Health and Physical Education Leaders Seek Election to SHAPE America Board

Each year, SHAPE America members vote for candidates to the SHAPE America Board of Directors, which is the organization’s governing body composed of 11 professional members. SHAPE America serves as the voice for 200,000+ health and physical education professionals across the United States, and the organization is committed to diverse leadership on its Board.

Candidates are chosen by a nominating committee for their commitment to advancing SHAPE America’s mission, strategic priorities, and current initiatives, and not to represent a particular group, region or interest.

All SHAPE America members are encouraged to take an active role in the profession by learning about the 2023 candidates and voting in the election. Eligible members will receive voting instructions via email on February 27, and voting is open February 28 through March 30.

New board members will be announced on March 31 at the All-Member Meeting, held at the 2023 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo (#SHAPEseattle).

President-Elect Candidates

Cara Grant

Cara Grant (she/her) is the preK-12 supervisor for adapted physical education, health, and physical education in Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland), the 14th largest school district in the nation. She also coordinates the Physical Education Master’s Certification Program at the University of Maryland College Park. She has an Ed.D. in educational leadership with a focus on curriculum and instruction, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and an undergraduate degree in kinesiology.

Cara has served and supported SHAPE America and SHAPE Maryland through service, training, Twitter chats (@CaraGrant11), coaching, mentoring, as a contributing author, and as a member of the SHAPE America EDI Podcast team. Cara lives in Maryland with her spouse and four sons and enjoys volunteering with local organizations aimed at helping youth, reading, and playing with her family.

Nilo Ramos

Nilo Ramos is an assistant professor and program coordinator of physical education at Coastal Carolina University. He has a Ph.D. in kinesiology (sport pedagogy) and an M.S. and B.S degree in health and physical education. Nilo was a preK-8 PE teacher and coach before going to higher education. Such experience has assisted his teaching, research, service, and advocacy efforts to support and improve the HPE profession.

He is the chair of the SHAPE America Physical Education Council and chair of youth sports for SCAHPERD. Nilo regularly attends SHAPE America’s SPEAK Out! Day in Washington, DC, and has volunteered, attended, and presented at SHAPE America’s National Convention & Expo for the last 10 years. He enjoys spending time with family, traveling abroad, and staying active through soccer, basketball, and working out.