Pete Bazzel Partner and Chief of Operations Pete served 24 years in the military as an Army officer and 11years in the Fitness industry managing for Town Sports International prior to becoming a partner and Chief of Operations for the American Academy of Health and Fitness. His educational background includes an undergraduate degree from the United States Military Academy, a Master in Industrial Relations from Purdue University and graduation from the National War College (an intensive 10-month executive development program equivalent to a Master of Arts in International Affairs). His professional career also includes certifications as an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a World Tae Kwon Do Federation Black Belt. Outside personal interests include exercise, reading and automobiles. And, most of importance to him is his three daughters, two granddaughters and three grandsons.

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While a military officer, he led organizations ranging in size from 150 to 1,300 soldiers, excelling in optimizing unit effectiveness – setting standards for individual skills proficiency and physical fitness, as well as mission performance in peacetime and war. He directed the development and conduct of the senior level Organizational Behavior/Leadership core course presented to all students attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was a contributing editor to Leadership in Organizations - - the Leadership course textbook. While serving in the Pentagon as Chief of the Foreign Nations Branch, Counter – Narcotics Division, Joint Staff, he coordinated the planning and execution of U.S. military counter – drug operations conducted worldwide. He also performed as the military briefer to foreign dignitaries at the presidential and cabinet levels. Additionally, he was a contributing author to the “National Military Counter – Drug Strategy” - - the document that guided the doubling of the military’s commitment to reducing the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. His final assignment in the military was as the Department of Defense Liaison to the Executive Office of the President. There he skillfully articulated Office of the Secretary of Defense political and operational positions in internationally sensitive counter – drug – related planning involving the National Security Counsel, Department of Defense, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs Service, Joint Staff and Military Departments. He promoted a cooperative, interactive approach to interagency coordination and teamwork in a sometimes parochial, contentious and turf – oriented environment.

Upon retiring from the military, Pete pursed his keen interest in fitness joining the private sector and leading the regional growth of Town Sports International from five to 17 health clubs with over 29,000 members generating $27.5 million in annual revenue. In a dynamic 11-year career, he directed the establishment of the brand reputation of Washington Sports Clubs as the premier health club organization in the Washington D.C. area. Recognized as well maintained, extremely clean and friendly, this network of clubs was voted “Best Health Clubs” three consecutive years by Washingtonian Magazine readers.

Now, as Partner and Chief of Operations for the American Academy of Health and Fitness, he plays an instrumental role in ensuring the success of this newly established, cutting edge organization. Missions include: (1) Through correspondence course, workshops and website, provide advanced training and education for Certified Personal Trainers who are serious about ensuring safe and effective programs for the older adult. (2) Link the fitness and medical communities’ proactive health efforts via a lifestyle change program for physicians’ patients. And, (3) Provide easily accessible, relevant on-line training for Certified Nurse Aides that focuses on increasing the functionality of nursing home residents. Overall, his ultimate goal is to further the professionalism of the fitness industry to equal that of other well established, universally respected health care providers.