Graham Melstrand - VP of Operations at ACE
on the Accreditation Issue - Show #50

Graham Melstrand is responsible for the vision, success and growth of all ACE (www. acefitness.org) programming.

He leads a number of departments within the organization including, customer service, professional services, educational services and information technology. He has been with the organization since 2000 and most recently served as director of educational services where he was in charge of continuing education and certification.

Graham joined ACE as a Field Sales Manager, where he was responsible for the development and execution of the North American sales plan including key accounts, Federal Government and military, Universities, trade association partnerships and specialty retail.

Graham has a strong background in fitness. He was an athletic trainer for the Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Institute in Costa Mesa, Calif., and at University High School in Irvine, Calif.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education/athletic training from California State University, Long Beach.

He was a nationally ranked cyclist between 1981 and 1991, a participant in the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Trials, and a member of the U.S. National Team Development Program from 1983 to 1990.

Graham answered the following questions:

What is ACE’s perception of the state of the fitness industry?

Why is there so much controversy over standards for certification in the fitness industry?

What is the difference between education, certification and continuing education?

Should there be a single standard for certification in the fitness industry?

Why have IHRSA and the Medical Fitness Association chosen the NCCA as the standard for accreditation in the fitness industry?

How does the NCCA ensure that the content of certification exams in the fitness industry is adequate?

Should a practical assessment be included in a certification exam?

Is licensure coming to the fitness industry?

Would licensure enhance referrals from the medical profession?

Would licensure provide an avenue for insurance reimbursement for personal training services?

How does ACE see the fitness industry evolving in the future?

To listen now click here: Fitness Business Radio (43:18 minutes 9.91 MB)