FICS LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
One Global Profession.
Leadership With Purpose.
FICS brings together leaders, clinicians, educators, researchers, students and national councils around one shared purpose: equitable access to sports chiropractic for athletes and practitioners worldwide.
WHY OUR LEADERSHIP MATTERS
A Shared Direction for a Global Community.
Sports chiropractic crosses countries, cultures, sporting codes and career stages. FICS leadership gives that community a clear direction and a place where experience, responsibility and opportunity can be shared.
As the leaders in sports chiropractic, FICS strives to provide equitable access to sports chiropractic care, education, mentoring and research for athletes and sports chiropractors regionally, nationally and internationally.
The Executive Council sets the strategy and safeguards the organisation. The Executive Management Team turns that direction into day-to-day action. FICS commissions bring specialist knowledge, volunteer energy and regional perspectives into the work.
Together, these groups support a profession that is internationally connected, accountable and focused on helping athletes achieve their optimal performance naturally.
Access
Help athletes in every sport access the specialised skills of sports chiropractors when needed.
Education & Research
Promote excellence in postgraduate education, professional practice and sports chiropractic research.
Global Connection
Build relationships with national councils, sports organisations and healthcare professions worldwide.
Read the complete FICS vision, mission and strategic goals
FICS Vision
Every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic.
As the leaders in sports chiropractic, FICS strives to provide equitable access to sports chiropractic care, education, mentoring and research to all athletes and sports chiropractors regionally, nationally and internationally.
We will achieve this through:
- Facilitating athletes’ access to sports chiropractic care, including the natural treatment and prevention of athletic injuries
- Being the internationally recognised voice and leader of sports chiropractic
- Providing mentored experiential learning to develop sports chiropractors
- Working with special-interest groups advancing sports chiropractic
- Working with other healthcare professions to provide the best patient-centred care possible
FICS Value Statement
FICS strives to provide equitable access to sports chiropractic care, education, mentoring and research to athletes and sports chiropractors at regional, national and international levels. This statement informs members and stakeholders of the organisation’s core principles and guides positive outcomes.
FICS Strategic Goals
- Ensure athletes in all sports can access specialised sports chiropractic skills as part of their healthcare
- Promote excellence in postgraduate sports chiropractic education and practice worldwide
- Promote research in sports science and sports chiropractic
- Be recognised as the global representative of the chiropractic profession in sport
- Establish National Chiropractic Sports Councils throughout the world
- Forge relationships with international sports organisations
- Ensure the highest levels of professionalism are displayed by FICS members
OUR STORY
From a London Meeting to a Global Family.
The International Federation of Sports Chiropractic—Fédération Internationale de Chiropratique du Sport—was initiated in 1987 when national sports chiropractic leaders met in London and formed the founding board.
Since then, FICS has represented sports chiropractic internationally. Its work has included relationships with sporting federations, athletes and healthcare organisations; postgraduate education; and credentialled volunteer teams supporting athletes at major events, including the Olympic Games.
FICS has been governed by statutes under the Swiss Civil Code since 1998. Its headquarters are at the House of Sport in Lausanne, home of the Olympic Movement, with administration now delivered through a virtual global organisation.
Current President: Dr Martin Isaksson, Sweden
Email the FICS PresidentGOVERNANCE & DIRECTION
The Framework Behind the Work.
FICS separates strategic oversight from day-to-day management so that the organisation can remain accountable, responsive and focused on its long-term goals.
GOVERNING DOCUMENT
FICS Statutes
Approved by members at the General Assembly on 14 March 2025 and aligned with the organisational model and strategic direction.
Download the Statutes2025–2027
FICS Strategic Plan
The plan sets a measurable growth path and gives members and sponsors a clear view of what FICS is building and why.
Download the Strategic PlanGET INVOLVED
Contribute to the Future
Members with relevant skills can ask about volunteering. Sponsors can discuss opportunities to support the plan.
Contact FICSWhy the statutes were updated
The statutes were updated to align with the FICS Strategic Plan, organisational model, and management and reporting structure. They support FICS’s growth aspirations and its position as a thought leader in sports chiropractic.
Separating strategic oversight from operational delivery helps ensure good governance and decision-making that reflects organisational needs. The model provides for a strategically focused Executive Council of regional members and an operationally focused Executive Management Team selected against an organisational skills matrix.
It also supports succession planning by creating pathways for people who serve through commissions and the Executive Management Team to progress into future Executive Council leadership.
ETHICS & GOVERNANCE
Integrity at the Centre of Leadership.
The FICS Ethics Committee provides independent oversight of policies and practices that support fairness, accountability, safeguarding and transparency across the organisation.
Its work aligns with international sport governance standards and the values of the Olympic Movement. The committee brings together legal, governance, clinical and international sporting expertise so that decisions are informed, balanced and grounded in the expectations of the global sporting community.
