Stephen Tharrett, M.S. has been involved with the fitness industry for more than three decades. During his extensive career, Stephen has held a variety of positions in the field, including working a YMCA, corporate fitness (Chemical Bank), and the commercial fitness sector. Stephen spent 20 years with ClubCorp, a Dallas, Texas-based company that owns and operates a number of private country clubs, business clubs, and sports clubs. In 2004, Stephen started his own company, Club Industry Consulting, which provides club owners and operators with a variety of high-level consulting services. From the summer of 2008 till the fall of 2010, he served as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing… Director of the Russian Fitness Group, owners and operators of 48 clubs in Russia and a top 25 global fitness company by revenues. From 1994 to 1997, Stephen served on the IHRSA Board and was elected as IHRSA’s President in 1996. He has also been a co-editor of the 2nd, 3rd and soon to be released 4th edition of the landmark text, ACSM’s Health/Fitness Facility Standards and Guidelines. In addition, Stephen has authored three other books, including Fitness Management, one of only two textbooks on the market on managing a health/fitness club.