There’s a unique strength that emerges from someone who has known their calling since childhood. For Rachael Cordova, that clarity surfaced at age twelve, when she began to envision a future shaped by numbers, decisions and purpose. Today, as chief financial officer of the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), she leads with the same sense of resolve, precision and empathy that first defined her youthful ambition.
Cordova’s trajectory within ISSA reveals a compelling narrative not of arrival, but of acceleration. In just over six years, she transformed ISSA’s finance department into a powerhouse of strategic insight and operational agility. Her leadership helped steer the company through three major acquisitions, all while cultivating a workplace where people feel valued and energized. At the center of that evolution stood a finance executive unafraid to challenge norms, build resilient teams and inspire others to match her velocity.
Her approach to leadership blends rigor with intuition. Cordova champions a model that places people at the heart of every decision, whether she’s navigating capital structures or spearheading change management. She views excellence not just as a metric, but as a mindset—one that must be lived daily by every member of her team. Her commitment to fostering collaboration and professional growth has elevated ISSA’s internal culture while fortifying its global business strategies.
The future she envisions for ISSA is expansive. Rooted in a mission to connect 100 million people to the power of healthy living, Cordova is helping steer the organization toward that ambitious goal. Over the next five years, ISSA plans to strengthen its international presence, broaden its suite of educational programs and harness technology to personalize the learning journey for fitness professionals worldwide. She’s not just managing resources—she’s mobilizing momentum.
Being honored as a Titan 100 Honoree affirms what those around her already recognize: Cordova is a catalytic force in an industry that thrives on discipline and heart. Her guiding belief, “Purpose Driven. People Focused. Relentless Execution,” is more than a tagline—it’s a promise she delivers on every day.
Cordova’s most cherished accomplishments are measured not just in fiscal wins, but in human outcomes. From mentoring emerging leaders to creating scalable systems that make daily work easier and more meaningful, she brings a level of intentionality that shapes the culture as much as the numbers. Her work has elevated ISSA’s financial health while allowing its mission to reach further and resonate deeper.
Amid the fast pace of transformation, Cordova remains grounded in service. Her drive isn’t fueled by recognition but by the quiet confidence that she’s building something lasting. And in doing so, she has become more than a steward of finances—she’s a steward of possibility.
