Tania Castro Bradt, she/her
Head-Royce School, Oakland, CA

Education:
University of Pennsylvania, ‘99
BA in Sociology, Minor in Latin American Studies

Professional Experience & Development:
Head-Royce School, Director of College Counseling, 2019 - Present; Associate Director 2016-2019 (Oakland, CA)
UC Berkeley, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions - Operations, 2015-2016 (Berkeley, CA) Stanford University, Assistant Dean for Admissions & Diversity Outreach (2012 - 2015); Associate Director of Admission (Domestic, Caribbean, & Latin American Markets) (2008-2012) (Palo Alto, CA) Palmer Trinity School, Director of College Counseling, 2003 - 2008 (Miami, FL); History Faculty University of Pennsylvania, Regional Director and Associate Director of Multicultural Outreach, 2000 - 2003 (Philadelphia, PA)
MANNA (Metropolitan AIDS Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance), Manager of Volunteer Engagement and Member Outreach, 1999-2000 (Philadelphia, PA) 

POCC 2024 - Denver; POCC 2023 - St. Louis; POCC 2004 - Miami, Local Committee Planning Committee Member; ABAFAOILSS, Member 2000 - Present; ABAFAOILSS, Executive Board Member, 2001-2003; La Casa Latina, UPenn Latinx Alumni Board/ Founding Member 2002-2005; WACAC Leadership Development Cohort 2012; Mills College Leadership in Higher Education Certificate Program, 2014; Gates Scholarship Reader and Interviewer 2017-2019; WACAC SLC 2019 Presenter; WASC Accreditation Committee 2017-18; Latinos Unidos Organization, Faculty Advisor 2017-2022); College Board Prepárate, Conference 2023 Presenter; UChicago CA Council 2020 - Present; Black Men in White Coats/ Kaiser Permanente - Speaker/Presenter 2024; Franklin & Marshall Advisory Board 2021-23; Miami University of Ohio Counselor Board 2020-Present.

Jack Fitch, he/him/his
The Altamont School, Birmingham, AL

In 1987, The Smiths had a song called “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before.” It's a bop. If you read my bio last year, you’ve definitely heard this one before, but please humor me. Given how much the world has shifted in the past year since my previous nomination, I’d like to share some updates. First, let me revisit what you’ve heard before: 

I wasn’t a first-generation college student, nor did I grow up in a low-income household. Instead, I was raised in a literal bubble—a gated, predominantly white, suburban country club where every home had manicured lawns, and more families had maids, nannies, and yard services than not. I’ve since come to call it the “Deerwood Bubble,” after the neighborhood’s name. I naively assumed that everyone at my mostly white, well-resourced high school shared the same privilege and experience as I did. It didn’t occur to me that my best friend, who has now been in my life for nearly 30 years, was attending our school with financial assistance and didn’t experience the bubble I did. As adults, we’ve had conversations where she shared how her ‘otherness’ as a student of color was felt each day, while my ‘otherness’—as a closeted, anxious gay teenager—was something I could hide. Should I have hidden it? That’s debatable. Was it easier for me to do so? Absolutely.

In February 2024, I had the privilege of attending the ACCIS Equity & Innovation Summit in Charlotte, after serving on the planning committee. That first night at dinner, I realized something important: in that space, I could no longer hide my ‘otherness.’ No, it wasn’t about my identity as a gay man or the anxiety that still surfaces in certain situations, but rather, it was the fact that I was the only cisgender white man in the room. I didn’t mention it to anyone that night, but the realization stayed with me. The next morning, a mentor and friend sat down next to me and noted the same thing. I expressed my concern that I was taking the spot of someone else, but his response reassured me: the cis white men of ACCIS are exactly the ones who need to be in the room. This experience deepened my commitment to ACCIS and the crucial work we are doing to advance the organization. We need to ensure that those who must be in the room are there—not just because they belong, but because they need to learn how to be advocates for critical issues like antiracism, DEIB initiatives, and other foundational causes that align with our work.

