|
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.
|
|
 |
More...
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.
|