Message from the Chair

October 2026 NACAC Board Meeting Update

Dear NACAC Members,

As we reflect on an extraordinary NACAC Conference 2026 in Minneapolis, I am filled with gratitude for the energy, passion, and commitment that define our professional community. Our time together was a powerful reminder of the strength of NACAC and the important role our association plays in advancing the profession and expanding access to postsecondary education.

Among the many memorable moments of the conference, keynote speaker Arthur Brooks offered a powerful reminder of the necessity of caring for ourselves as we pursue our purpose. Our ability to lead, serve, and inspire others depends on our willingness to seek out and prioritize our own joy and happiness.

During the conference, the Board of Trustees convened on Oct. 7 for its regularly scheduled meeting. I am pleased to share several important updates from our meeting.

Strengthening Our Governance and Board Leadership
As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening the effectiveness of the Board of Trustees, we introduced a new in-person orientation experience for incoming trustees during the conference.

Led by Tahirah Jordan Crawford, who assumed the role of board chair at the conclusion of the conference, the orientation provided an opportunity for new trustees to deepen their understanding of the board’s fiduciary responsibilities, NACAC’s governance structure, and the culture and expectations that guide our work together. The session included a review of the roles and activities of the Strategy Committee and the Finance and Audit Committee, as well as NACAC’s business model, including the timing and interconnected nature of the organization’s major activities.

Effective governance requires more than an understanding of policies and procedures. It demands a shared sense of purpose and the willingness to engage thoughtfully and courageously in the decisions that shape NACAC’s future. We look forward to continuing this in-person orientation as an important part of welcoming and preparing future trustees.

Board Leadership and Committee Appointments
During its business meeting, the board also selected leadership for its standing committees. We are pleased to announce that Johnnie Johnson will serve as chair of the Finance and Audit Committee and Jonathan Ferrell will serve as chair of the Strategy Committee.

Both committees play essential roles in NACAC’s governance. The Finance and Audit Committee provides critical oversight of the association’s financial health and long-term sustainability, while the Strategy Committee helps ensure that NACAC’s priorities, programs, and services remain aligned with our mission and the evolving needs of the profession. We are grateful to Johnnie and Jonathan for their willingness to serve in these important leadership capacities.

Moving Forward, Together
As I reflect on our board meeting and the remarkable gathering of professionals in Minneapolis, I am reminded that NACAC’s greatest strength has always been its people. Our 90-year legacy is one of resilience, service, and a willingness to lead through change. That legacy calls on us to be equally bold in imagining what comes next.

The challenges before our profession are significant, but so are the opportunities. And as Arthur Brooks reminded us, our ability to meet those challenges begins with caring for ourselves and one another. We must sustain not only our commitment to this important work, but also the people who make it possible.

The Board of Trustees remains committed to thoughtful stewardship, strategic leadership, and ensuring that NACAC continues to be a powerful voice for college admission counseling professionals and the students they serve.

Thank you for your continued engagement, your trust in NACAC, and the extraordinary work you do every day. Together, we are NACAC!

Onward!

Sincerely,

Derek Jay DuBose
Immediate Past Chair of the Board
NACAC Board of Trustees