Since entering college counseling in 2019, ACCIS has been an invaluable resource. The space it offers for the ‘otherness’ of its members—regardless of identity—is both affirming and empowering. We are made to feel that we belong, that we can be our authentic selves. The unwavering support of this community has been a constant source of encouragement. In my transition to a new state and role as Director at the start of the 2023-2024 school year, I reached out multiple times to ACCIS members, both individually and through the ACCIS e-list. Each time, I received an overwhelming (in the best way) response. At the ACCIS New Director Workshop in 2023, the collective energy of our group—30 new directors—taught me so much about the role and how to advance our work. Yet, as wonderful as this network is, my experience at the E&I Summit reminded me that we have room for improvement.

I’ll never forget attending the ACCIS New Counselor Workshop in San Francisco, where I was in awe of the counselors and facilitators around me. I aspired to be one of those presenters someday (looking at you, Jonny Nicholson). Now, as a member of the board, I hope to be able to pay forward that sense of welcome, support, and celebration of ‘otherness.’ My goal is to ensure new and veteran counselors alike feel embraced and
empowered in their own educational journeys.

In conclusion, the value my parents instilled in me—education is the one thing no one can ever take away—continues to guide me every day. As educators, we are lifelong learners, driven to foster that same love of learning in others. Our goal is to impart knowledge that, once gained, can never be undone. With the support of ACCIS and its members, we grow stronger in our ability to create environments where others, too, can experience that enduring value.

It would be an honor to continue giving back to an organization that has enriched my professional life over the past six years—an organization dedicated to breaking down ‘Deerwood Bubbles’ and fostering meaningful change in ways that are both impactful and transformative.

And now, for what’s new: 

Due to other professional obligations, I wasn’t able to attend the E&I Summit in Nashville this year. However, seeing a photograph of the attendees, and noticing that a few of the other white men in ACCIS took part, gave me hope. After my experience last year, I wondered what this year would look like. I’m grateful it looked different, and I’m glad my experience was not repeated.

In the past year, I’ve grown both personally and professionally. I’ve learned that I am a capable director, but I’ve also recognized that I cannot do this work alone. I continue to seek wisdom from veteran counselors, lean on others, and expand my influence. I remain committed to making a difference in breaking down the “Deerwood Bubbles” that still exist, ensuring everyone has a space where their authenticity is celebrated.

As I write this, there is a direct and sustained attack on education in this country. The ripple effect of what is happening will be felt for generations. The well-being of our youth is at stake. I’m scared. I’m nervous. I’m, probably much like you, trying to make sense of the chaos, but I remain steadfast in my convictions, and I am determined to do what I can to make the world a better, safer place for my students. It would be my honor to serve ACCIS so that I may continue to do that.

Education:
BA, Religious Studies, Florida State University, 2004
MAT, Social Science Education, University of South Florida, 2007
EdD, Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, Florida State University, 2018

Relevant Previous Employment:
External Application Reader, Boston University, 2025
Assistant Director of College Counseling, The Bolles School, 2019-2023
Assistant Dean of Admission, Hamilton College, 2016-2019
AVID Coordinator, Freedom High School, 2013-2016
High School Teacher, Saddlebrook Preparatory School, 2010-2013
Middle School Teacher, Admiral Farragut Academy, 2005-2007

Relevant Professional Development:
University of Miami Counselor Advisory Board (2022-Present); Founder - Birmingham Area College Admission Network (BACAN) (2024); Founder - Altamont School Admission Advisory Board (2024); ACCIS DE&I Committee, Summit Planning Subcommittee (2023- Present); FCIS Reframing the Reach: Fish Out of Water Presenter (2020), Schoolwide Presentation: Avoiding Bias in Letters of Recommendation (2020, 2023); Alabama Independent School Association Accreditation Team Member (2024); SACAC LGBTQ+ SIG Co-leader (2023-Present); SACAC Summer Seminar Alternate Faculty (2024); SACAC Summer Seminar Faculty (2025); ACCIS Reframing the Reach: Fish Out of Water Presenter (2025); SACAC From DRAB to CAB: Building a Robust Counselor Advisory Board Presenter (2025); Nominated/invited to attend Fitzwilliam Experience for Emerging Leaders (2024)

Chadwick Fulton, he/him/his
St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Austin, TX

