The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) announced the appointment of Aneysha Bhat as Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Advocacy, effective September 2, 2025, to shape policies that promote sports and fitness participation nationwide and ensure industry vitality.
Bhat brings extensive experience to the role from her previous experiences as founder of Annova Strategies, an independent consulting firm; senior manager of Federal Affairs at the Computer & Communications Industry Association; as a deputy associate administrator in the Small Business Administration’s Office of Congressional & Legislative Affairs; and as a legislative staffer in the Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
SFIA said that throughout her career, Bhat has been a “catalyst for innovation and strategic policy advocacy, spearheading product and policy development, shaping legislative engagement, cultivating strong stakeholder partnerships, and leading the successful implementation of high-impact policies, initiatives and projects across the private and public sectors.”
“The addition of Aneysha to the team is a win for SFIA, our members and our industry’s voice in Washington, DC, and beyond. Her impressive background and vast experience will be instrumental in advancing our legislative priorities and strengthening strategic relationships on Capitol Hill and around Washington,” said Bonnie McLaughlin, vice president of external affairs & industry relations at SFIA. “We are confident she will be a powerful advocate for SFIA’s key industry initiatives and a driving force in our efforts to advance smart policies and serve SFIA’s mission.”
Images courtesy YMCA / SFIA
