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James R. Whitehead is executive vice president of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in Indianapolis, Indiana, a position he has held since 1990. Prior to his appointment at ACSM, Mr. Whitehead served in executive roles at the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery in Washington, DC, from 1987 to 1990, and with other health-related foundations and associations.

Mr. Whitehead has published articles in health, public policy, and organizational literature. His area of research and practice focuses on innovation within planning processes, as well as health policy and administration. He has received honor awards from many professional associations, including the Interna-tional Academy of Sports Vision, the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sports Psychology, the Council for Better Hearing and Speech, and the American College of Sports Medicine.

Mr. Whitehead has served as a speaker, panelist, or consultant for more than 125 organizations, including the US Olympic Committee, the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, and the American Public Health Association.

In adjunct capacities while at ACSM, Mr. Whitehead served as executive director of the following organizations: Joint Commission on Sports Medicine and Science, Wilderness Medical Society, and National Association for Health and Fitness. He also served as Executive Director and President for the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA).

Mr. Whitehead serves on numerous boards, including the NCPPA, the National Institute for Fitness and Sports, Inclusive Fitness Coalition, Alliance for Health Promotion, Female Athlete Triad Coalition and The Taylor Hooten Foundation.

He is also a member of the American Association of Medical Society Executives, the American Medical Writers Association, the American Association for the History of Medicine, the American Association of Political Consultants, and other societies related to the fields of medicine, science, policy, and organizational development.

Mr. Whitehead attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham, receiving degrees in political science
(public administration) and history (business and medical history).