ACCIS continues to play a huge role in my professional growth as someone working in an independent school. When I first transitioned from an admission office to college counseling, ACCIS was there, providing help, resources, and mentors that helped me thrive. In addition to the support from my office, I have sought advice and reassurance from the ACCIS network and developed relationships with colleagues that extend beyond the profession. Through my involvement as Chair of the New Counselor Workshop and Series, I have seen firsthand the impact that the Board’s leadership can have on the association. It would be a privilege to serve on the ACCIS Board and contribute to its mission of advancing independent school professionals. I am eager to play an active role in strengthening and innovating programs, governance, and services that enhance access and foster greater member engagement—all of this in conjunction with continued efforts to be thoughtful about structures and systems. Through collaboration and strategic leadership, I am eager to support initiatives that empower professionals within the broadening ACCIS membership, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to excel. I am committed to contributing to the continued growth and success of ACCIS and to advancing its core values.

In my own core values, mentorship ranks high. Throughout my career, mentors have played a crucial role in my professional growth, offering guidance and insight that has shaped my journey. Because of the impact mentorship has had on me, I actively seek opportunities to mentor others. I believe in helping college counselors build essential skills, expand their knowledge, and gain confidence in their abilities. After coordinating the college tours following the Summer Institute in San Antonio, I began to look for ways to become more active in the organization, and joining the New Counselor faculty was where I believed I could have the most significant impact. Since 2020, I have been a faculty member, and in 2023, I became the Program Chair. To collaborate with a fantastic faculty each year and welcome new colleagues into the world of independent school college counseling has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. At the conclusion of each workshop, I leave both invigorated and inspired by the new counselors heading back to schools across the country, ready to make an impact on their communities.

For me, this looks like working within a DEIB framework, which has been central to my role as a college counselor. Students and families approach the college admissions journey with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs, so it is necessary to understand those experiences and meet students where they are. In my role as a Co-Director, I want one of the hallmarks of our office to be equitable access to resources and college admissions knowledge, aiming to dismantle barriers that may otherwise limit students' opportunities. I have also worked to continually educate myself on understanding the intersectionality of race, socioeconomic status, and gender to help students navigate the admissions process.

Additionally, I have collaborated with faculty, staff, and administrators to build an inclusive school culture that demonstrates diversity's importance in educational institutions. Most of the work has involved continuing to educate our school community about the significance of diversity in college admissions, highlighting a broad range of colleges and universities and providing resources to assist students in identifying schools that align with their unique values and goals. Through these efforts, I want to ensure that all students feel empowered to pursue higher education, knowing their identities will be recognized and celebrated.

As a member of the ACCIS Board, I want to continue promoting accessible opportunities for all members, regardless of their background, location, or school resources. In addition, I want to affirm that we are doing all we can to actively support and engage diverse voices within the association. This includes examining which voices are represented at events, workshops, and in leadership roles so that members from different backgrounds feel seen, heard, and valued. My goal as a Board member is to continue making ACCIS a place where members feel empowered to contribute, collaborate, and grow, knowing that their diverse experiences and perspectives are a vital part of what makes our organization strong and impactful.

Education:
University of Tennessee, M.A., Public Administration, 2012
University of Tennessee, B.A., Political Science, 2005

Previous Employment:
The University of Tennessee (Knoxville, Tennessee)
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions (2009-2012); Admissions Counselor (2005-2009)

Professional Development:
ACCIS: Chair, New Counselor Workshop and Webinar Series (2023-Present), New Counselor Workshop and Webinar Series Faculty (2020-2023), Post Tour Coordinator, Summer Institute Trinity University (2018); TACAC: Mentor, Camp College (Summer 2015 & 2016). Conference Presentations: SACAC: “That’s Not My Job…Let Me Transfer You (2011); “Fun and Unique Ways to Train New Admissions Counselors” (2010); TNACRAO: “Lost in the Shuffle, 21st Century Challenges for Tennessee’s Black Enrollment” (2009) Advisory Boards: University of Tennessee (2024-Present), University of Utah (2022-Present), University of Georgia (2023-2024)

Jazmin John, she/her/hers
McDonogh School, Owings Mills, MD

My journey in higher education and college counseling has been shaped by a passion for student advocacy, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. Like many in this profession, my career began as an undergraduate student ambassador at Notre Dame of Maryland University, where I quickly found a sense of purpose in helping students navigate the college process. By my senior year, I had the opportunity to intern in the admissions office, stepping in for a counselor on maternity leave while also supervising fellow student ambassadors. That experience confirmed what I had already begun to realize— this was the work I wanted to do. 

