.
On May 1, 2012, the President's Council holds its annual meeting at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC.
On September 10, 2012, the President's Council launches the Presidential Youth Fitness Program (PYFP), a comprehensive school-based program that employs the latest science and promotes health and physical activity for America's youth, phasing out and replacing the Youth Fitness Test that dates back to 1966.
In September 2012, the President's Council launches the Physical Activity Outreach Initiative (television, print, and radio public service announcements) featuring Council Co-chairs Dominique Dawes and Drew Brees.
In February 2013, the President's Council and First Lady Michelle Obama launch Let's Move! Active Schools, a solution to ensure that 60 minutes of physical activity every day is the norm in schools across America.
In March 2013, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report: Strategies to Increase Physical Activity Among Youth is released by the Department of Health and Human Services as a five-year follow-up to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
On May 7, 2013, the President's Council holds its annual meeting at the Hubert H. Humphrey Building in Washington, DC.
In May 2013, the President's Council launches the revitalized I Can Do It, You Can Do It! program to improve equal access and opportunities for people with disabilities to be healthy and active.
In May 2013, the President's Council develops public service announcements about the School Breakfast Program in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture .
In August 2013, President Barack Obama appoints Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Retired) and Anthony Robles to serve as members of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition.
In February 2014, Council member Billie Jean King represents the President's Council as part of the United States delegation to the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.
In March 2014, the President's Council's long-standing Research Digest publication is revitalized and launched as Elevate Health - a more consumer-friendly publication.
In April 2014, President Barack Obama appoints five new members to serve on the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition - Jason Collins, Misty Copeland, Alonzo Mourning, Rachael Ray, and Rob Shepardson.
In May 2014, President Barack Obama appoints Caitlin Cahow to serve as a member of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition.
In September 2014, the President's Council convenes superintendents from across the country at the White House to discuss the importance of school-based physical activity programming.
In September 2014, the President's Council hosts a national media call about Let's Move! Active Schools.
On September 16, 2014, the President's Council holds its annual meeting at the Hubert H. Humphrey Building in Washington, DC.
In October 2014, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, the President's Council hosts the first ever White House Summit and Research Forum on Improved Health and Fitness for Americans with Disabilities.
In October 2014, the President's Council and key disability partners launch Commit to Inclusion, a call to action campaign to end the exclusion of people with disability from physical activity opportunities.
In January 2015, the President's Council partners with The Aspen Institute to launch Sports for All, Play for Life: A Playbook to Get Every Kid in the Game, a report that offers eight strategies to make sports participation a meaningful, accessible and safe option for all youth.
On May 5, 2015, the President's Council holds its annual meeting at the Hubert H. Humphrey Building in Washington, DC.
In June 2015, Council members Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey and Alonzo Mourning join First Lady Michelle Obama in Italy as part of a Presidential Delegation to the Italian Republic to attend the Milan Expo.
In July 2015, the President's Council participates in the 2015 White House Conference on Aging .
In December 2015, the Commit to Inclusion call to action campaign expands to an international scope.
In February 2016, the White House Council on Women and Girls hosts a roundtable with the President's Council and constituent groups to discuss girls and women in sports.
On May 16, 2016, the President's Council announces the #0to60 Campaign to commemorate its 60th anniversary at its annual meeting held at the Hubert H. Humphrey Building in Washington, DC.
On July 16, 2016, the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition celebrates its 60th anniversary.
In August 2016, the President's Council, in partnership with the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, officially launches the #0to60 Campaign with the #0to60 Website and #0to60 App, along with the release of the "History of Exercise" video featuring First Lady Michelle Obama and comedic actor Nick Offerman.
In September 2016, multi-platinum recording artist Jordin Sparks, along with Doug E. Fresh and Brady Rymer, release the #0to60 anthem song in celebration of the Council's 60th anniversary.
On November 1, 2016, Don Wright, MD, MPH is appointed as acting Executive Director of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition.
In January 2017, the Council's Presidential Champions program is incorporated into the U.S. Department of Agriculture's SuperTracker food and nutrition tracking tool.
