May 8-9, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Georgia Southern University
Recreation Activity Center (RAC)
2687 Bunny Akins Blvd.
Statesboro, GA 31419
The Tactical Athlete: Peer Fitness Leader Summit (PFL) offers 15 hours of comprehensive training designed for first responders and military personnel, focusing on a “Train the Trainer” approach to enhance wellness programs. Sessions include hands-on implementation of physical training, insights into current practices, and wellness trends tailored for law enforcement, fire service and military professionals. Engage in valuable networking opportunities, benefit from insights shared by national speakers, and enjoy complimentary meals, refreshments, and a commemorative t-shirt!
The objective of the Tactical Athlete: Peer Fitness Leader Summit is to equip first responders and military personnel with the skills and knowledge needed to enhance wellness programs within their organizations. By employing a “Train the Trainer” approach, the summit focuses on empowering participants to implement effective physical training and wellness practices, stay informed on current trends, and foster a culture of health and fitness in their respective fields. Additionally, the event promotes professional growth through networking opportunities and engagement with national experts.
Tactical Athlete: Peer Fitness Leader Summit Keynote Speakers
John Hofman
Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Guardian Resilience Team at LA Air Force Base
Coach John Hofman is the Strength and Conditioning Specialist for the Guardian Resilience Team at LA Air Force Base, where he oversees the strength and conditioning protocols designed to improve muscular resiliency, cardiorespiratory fitness, and reduce musculoskeletal injuries in the operational environment. Prior to joining the United States Space Force, Coach Hofman spent over 15 years as a Tactical Strength and Conditioning Specialist for both Law Enforcement and Fire / Rescue. He is committed to improving the health and wellness of our Guardians and those within our community.
Shaun O’Gorman
Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Guardian Resilience Team at LA Air Force Base
Shaun O’Gorman is a former Police tactical K9 handler whose battles with PTSD, depression and suicide brought his policing career to an end after 13 years. Using these experiences, Shaun brings a unique and relatable perspective to his role as a keynote speaker. His journey, marked by significant challenges during his law enforcement career, has been instrumental in shaping his understanding of leadership, culture, and stress management. Now, Shaun shares his experiences and learnings with a wide range of professionals, including CEOs, executives, and those in high-stress fields like the military and law enforcement.
Conference Schedule
Registration Now Open!
| Early Bird Rate | Regular Rate | Late Rate | |
| Participant | $100 | $150 | $200 |
Early Bird Registration Ends March 21. Regular Registration Ends April 18.
Payment Policy
- All conference registration fees must be paid prior to attending the conference.
- Payment must be received within 30 days of registration.
- Receiving an invoice does not guarantee a seat at the conference.
- Registrations with outstanding balances that are older than 30 days may be canceled.
- Any credentials or certificates will be withheld until payment is received.
PFL Summit Committee
Joseph Kardouni, PT, DPT, Ph.D., Director of the Tactical Athlete Initiative
Bridget Melton, Ed.D., Professor of Exercise Science
Richard Cleveland, Associate Professor
Leadership, Technology & Human Development
Isaiah Mews, MSK Exercise Science
Graduate Assistant
Drew Ashley, MSK Exercise Science
Graduate Assistant
Nick Manning, Exercise Science Undergraduate
Graduate Assistant
Emily Langford, Assistant Professor
Health Sciences & Kinesiology
Sarah Hines, MSK Exercise Science
Graduate Assistant
Nathan Ebersole, MSK Exercise & Sport Psychology
Graduate Assistant
Seth Moore, Exercise Science
Undergraduate Intern
Sponsors & Exhibitor Opportunities
Join us as we expand our team to support Tactical Athlete research, evaluation, consultation, and education for Georgia’s first responder community. Click the link to learn more about Georgia Southern University’s Tactical Athlete Initiative and discover how your donation or sponsorship can make an impact.
Please complete the forms to indicate your interest in either donating, sponsoring, or exhibiting at the conference.
Submission of the exhibitor forms does not guarantee a booth. After completing the form, someone from conference services will notify you of the committee’s decision. If accepted as a conference exhibitor, you will receive an email with registration instructions for your booth. Please email dceconferences@georgiasouthern.edu with any questions.
FAQs
This event is ideal for first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and military personnel, as well as peer fitness leaders responsible for leading or supporting fitness and wellness initiatives within their organizations. Health and wellness coordinators who manage or design wellness programs for tactical athletes will also benefit, along with training officers and supervisors seeking to enhance their teams’ physical readiness and overall well-being. Additionally, fitness enthusiasts in tactical professions who are passionate about improving their own fitness and sharing best practices with peers are encouraged to attend. Anyone interested in advancing wellness, fitness, and resilience in tactical professions will find this summit highly valuable.
The dress code for the summit is athletic leisurewear.
The PFL Summit will be held at the Georgia Southern University Campus in Statesboro, Georgia at the Recreation Activity Center (RAC).
- Parking for the Tactical Athlete: Peer Fitness Leader Summit will be in the RAC Parking Lot.
- Parking at the Georgia Southern University Statesboro Campus is free.
No. View recommended hotels in Statesboro below.
Hampton Inn
350 Brampton Avenue
Statesboro, GA 30458
Holiday Inn Express
427 S. Main Street
Statesboro, GA 30458
Home2 Suites by Hilton
1576 Brampton Avenue
Statesboro, GA 30458
Comfort Inn and Suites
17870 GA-67
Statesboro, GA 30458
For general information, contact:
Email: dceconferences@georgiasouthern.edu
Phone: 912-478-5555
For registration assistance, contact:
Email: ce-registrations@georgiasouthern.edu
Phone: 912-478-5551