As director of the Wellness Center and Athletic Enhancement and Cardiac Rehabilitation at Hopedale Medical Complex, Eddie Papis oversees all operations of wellness programming, cardiac rehabilitation, sport enhancement programs, personal training, group exercise and massage therapy.
In 2008, Papis was challenged to increase the membership, revenue and programs at the Hopedale Medical Complex facility, and in just two years, he was able to boost these offerings by a record 30 percent, in spite of tough economic times. He also developed a curriculum for the new Christian Life Academy Grade School P.E. program, which the facility offers at no charge.
In addition to these recent accomplishments, Papis coached baseball and girl’s basketball at Peoria Notre Dame High School for 13 years with great success. He then helped to develop the new YMCA site in Peoria, guiding the organization through multi-million-dollar renovations and multiple expansions, as well as a record number of members and participants. Papis developed the YMCA’s youth obesity curriculum, which was funded by a grant awarded by the Heart of Illinois United Way and is still used today. While leading efforts at Peoria Notre Dame and the YMCA, Papis maintained a part-time position as the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Bradley University Athletics Department.
Papis also takes on leadership roles through his volunteer work in the community. For the past three years, he has served as co-chairman of the Hopedale Medical Foundation Golf Outing and co-director of the ProEx Special Olympics Golf Outing. He coaches youth sports for the Washington Park District; volunteers his time to many college, club and high school teams; and has mentored nearly a dozen aspiring fitness professionals.
Papis has attained the highest management training through YMCA USA, winning the Roknich Award in 2004 as the Illinois YMCA State Physical Programmer of the Year. He remains a member of several professional organizations and local coaching groups, and retains his Olympic Lifting Coach and Strength and Conditioning Specialist certifications, which he has had for over a decade.
A testicular cancer survivor, Papis brings awareness to this cause by promoting early detection and regular testing. A self-developed, hard-working community leader, Papis has taken advantage of every opportunity to work with local organizations, striving to improve each one of them so they can continue to thrive long after he leaves. iBi
