Walt Thompson, Ph.D., FACSM

ACSM's American Fitness Index Program

ACSM developed the American Fitness Index (AFI) to provide an evidence- and science-based measurement of the state of health and fitness at the community level throughout the U.S. Communities, organizations and individuals will be able to assess factors that contribute to health and fitness and measure the progress.

Dr. Walt Thompson is a tenured Professor of Kinesiology and Health (College of Education) and a Professor of Nutrition (College of Health and Human Sciences) at Georgia State University in Atlanta. He is an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certified Program Director®, ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist®, licensed Clinical Exercise Physiologist (State of Louisiana) and licensed Clinical Laboratory Director (State of Georgia). Dr. Thompson serves on the ACSM Board of Trustees and has served on the Administrative Council. He has given lectures on health-related topics in 20 different countries including Europe, Africa, North America, South America, and Asia. He is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, a Fellow of the American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and a Fellow of the Research Consortium of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Dr. Thompson has published over 100 research-based articles on many different topics and has received over $4 million in funding for his various initiatives. His current interests include wellness coaching as a primary mechanism for behavior change and the integration of sport and physical activity for people with disabilities. Because of his personal interest in at-risk kids, he serves as the Executive Director of the After-School All-Stars Atlanta, a comprehensive after school initiative for children living in the inner city now serving six schools.

Melanie Cole, M.S.

6 / 2 / 2009