LEGAL & SPORT GOVERNANCE
Corrie Human
General Secretary, International Aikido Federation
Senior legal practitioner with experience in legal frameworks, judicial procedure and international sports governance.
View profile
EXECUTIVE GOVERNANCE
Phillip Donato OAM, OSI
Australia
Long-term charitable and multicultural advocate with more than four decades of executive and governance experience.
View profile
SAFE SPORT
Charissa Tynan
Director, IFMA
Brings extensive experience in ethical frameworks and Safe Sport policies.
View profile
CLINICAL & EVENT CARE
Lotte Langhoff
FICS Sports Chiropractor & ISFC Vice Chair
Provides clinical insight from international sports chiropractic and athlete care.
View profileSTRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
Executive Council.
The Executive Council sets FICS strategy, monitors progress, and provides governance and financial oversight. Ten elected regional representatives and the President are supported by a non-voting Company Secretary.
PACIFIC · AUSTRALIA
Nathan Akmens
First Vice President
EUROPE · UNITED KINGDOM
Meriel Davis
Regional Representative
LATIN AMERICA · MEXICO
Mercedes D’Acosta
Regional Representative
AFRICA · SOUTH AFRICA
Bradley Sandler
Regional Representative
OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Executive Management Team.
The Executive Management Team manages and administers FICS’s day-to-day affairs under the direction of the Executive Council.
LEADERSHIP UPDATE
Dr Catherine Quinn was appointed Chief Operations Officer (Head of Commercial and Member Services), effective 1 June 2026.
AUSTRALIA
Nathan Akmens
First Vice President
SPECIALIST LEADERSHIP
Commissions That Turn Purpose Into Progress.
FICS commissions work with the Executive Management Team on the specialist, practical activity that advances education, events, membership, research, communication and organisational sustainability.
ISFC CHAIR
Scott Mooring
USA
RESEARCH CHAIR
Katie de Luca
Australia
MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
Lorenzo Campagna
Australia
MARKETING CHAIR
Shea Stark
USA
STUDENT CHAIR
Muhammed Yaseen Tagari
South Africa
EDUCATION CO-CHAIR
James Geiselman
USA
EDUCATION CO-CHAIR
Faye Deane
United Kingdom
FINANCE CHAIR
Eric Bengel
USA
PARASPORT
Catherine Perry
United KingdomFINANCEFinancial stewardship and organisational sustainability
The Finance Commission manages the operational activity associated with FICS finances. It builds the annual budget, monitors monthly income and expenditure, and works with the Executive Council, Executive Management Team and other commissions so that funds are available when needed.
Head of Finance: Neil Robertson, Australia
- Direct and monitor all aspects of FICS finances
- Oversee formation and monitoring of the FICS budget
- Develop strategies for additional sources of revenue
Commission: Eric Bengel, USA — Chair; Jan Enslin, South Africa.
EDUCATIONInternational standards, learning and the ICSC pathway
The Education Commission directs and manages FICS postgraduate sports chiropractic education, including online learning, practical modules, examinations and the International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic (ICSC).
It works with national councils and affiliated educational institutions to maintain and enhance minimum international standards, promote university-based master’s degree programs and support articulation of the ICSC with those programs.
Co-Chairs: Dr Faye Deane, United Kingdom; Dr James Geiselman, USA.
Members: Natalie Sharp, Australia; Rick Ames, Australia; Scott Howitt, Canada; Steve Smilkstein, South Africa; Christine Foss, USA; Tim Stark, USA; Thomas R. Ventimiglia, USA; Caroline Poulin, Canada; Daniel Vestøl, Norway.
INTERNATIONAL SPORTING FEDERATIONRelationships, events and volunteer teams
The International Sporting Federation Commission develops and maintains relationships with international and national sporting bodies and facilitates the placement of FICS volunteers at designated events.
The commission identifies strategically important relationships, engages with international multisport organisations, develops pathways towards Olympic and IOC recognition, and supports national councils engaging with sports federations and regional games.
International Federation Relationships
Responsible for establishing and fostering relationships with international sports federations and multisport organisations, and identifying events that strengthen FICS’s recognition and position within the sporting community.
Games
Responsible for organising, managing, selecting and credentialling volunteer sports chiropractors invited to support athletes through host medical services at sanctioned international events.
- Chair: Dr Scott Mooring, USA — ISFC@fics.sport
- Vice Chair: Dr Lotte Langhoff, Denmark — Vicechair.ISFC@fics.sport
- Europe: Dr Audrey Yargui, France — Europe.ISFC@fics.sport
- Americas & Latin America: Dr Craig Couillard, USA — Americas.ISFC@fics.sport
- Pacific: Dr Natalie “Nat” Sharp — Pacific.ISFC@fics.sport
- Administrative support: games@fics.sport
The bigger picture: FICS is strengthening the depth and quality of its relationships and event coverage so that members understand their part in advancing sports chiropractic globally.
