Owensboro Health Healthpark Director Collette Carter has been named chair of the Medical Fitness Association (MFA), becoming the first Kentuckian to lead the national organization. MFA promotes medically integrated fitness as part of a broader approach to health and wellness.
Carter began her term in January 2025, bringing nearly 30 years of service at Owensboro Health and a deep background in wellness and preventive care.
“This isn’t just a professional achievement — it’s a team accomplishment,” Carter said. “Being part of MFA has helped our team of experts grow the Healthpark into what it is today: a leader in medical fitness and a vital part of Owensboro Health’s care continuum.”
Carter has long been active in the association, serving as a regional committee chair, certification surveyor, and annual conference committee member. According to a release, the MFA promotes standards, education, and collaboration across medically integrated fitness centers. These facilities focus on the prevention and treatment of chronic disease through clinical programs, physical activity, nutrition, and health education.
In 2013, under Carter’s leadership, the Healthpark became the first facility in Kentucky to achieve MFA certification. The process includes benchmarks for safety, medical oversight, emergency procedures, and documented outcomes.
As board chair, Carter plans to expand national partnerships and bring more industry education to Owensboro. In June, Owensboro will host MFA’s Central Regional Summit. Carter also sees her new role as a chance to mentor others in the field, especially women in leadership.
“You have to be bold and have passion for the work,” she said. “You have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone. The work we do makes a difference, and the opportunity to lead in this space is a privilege I don’t take lightly.”
Carter first moved into the field of healthcare nearly three decades ago and has led the Healthpark since 2009, always focusing on keeping people well through a whole-person approach.
“It’s the people,” she said. “Helping someone lose 100 pounds, manage diabetes, or just feel confident enough to walk through our doors — that’s why I come to work every day.”
