2026 Election Results

Congratulations to the newly elected SHAPE America Board members! Thanks to all who voted in this year's election.

President-Elect

Tari Garner

 

Tari Garner headshot
Retired Teacher and Outdoor Adventure Coordinator Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation Kansas City, MO

Directors

Kara Foster

 

Kara Foster headshot
K-12 Health and Physical Educator Lincoln Public Schools Lincoln, NE

Gavin Washington

 

Gavin Washington headshot
Professor and Program Coordinator of Sport Studies Midway University Midway, KY

Kelly Zerby

 

Kelly Zerby headshot
Elementary Physical Education Teacher Jefferson Elementary School DeKalb, IL

2026 Board of Directors Candidates

The SHAPE America Board of Directors — the organization’s governing body — is composed of 11 professional members, including the president, past president and president-elect. Directors serve at-large and represent the whole membership.

If you are a SHAPE America member, you are encouraged to take an active role in the profession by learning about the 2026 candidates and casting your vote.

On February 19, voting opens for the SHAPE America Board of Directors.

Voting Deadline: March 19 at 3 p.m. ET

Members will vote on candidates for the following positions:
President-Elect
Three Directors

President-Elect Candidates

Tari Garner

 

Tari Garner headshot
Retired Teacher and Outdoor Adventure Coordinator Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation Kansas City, MO
Biography

William Potter

 

William Potter headshot
Physical Education Teacher Serendipity School Belmont, CA
Biography

Director Candidates

Fitni Destani

 

Fitni Destani headshot
Associate Professor Keene State College Keene, NH
Biography

Kara Foster

 

Kara Foster headshot
K-12 Health and Physical Educator Lincoln Public Schools Lincoln, NE
Biography

Maria Schneider

 

Maria Schneider headshot
Health Educator Brecksville-Broadview Heights City School District Broadview Heights, OH
Biography

Gavin Washington

 

Gavin Washington headshot
Professor and Program Coordinator of Sport Studies Midway University Midway, KY
Biography

Kelly Zerby

 

Kelly Zerby headshot
Elementary Physical Education Teacher Jefferson Elementary School DeKalb, IL
Biography
Voting is a 3-Step Process

You will receive voting instructions and a link to the ballot via email on February 19.

Remember to:

1
Mark your ballot

2
Submit your vote

3
Confirm your vote

Election Q&A

  • Every eligible voter will receive an email notification prior to the opening of voting on how to access the ballot. Reminder notices will be sent before the election ends.
  • Eligible voters are professionals (including retirees and emeritus) and students.
  • After a member submits the electronic ballot, they must check their email one more time to confirm their vote via a link they will receive in a follow up email.

Can I vote by mail ballot?

  • No. The election is accomplished through a secure, web-based and fully-hosted ballot solution to ensure the integrity of the voting process.

How long do I have to vote?

  • Eligible voters will be able to cast ballots until 3 p.m. ET on March 19, 2026.

I have elected to opt out of emails. Will I be able to vote?

  • Any eligible voter who has opted out of SHAPE America emails in the past will need to request to have that reset in order to receive voting information and access to the ballot. Please call Membership Services at 800-213-7193 or email to [email protected].

I didn’t receive a ballot. Can I receive one now?

  • First, please check your email in case the notice is in your Spam folder.
  • If you opted out of SHAPE America emails, you would not have received the notice.
  • If you have questions please call Membership Services at 800-213-7193 or email to [email protected].

When will the election results be announced?

  • The announcement of the new officers will take place at the Closing General Session at the national convention.
  • 2026 Election Timeline
    • Nominees are presented to the membership
    • Voting opens. Eligible members will receive email instructions on how to cast their ballot.
    • Voting ends – 3:00 p.m. (ET)
    • New board members announced at the Closing General Session, held at #SHAPEKC.