Upon graduation, I was eager to stay in admissions, but my former director at Notre Dame gave me advice that would shape my career: "Go out, gain experience elsewhere, and when you're ready, you can always come home." That advice led me to Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, where I began as an Admission Counselor. The commute from Baltimore to Frederick was long, but for a bright-eyed 21-year-old, it was perfect. I dove headfirst into the field, traveling extensively, attending my first PCACAC conference, and becoming Social Media Chair for the Crab Crawl Counselor Tour.

A year later, as promised, Notre Dame called me home. I returned as the Visits & Events Coordinator, overseeing student ambassadors, planning admissions events and new student orientation, while deepening my leadership experience. My role evolved during my time there. After completing my graduate degree in 2019, I knew I was ready to embark on a new journey: college counseling.

Transitioning from higher education admissions to independent school admissions at Garrison Forest School gave me insight into recruiting high school students and a deeper understanding of independent school communities. After two years (and a global pandemic), I was given the opportunity to pursue my dream career in college counseling at Friends School of Baltimore, a school whose Quaker values and commitment to DEIB work drew me in immediately.

At Friends, I found my voice—not only as a college counselor, but as a leader in DEIB initiatives. I served as a DEI Coordinator, and when the school underwent a national search for a DEI Director, I stepped up to co-lead the office in an interim role while balancing my Assistant Director role in the college counseling office. During this time, I also co-chaired the ACCIS DEIB Committee, which allowed me to plan and launch the Equity & Innovation Summit, an initiative that remains one of my proudest professional accomplishments.

Currently at McDonogh School as Associate Director of College Counseling, I have continued to expand my leadership and professional development, attending NACAC, the NAIS People of Color Conference and participating in ACCIS leadership opportunities. In my first nine months, I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside a supportive and experienced team, furthering my knowledge and reinforcing my commitment to student-centered counseling.

This profession was not originally a profession for young black women like myself, but I have learned that my presence in these spaces is necessary. Whether it’s being the first or the only, I know that my work paves the way for other incredible women of color to step into this field. ACCIS has given me the opportunity to grow, lead, and advocate—not just for students, but for the future of this profession. Serving as Co-Chair of the DEIB Committee has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. Planning a national summit? Never in my wildest dreams! 

Now, I’m ready to take that passion and experience to the next level. As a member of the ACCIS Board of Trustees, I would bring a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing college counseling professionals today. My background in both higher education admissions and independent schools has equipped me with a unique perspective on how we can better serve our students and support our colleagues. I am committed to ensuring that ACCIS remains an inclusive, innovative, and forward-thinking organization.

I believe in the power of collaboration and bold leadership, and I’m passionate about contributing to initiatives that strengthen our community, promote equity, and inspire professional growth. Serving on the Board would allow me to continue the work that I love — amplifying voices, fostering meaningful change, and ensuring that every member of ACCIS feels supported and valued.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunities, mentorship, and community that ACCIS has provided, and I am excited for the possibility of giving back by serving on the Board of Trustees 

Education:
Notre Dame of Maryland University, B.A Psychology & Philosophy May 2015
Notre Dame of Maryland University, M.A Business & Leadership May 2019

Previous Employment: 

Hood College, Frederick, MD (July 2015- July 2016)
Admission Counselor

Notre Dame of Maryland University, Baltimore, MD (July 2016- July 2019)
Campus Visit & Events Coordinator Senior Admission Counselor

Garrison Forest School, Owings Mills, MD (July 2019- July 2021)
Assistant Director of Admissions Upper School 

Friends School of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD (July 2021- July 2024)
Assistant Director of College Counseling
Interim Co-Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (July 2023-July 2024)

McDonogh School, Owings Mills, MD (July 2024-Current)
Associate Director of College Counseling

