After more than four decades of dedicated service, leadership and vision, we honor the remarkable career of Carol Nalevanko as she retires from the Village Health Clubs and Spas. For over 40 years, Nalevanko has been far more than a leader. She’s been a steward of culture, a champion of wellness and a driving force behind the community that makes the Village so special.
Since joining the organization shortly after graduating college, Nalevanko dedicated her professional life to helping people live healthier, more connected lives. Throughout her tenure, she remained deeply engaged in the health and fitness industry, continuously embracing new ideas and emerging trends to ensure the Village evolved while staying true to its core values. Her commitment to innovation and excellence helped establish the Village as one of Arizona’s most respected health and wellness organizations.
Among the many accomplishments throughout her distinguished career, one stands above the rest: the acquisition and transformation of the original Camelback Tennis Club into what became the flagship Village Health Club and Spa. That pivotal decision helped shape the future of the organization and laid the foundation for the growth and success that followed.
Nalevanko’s leadership philosophy was rooted in a simple but powerful belief: wellness should be enjoyable. Fun has always been a cornerstone of the Village culture, and under her guidance, employees and members alike became part of a vibrant community built on relationships, connection and shared experiences. She understood that health clubs are not simply places to exercise. They are places where friendships are formed, confidence is built and lives are transformed.
Her passion for healthy living extended far beyond the office. An avid tennis player, cyclist, hiker, walker and Pilates enthusiast, Nalevanko embodied the lifestyle she encouraged others to pursue. Whether competing on the tennis courts with friends she has played alongside for decades or embarking on adventures around the globe, including walking 184 miles on the Camino Portuguese, she consistently demonstrated the power of staying active, curious and engaged in life.
Beyond her role at the Village, Nalevanko was also a respected voice within the broader health and fitness industry, serving two terms on the board of directors for the Health and Fitness Association. Her influence extended well beyond Arizona, helping shape conversations around fitness, wellness and active living on an international scale.
Those who know Nalevanko best will remember her unwavering optimism, her commitment to excellence and her ability to inspire others. Whether through a thoughtful conversation, a strategic vision, or simply encouraging someone with a well-timed pep talk, she led with authenticity and heart.
As Nalevanko begins this next chapter, we celebrate not only her impressive accomplishments but also the lasting impact she has had on countless employees, members, leaders and friends. Her legacy lives on in the communities she helped build, the culture she nurtured and the generations of people whose lives have been enriched through her work.
Thank you, Carol, for your extraordinary leadership, your passion for wellness and your unwavering dedication to the Village. We wish you endless adventures, new horizons and all the happiness this well-earned retirement can bring.
Congratulations on an exceptional career. Your Village family will forever be grateful for the legacy you leave behind.
