Meet the President of ACSM, Dr. Karin Pfeiffer
At the 2026 annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Karin Allor Pfeiffer, PhD, FACSM, FNAK, was inaugurated as the 70th president of the organization. Dr. Pfeiffer's appointment marks a new chapter in the leadership of this institution, which brings together professionals in exercise, health, and sports medicine.
Background and Connection with ACSM
In 2026, Dr. Pfeiffer celebrates thirty years as a member of ACSM, an institution she has considered her "professional home" since her graduate student days. In her words, the ACSM community feels like family, and she particularly values the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and meet new generations at the annual meeting.
This extensive relationship with ACSM provides Pfeiffer with an insider's perspective on the organization's challenges and opportunities.
Priorities and Vision for Her Term
Among her priorities, President Karin Pfeiffer emphasizes the need to provide greater support to certified professionals. According to her, ACSM has not focused sufficiently on this group in recent years, despite the fact that this certification is based on the research produced by the organization. Pfeiffer underscores the importance of listening to their opinions and implementing their suggestions.
Additionally, she aims to strengthen ties with clinical and scientific members, supporting the implementation of recommendations from the task force called Moving Together to Move Forward. She is also interested in simplifying the organization's governance structure and expanding strategic partnerships, leveraging her experience in developing community collaborations through research.
Personal Aspects Contributing to Her Leadership
Dr. Pfeiffer notes that her honesty, ability to acknowledge mistakes, willingness to listen, sense of humor, and love for learning will be key in her role as president. She has held leadership positions in various organizations, which has reinforced her enjoyment of teamwork and commitment to ACSM's mission.
Her goal is for all members to feel part of the ACSM community and to fully benefit from it.
Perspectives on the Future of ACSM
Pfeiffer acknowledges that the organization has gone through a challenging phase, with uncertainty about its direction. However, she highlights that ACSM is now in a more stable position. For her, it is essential that researchers, educators, clinicians, and exercise professionals feel that ACSM is their home. She particularly values the role of human relationships and the sense of belonging as pillars for the institution's future.
In her view, the ACSM team is ready to move forward and create new opportunities in research, clinical practice, and advocacy for physical activity.
Acknowledgments and Organizational Context
During her term, the president has also highlighted the recent appointment of ACSM CEO Katie Feltman as Association Executive of the Year by the Indiana Society of Association Executives. This recognition underscores the dedication and leadership in managing the organization.
President Karin Pfeiffer thus takes the helm at a crucial moment to consolidate and expand ACSM's influence in the fitness and active living sectors.
This profile is based on the official interview published by ACSM, which provides firsthand insight into the vision and priorities of its new president. No unsupported evaluations or claims are included from this source.
Source: ACSM - Get to Know ACSM President Dr. Karin Pfeiffer
Published: 10/08/2026. Content reviewed using experience, authority and trustworthiness criteria (E-E-A-T).
This article may have used artificial intelligence tools to support structure, editing, translation or review. Editorial responsibility and final review remain with Toni Berraquero. View AI policy
You can support the project or share this article in one click. At least this block does something useful.