Professional Development & Opportunities:
Co-Chair ACCIS DEIB Committee (2023-Current), Member of ACCIS DEIB Committee (2022-2023), NAIS People of Color Conference Seattle (2019) Virtual (2021) San Antonio (2022) Denver (2024), NACAC Seattle (2021) Houston (2022) Baltimore (2023) Los Angeles (2024), ACCIS Equity & Innovation Summit Attendee & Committee Member (2022), ACCIS Equity & Innovation Summit Co-Chair & Planner (2023 & 2024), ACCIS Summer Institute (2023), Glasgow Group Women of Color Retreat (2023), Glasgow Group Administrators of Color Conference (2023), PCACAC Counselor of the Year (2023), AIMS College Counselor Group Coordinator (2023-2024), New Counselor Retreat Ursinus College (Summer 2015), PCACAC Conference (Spring 2016), Social Media Chair for Crab Crawl Counselor Tour (2015-2019)

Royce Mussman, he/him
Sun Valley Community School, Sun Valley, ID

I believe in the transformative power of education. My college education was my ticket to bigger and greater things than my small, rural, public high school in New Mexico could offer. Somehow, this first-gen Air Force brat and son of a South Korean immigrant mother found his way from New Mexico to Maine to attend Bowdoin College. Bowdoin catalyzed my personal, academic, and professional transformations and directly influences my work today as a college counselor. When advising my students, I am motivated by how much college will impact their lives. I am excited to help them navigate the college application process, and it brings me great professional satisfaction to help students find their next community that will have a lasting impression on their lives.

I have been on either side of the college counseling/admissions desk for just over 20 years. I would bring my professional experience and leadership from college admission offices and independent international and domestic schools. My knowledge and understanding of the college admission landscape would be a great asset to the board, and yet, as that landscape changes at lightning speed, I am committed to staying up-to-date to be an informed board member. Being a well-informed college counseling professional is made that much easier by the ACCIS community. I am constantly impressed by the memberships’ collaborative spirit, depth of knowledge, mentorship, and support for each other. My respect for ACCIS is vast, and to be a part of leading and organizing this wonderful community would be a professional highlight and honor.

I have some specific professional projects and experiences that will help me be a valuable and contributing member of the ACCIS Board. One of the most significant and ambitious professional tasks that I have led was as Sun Valley Community School’s NWAIS Self-Study Coordinator for our most recent NWAIS Accreditation. Starting in the spring of 2023, I took on the Self-Study Coordinator role to mobilize our entire school community to engage in intentional reflection and self-evaluation of all programs at our school. This long-term project was no easy task and required impeccable organization and communication skills to be executed correctly and on time. By September 2024, almost 17 months into the self-study process, I was able to edit and finalize an approximately 200-page document that thoroughly covered the 13 self-study standards. The NWAIS Accreditation Team arrived on our campus for their visit in the final week of October 2024, and much to my great relief, Sun Valley Community School was recommended for re-accreditation by the visiting team. The most time-sensitive phase of the self-study overlapped with the most time-sensitive phase of the college application process. I have always prided myself on my work ethic and time management skills, but last fall put all of my skills to the test. Last fall’s successful NWAIS Accreditation Team visit and college application season makes me confident in my ability to take on the extra responsibilities required should I join the ACCIS Board.

In addition to my experience as a Self-Study Coordinator, another professional role that has prepared me for potential ACCIS Board service is my role as Sun Valley Community School’s DEI Co-Coordinator. DEI work in rural Idaho is, as you can imagine, not for the faint of heart, and when I first joined the SVCS faculty, I was the only faculty of color. In the past five years, we have successfully hired more faculty of color, our Middle and Upper Schools have created affinity spaces for students of color and queer students, we have regularly sent groups of faculty and students to PoCC and SDLC, and we have executed a school-wide DEI curriculum audit using Learning for Justice’s Social Justice Standards. We are currently preparing for our next DEI curriculum audit for the 2025-2026 academic year. Finally, in our 2015 NWAIS Accreditation Report, one of three major recommendations made by the visiting team concerned the DEI standard. Our DEI Committee’s hard work since 2015 was rewarded with a major commendation in the DEI section of the latest 2024 accreditation visiting team report.

