Gym operator Vasa Fitness appointed Michael Schwindle, formerly at Vera Bradley, as chief financial officer to support the company’s national expansion.
Schwindle brings over 30 years of financial and operational experience to the role. From May 2023 to July 2025, he was the CFO at Vera Bradley. Over the course of his career, he has held CFO roles at Claire’s, Fleet Farm, Payless ShoeSource, Harry & David, and Guitar Center and served as a subsidiary CFO at The Home Depot. He has led private equity transactions and multi-channel growth strategies.
As CFO at Vasa, Schwindle will lead the company’s finance, accounting, treasury, and procurement functions, supporting the company’s club expansion and long-term enterprise value. He is responsible for managing key stakeholder relationships, executing capital market transactions and supporting operational initiatives.
“Michael has the strategic financial expertise to help Vasa scale in a disciplined, cost-effective way,” said Rich Nelsen, chief executive officer of Vasa Fitness. “His deep understanding of multi-unit retail, real estate-driven expansion, and capital management will be invaluable as we continue to build new gyms and invest in our existing clubs, our people, and our members.”
Vasa Fitness, based in Greenwood Village, CO, operates over 70 locations across Colorado, Utah, Oklahoma, Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Nebraska.
Image courtesy Vasa Fitness