Read the December 2022 E-News storyMEMBERSHIPA stronger member experience and wider global reach
The Membership Commission works to improve the FICS membership experience, build on the strengths of membership for sport-focused chiropractors, manage current memberships and support sustainable growth.
It promotes FICS, develops member value, supports new applications and helps existing National Chiropractic Sports Councils. It also encourages the establishment of new councils in countries without one.
Chair: Lorenzo Campagna, Australia. Vice Chair: Pheobe Henry, Australia.
Members: Ian “Chong Zan Haw”, Singapore; Kirsty Bellombra, Australia; Micaela Barnes, South Africa; Nat Akmens, Australia.
MARKETINGSharing the FICS story with members and the world
The Marketing Commission develops the communication infrastructure FICS needs to adapt, embrace technology and share its story on a global stage.
Through the website, social platforms, quarterly eNews, meetings and international events, it connects members, stakeholders, partners and sponsors with news, education and volunteer opportunities.
Chair: Dr Shea Stark, USA.
Social Media & Website: Trish Donoghue and Megan Jerrard, Australia; Julia Adamska, United Kingdom.
Members: Ruben Desimpele, Belgium; Renita Rasmann, Italy; Ivan Sin, Malaysia; Kevin Christie, USA; Cameron Gholampour, USA; Jinjiang Li, USA; Amber Gregory, USA; Christina Landreth, USA.
RESEARCHEvidence, collaboration and research capability
The Research Commission promotes, encourages and disseminates sports chiropractic research. It develops recommended reading, supports a research agenda, manages member research activity and builds connections with academic institutions.
Following the 2025 members meeting in Malaysia, the commission was restructured so members hold or are working towards research degrees. Its focus includes evidence-based frameworks, academic networks and analysis of existing games data.
Chair: Katie de Luca, Australia.
Members: Prof Mike Swain, Australia; Alex Alevras, Australia; Chiara Ieradi, Australia; Alex Lee, Canada; Emile Marineau-Bélanger, Canada; Melissa Belchos, Canada; Peng Li “Fresh”, China; Lau Siew Qin “Sunshine”, Malaysia; Glen Paton, South Africa; Jason Fyfer, South Africa; Claudio Merkier, United Kingdom; Mustafa Agaoglu, United Kingdom; Andy Galpin, USA; Joel Carmichael, USA.
STUDENTPathways, scholarships, mentoring and student clubs
The Student Commission creates opportunities for students interested in sports chiropractic and shares information about education and professional pathways. It manages FICS student scholarships and awards, the Mentoring Program and FICS Student Clubs.
Chair: Muhammed Yaseen Tagari, South Africa. Scholarships and Awards Chair: Gillian Johnston, Netherlands.
Members: Ray Gaskey, USA; Samuel Tiley, Wales; Kelsi Holz, South Africa — Immediate Past Chair; Henry Jackson, Australia; Eric Bengel, USA; Grant Matkovich, South Africa; Tyler Pittaway, Australia; Santos Barro Medrano, Mexico; Christina Mcilduff, United Kingdom; Lori Niemand, South Africa; Mika Janhunen, United Kingdom; Ben Doyle, United Kingdom — Scholarship Holder; Leslie Castillo-Ortiz, USA — Scholarship Holder.
PARASPORTA structured pathway to more inclusive athlete care
On 8 November 2024, FICS appointed Catherine Perry (née Quinn) as ParaSport Development Officer to lead work supporting athletes across the ParaSport community, from grassroots participation through to the Paralympics and other major disability sport events.
The multi-phase project includes a scoping review of FICS members, specialised education developed in collaboration with the Education Commission, and the integration of ParaSport competencies into the ICSC pathway. The aim is to equip chiropractors with the knowledge and skills to support ParaSport athletes both at events and throughout their ongoing training.
“ This is a remarkable opportunity to contribute to a community where access to high-quality MSK healthcare can make a profound difference.” — Catherine Perry
In June 2026, Catherine was appointed Chief Operations Officer of FICS. She will remain involved with the ParaSport Commission, supporting its establishment and helping ensure continuity as the program continues to develop.
WORLD OLYMPIAN SCHOLARSHIP PROJECTA pathway from elite sport into chiropractic education
The World Olympian Scholarship Project develops and manages strategies supporting FICS through the World Olympian Scholarship Program.
Working under the Student Commission, it promotes the program and creates a pathway for eligible Olympic and Paralympic athletes to pursue scholarships at participating colleges and universities offering chiropractic programs.
Explore the World Olympian Scholarship ProgramCONNECT WITH FICS
Questions About Leadership, Governance or Volunteering?
The FICS administrative team can direct your enquiry to the right leader, commission or project.