Dear ACHA Members:
In November, we shared news of an important leadership transition at the American College Health Association and the appointment of Dr. Raphael Florestal-Kevelier as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Since that announcement, the Board of Directors has convened for its Winter Board Meeting and has had the opportunity to work closely together during this early phase of transition.
We are writing today to share an update with the membership, grounded in gratitude, clarity, and a shared commitment to ACHA’s future.
Honoring the Transition and Ensuring Continuity
Leadership transitions are moments of both reflection and responsibility. As a board, we are mindful of the care required to steward the association forward with intention, continuity, and respect for the community we serve. During this interim period, Raphael’s focus has been on stability, listening, and partnership, ensuring that ACHA’s staff, volunteers, affiliates, and members remain supported as we move through this transition together.
The board and interim CEO are aligned in our understanding of this moment: our role is not to rush decisions, but to create the conditions for thoughtful governance, learning, and steady progress on the priorities you have entrusted to ACHA.
From Strategic Plan to Action
At the center of the board’s work is ACHA’s 2026-2028 Strategic Plan, approved last year and reaffirmed during our winter meeting. The plan reflects a clear and shared vision for the association, anchored in our mission to empower college health and well-being professionals and our core commitment to belonging, collaboration, education, expertise, and leadership.
During the Winter Board Meeting, we formally advanced from strategy to execution by reviewing and approving the Strategic Plan Implementation Roadmap. This roadmap translates the plan’s three strategic initiatives into concrete actions, timelines, owners, and measures of success. Just as importantly, it reflects a disciplined approach to pacing and prioritization—recognizing both the ambition of our goals and the realities of staff and volunteer capacity.
At a high level, the board’s near-term focus includes:
- Elevating the value of college health and well-being through clearer definitions, stronger advocacy, and coordinated communication that connects health, well-being, and student success.
- Delivering innovative and actionable intelligence by strengthening ACHA’s data ecosystem, research governance, and data-to-action resources for campuses.
- Cultivating inclusive and equitable engagement by clarifying leadership pathways, strengthening volunteer infrastructure, and expanding opportunities for meaningful member connection and professional development.
This work is already underway, and future updates will continue to highlight progress as strategies move from planning to practice.
Shared Stewardship and What Comes Next
The board is approaching this next chapter with a strong sense of shared stewardship. Our discussions this winter also addressed financial sustainability, governance clarity, and the evolving needs of the association, always with member value, equity, and long-term sustainability at the forefront.
With respect to longer-term plans for this leadership transition, the board is being intentional and transparent. We are not rushing a CEO search. Instead, we are using this interim period to deepen our understanding of what ACHA needs most in its next chapter and how best to position the association for continued relevance and impact. With that in mind, we do not intend to launch a search for a permanent CEO during the 2025-26 year, as the board works closely in partnership with the interim CEO to gain a deeper understanding of these needs. When next steps emerge, the board is committed to clear communication and engagement with the membership.
Thank You for Your Partnership
ACHA remains steadfastly focused on its mission and our shared values. Your work on campuses, in volunteer roles, and across the field remains central to our collective success. We are grateful for your trust, your engagement, and your ongoing partnership as we continue this work together.
We look forward to staying connected and to sharing additional updates in the months ahead.
In health and community,
The ACHA Board of Directors
In partnership with
Raphael Florestal-Kevelier, PhD, MPH
Interim Chief Executive Officer
American College Health Association
Post Type
News & Announcements
