James R. Whitehead

James (Jim) R. Whitehead is CEO/Executive Vice President of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the world’s largest organization dedicated to the fields of sports medicine and exercise science. ACSM leads the research-to-practice-to-policy continuum in all areas of clinical sports medicine. mTBI and concussions in sports are a key priority, as is the overall goal of making sports in society more accessible, healthy and rewarding. With a background in health policy and public administration, Jim has created a large number of U.S. and global organizations and initiatives, including the National Youth Sports Health and Safety Institute and the National Coalition on Youth Sport Concussion.

Jim has worked as a bi-partisan political consultant for campaigns in the U.S. and internationally, advising candidates for offices ranging from the proverbial dog-catcher to Congress and the Presidency. He has partnered with celebrities in sports, entertainment, and industry to create programs to promote health in sports and other philanthropic causes. Jim Whitehead has served as a speaker, panelist and consultant for more than 250 organizations including the U.S. Olympic Committee, the International Association for Worksite Health Promotion, the American Heart Association, WomenSport International and the American Public Health Association.

Jim extends a quote by 20th century sportswriter Heywood Broun, who famously if not accurately said “Sports do not build character. They reveal it.” Jim adds, “And what we do in the 21st century in regard to preventing and properly treating sports injuries will reveal the character of us all.”