The National Sporting Goods Association Board of Directors has elected A.J. Blanchard, EVP/Hardgoods of Academy Sports & Outdoors, as Treasurer/Chairman-Elect, replacing Doug Pearson, who resigned from the Board of Directors for business reasons.

Pearson is president of The Fitness Experience, which filed Chapter 7 last week.

Current NSGA Chairman Ron Kruse has agreed to serve as Chairman through January 2006 to enable Blanchard to get up to speed.

“Traditionally, the Treasurer/Chairman-Elect moves into the Chairman’s position when the Board holds its biennial election of officers,” said NSGA President and CEO Jim Faltinek. “We want to give A.J. every opportunity to be totally prepared and comfortable when that happens.”

Blanchard was elected to his second three-year term on the NSGA Board in May 2003. He will serve as Treasurer/Chairman-Elect through January 2006 and then will take the Chairman’s post on February 1, 2006.