Professional Titles and Affiliations

• Chairman, Jikeikai Medical Group
• Chairman, Keijinkai Social Welfare Corporation
• Chairman, Shirogakura Tourism Co., Ltd.
• Director, Yasashii Te Co., Ltd.
• Advisor, Global Health Consulting Japan
• Founder of ReLabo Medical Spa & Stay, Aomori, Japan

Born in: Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan

Education and Credentials

• Studied in Canada (1992)
• Began career at Hotel Okura Tokyo (1998)
• Joined Jikeikai Group in 2001 as a care worker; later promoted to General Affairs Director (2003)
• Studied healthcare and welfare management under Professor Shigeru Tanaka at Keio University Business School (2005)
• Completed the Owner/President Management Program (OPM) at Harvard Business School
• Certified Wine Sommelier and Chevalier of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin (Burgundy Wine Knights)

Publications

• Wellness Strategy: Creating New Value for the Next Era of Regional Revitalization (Gentosha Publishing, 2025)
• Other works include Weekend Wellness and numerous contributions to wellness and healthcare management journals.

Global Business Consultant with an impressive 40-year career in the fitness industry. Demonstrates a unique blend of skills in connecting people, executive leadership, product development, video production, international networking, and event planning. Career Highlights: Vice President of Marketing and Special events at AFAA where she expanded the brand into 72 countries.

Credited for creating the fitness education division for Zumba Fitness and assisting in the Global Brand Expansion to over 180 countries

Fitness Industry Advisor, Zumba Fitness, LLC, Hallandale, FL, Petra was Zumba's first Vice President: Developed Fitness Education division, co-wrote Zumba Basic Skills Training, created the events division, and oversaw international expansion initiative. Manage trade show department for industry's most in-demand events. Provide expert advice on industry trends and best practices in the fitness industry to help Zumba stay ahead of the competition. Identify potential collaborations and partnerships with other fitness industry leaders to enhance the company's brand and Co-founder & Executive VP, HealthClub.com, San Diego, CA "The Yellow Pages of Fitness": the largest fitness industry directory ever assembled, pre-Google era. Developed and implemented strategic partnerships with fitness equipment manufacturers and suppliers to increase product offerings and revenue streams.

VP of Fitness Marketing, StayHealthy.com, Monrovia, CA Oversaw all marketing, trade shows, partnerships. Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy to position StayHealthy.com as a leader in the fitness industry and drive sales of the medical grade bodyfat analyzer and calorie counter device.

VP of Marketing and Events, AFAA, Sherman Oaks, CA Negotiate and secure sponsorships for major events, ensuring that sponsors are excited about the brand and the event or product. Nurture relationships with key sponsors and partners to ensure ongoing support for AFAA events Develop and implement innovative event marketing strategies to attract new sponsors and increase sponsor engagement

ADVISORY BOARDS

AUGIE’S QUEST FITNESS INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD

HFA (IHRSA) INDUSTRY PARTNER ADVISOR COUNCIL BOARD MEMBER

NCSF (National Council on Strength & Fitness

Alan D. Cohen is a distinguished global education strategist and futurist with over two decades of leadership in the education sector. Renowned for his innovative approaches to learning and institutional transformation, Cohen has consistently championed forward-thinking educational models that prepare students for the complexities of our global society .

Throughout his career, Cohen has held pivotal roles in both academic and policy-making spheres, where he has led initiatives that integrate technology, equity, and global competencies into educational frameworks. His expertise encompasses strategic planning, curriculum innovation, and the development of inclusive learning environments that cater to diverse student populations.

Cohen’s contributions to education have been recognized with numerous accolades. He was honored with the Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Award, which celebrates individuals who challenge conventional thinking and drive meaningful change across various sectors. Additionally, he has been named Educator of the Year, reflecting his commitment to excellence in teaching and leadership.

Beyond his direct work in education, Cohen has been involved in projects that intersect with media and storytelling, emphasizing the importance of narrative in shaping educational experiences. His multifaceted career underscores a dedication to transforming education through innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of global trends.

As a thought leader, Cohen continues to influence the discourse on education reform, advocating for systems that are adaptable, student-centered, and responsive to the evolving demands of society.

Eric Paul Durak is a fitness industry maverick, known for his trailblazing career that defies convention. After completing his graduate studies at the University of Michigan in Kinesiology with a focus on Exercise Physiology, Eric embarked on a transformative journey. He joined the prestigious Sports Training Institute in New York City, where his talents were quickly recognized. Within just ten months, he was chosen to relocate to California to spearhead the development of a clinical exercise lab specializing in diabetes care. He pioneered research in both exercise and MRI-based body composition analysis, becoming a recognized global authority and achieving groundbreaking results in the relationship between strength training and blood sugar levels. This pivotal moment marked a turning point, expanding Eric's horizons from fitness to high-level research, collaborating with some of California's top scientists at the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute.

In 1993, Eric's passion for wellness led him to create the Cancer Well-fit Program, one of the nation's pioneering initiatives. In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Eric was honored with the first-ever IHRSA Institute award in 2000. To this day, the Cancer Well-fit Program continues to positively impact the local community, thanks to the dedicated team of Cancer Exercise Specialists he assembled.

Eric's influence extends beyond fitness training; he has made significant contributions to the fitness certification arena. His collaboration with leading agencies and the development of numerous clinical certifications and continuing education courses (CEU) have left an indelible mark.

For over 17 years, Eric transitioned to the University of California, where he focused on wellness and injury prevention. His role encompassed a unique blend of prevention and safety, seeing reduced injury claims and large scale cost savings for campus departments during his tenure. In 2021, he returned to his roots at Medical Health and Fitness, reinvigorated and poised to revolutionize the health club industry.

Eric's current mission is at the intersection of clinical research, fitness, and healthcare, as he partners with Life Core Group to create innovative ways of funding gym and health club programs. By harnessing Health Account Dollars (HSA, HRA), they aim to pave the way for the nation's first wellness health plan, reshaping the trajectory of healthcare by using gyms and health clubs as conduits for change.