Administration: Donald J. Trump
Date: 2017 - 2021
Executive Director (Acting): Don Wright, MD, MPH, Nov 2016 – March 2018
Executive Director: Holli M. Richmond, March 2018 – July 2019
Executive Director (Acting): Kristina Harder, MPP, July 2019 – January 2021
Co-chair: Misty May-Treanor, May 2018 – December 2020
Co-chair: Mariano Rivera, May 2018 – December 2020
Co-chair: Herschel Walker, May 2018 – March 2022
On February 27, 2018, the White House announces an amended Presidential Executive Order changing the Council's name to the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and increases the number of Council members from 25 to 30.
On March 12, 2018, Holli M. Richmond is appointed Executive Director of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
On May 4, 2018, President Trump announces his intent to nominate Misty May-Treanor, Mariano Rivera, and Herschel Walker as Council Co-Chairs, along with 23 additional members to the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
On May 29, 2018, HHS holds an administrative briefing and swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C. at HHS headquarters in the Hubert H. Humphrey Building for the individuals nominated by President Trump to serve on the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
On May 30, 2018, PCSFN Executive Director Holli Richmond and nominated PCSFN Co-Chairs and Council members visit the White House to attend a White House Sports & Fitness Day. The event welcomes 300 guests, including over 200 children, to take part in a youth sports focused field day held on the South Lawn. President Trump gives remarks on the beneficial role of sports in the lives of youth, and the National Youth Sports Strategy that was requested as part of Executive Order 13824.
On June 30, 2018, the Presidential Champions program is discontinued. Presidential Champions was an online-only program that was integrated into USDA’s SuperTracker in January 2017. Therefore, with the discontinuation of SuperTracker, the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition discontinued the Presidential Champions program.
On September 21, 2018, PCSFN Executive Director Holli Richmond, along with PCSFN Co-Chairs and Council members, hold their first annual meeting in Washington, D.C. at HHS headquarters in the Hubert H. Humphrey Building. Members of PCSFN convene to report on ongoing Council activities and initiatives, as well as the charge established by President Trump in Executive Order 13824 to develop a National Youth Sports Strategy.
On June 10, 2019, the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition is merged with the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP). The merging of PCSFN and ODPHP, which was announced on April 10, 2019, is part of a new overall structure for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH).
On June 21, 2019, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) announces its intent to reinstate the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition Science Board.
On July 11, 2019, Kristina Harder, MPP, is appointed Acting Executive Director of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
On September 19, 2019, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the National Youth Sports Strategy, the first federal roadmap that outlines steps that the Nation can take to ensure that all youth have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports. The Strategy was announced at Fort Dupont Ice Arena with Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump, HHS Secretary Alex Azar, and members of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
On March 3, 2020, Kristina Harder was appointed permanent Executive Director of the President’s Council.
On September 17, 2020, ODPHP and the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition announced the National Youth Sports Strategy (NYSS) Champions program to recognize organizations that support the NYSS vision: That one day, all youth will have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports.
Administration: Joseph R. Biden
Date: 2021 - Present
Executive Director: Rayhaan Merani, October 2023 - Present
Executive Director (Acting): Rachel Fisher, MS, MPH, RD, February 2021 - October 2023
Co-chair: Elena Delle Donne, March 2022 – Present
Co-chair: José Andrés, March 2022 – Present
On February 11, 2021, Rachel Fisher, MS, MPH, RD is named Acting Executive Director of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
On September 30, 2021, President Biden issues Executive Order 14048, renewing the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition until September 30, 2023. This Executive Order allows for continued promotion of the National Youth Sports Strategy, and provides for the work of the Council to include a focus on expanding national awareness of the importance of mental health as it pertains to physical fitness and nutrition.
On March 23, 2022, President Biden announces his intent to appoint Elena Delle Donne and José Andrés to serve as co-chairs of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
On March 24, 2023, President Biden announced his intent to appoint 27 individuals to serve as members of the Council.
On June 27, 2023, the President’s Council holds its annual meeting at the Hubert H. Humphrey Building in Washington, DC.
On October 8, 2023, Rayhaan Merani is appointed as Executive Director of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