In 2022-2023, I was asked to step into an unexpected vacant role on the PNACAC Executive Board. I served as the Awards & Recognition Chair that year, responsible for the scholarship application review and the PNACAC professional awards application process. I have had the great opportunity to participate in the NAIS Diversity Leadership Institute and the NWAIS Leaders of Color Program, where I learned from experienced independent school leaders from all over the county. I have presented at the annual conferences of NACAC, PNACAC, IACAC, and others. Finally, I have been a faculty member with College Horizons periodically since 2007. College Horizons is a non-profit dedicated to increasing the college enrollment, success, and graduation of Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Native Alaskan students. My volunteer work with College Horizons in past summers is one of the best ways I refill my professional college counseling cup.

The next three years are sure to be incredibly challenging for any organization like ACCIS that is so fundamentally committed to DEIB values. The political and cultural forces working against this vital work are daunting and sometimes seem insurmountable. This is precisely why I want to join the ACCIS Board. Through this organization that is unwaveringly dedicated to critical DEIB values, I see a supportive vocal community, who are a group of professionals willing to stand up for what is right to create educational spaces that are supportive and welcoming. I want to be part of a board that could help our colleagues around the country feel heard, empowered, and well-equipped to stand our ground when things get even tougher than they already are. It seems that joining the ACCIS leadership team at this challenging time might just be exactly where I should be serving for the next three years.

Education:

Bowdoin College, B.A. Asian Studies, 2004
Northeastern University, M.Ed. Higher Education Administration, 2012

Professional Experience:

Sun Valley Community School, Sun Valley, ID
Director of College Counseling, January 2022 - present
Co-Director of College Counseling, July 2018 - December 2021
Co-Coordinator of DEI, July 2019 - present

Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY
Associate Director of Admission, July 2016 - May 2018

Jakarta Intercultural School, Jakarta, Indonesia
High School Counselor, July 2013 - June 2016

Taipei American School, Taipei, Taiwan
College Counselor, August 2009 - June 2013

Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA
Assistant Dean of Admission, July 2006 - June 2009 Admission Counselor, July 2004 - July 2006

Professional Memberships, Conferences, Institutes, and Presentations:

NACAC; Member since 2006

• 2022 NACAC Annual Conference Presenter: “The Story of US (and Them): Personal Narratives and Recommendation Letters”

ACCIS; Member since 2021

PNACAC; Member since 2018

• Interim Awards & Recognition Committee Chair 2023
• 2022 PNACAC Annual Conference Presenter: “I Appreciate It When … It Is Frustrating When...”

NAIS

• People of Color Conference (PoCC)
• Conference attendance: 2018, 2019, 2022, & 2024
• Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC)
• 2019 SDLC co-chaperone
• 2021 Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI), virtual programming due to COVID

NWAIS

• 2021 Accreditation Visiting Team Member for Seattle Academy
• 2021 DEI Practitioner Focus Group helping to inform the revision of the DEI Self-Study Standard
• 2023 Leaders of Color: A Professional Learning Program

NYSAIS

• 2017 NYSAIS College Counselors Conference Presenter: “The College Essay: Helping Students Find an Authentic and Engaging Story to Tell”

IACAC, formerly OACAC

• 2015 OACAC Annual Conference Presenter: “Use Students’ Character Strengths to Build a Better College Process”
• 2010 OACAC Annual Conference Presenter: “Moving Across the Desk and the Pond”

CIS – EARCOS 2015 1st Annual Conference, Bangkok, Thailand

• 2015 Annual Conference Presenter: “I Heart the Big Durian: Why Jakarta is Ripe for Student Recruitment”

Warren Quirett, he/him/his
Episcopal High School, Alexandria, VA

I vividly remember attending the New Counselor Workshop and my first ACCIS Summer Institute. Fresh from switching to this side of the desk, I entered the chatter-filled opening session, slightly intimidated but excited about a new chapter. At the conclusion of the conference, I boarded my flight home feeling a profound sense of connection. That introductory experience served as a pivotal building block in the foundation of my involvement in our organization and profession. The more I learn and grow, the more apparent it is that the essential components of a fulfilled life are purpose-driven work and quality relationships. I, like so many of you, feel the undeniable synergy within our membership where people feel seen, heard, and, most importantly, valued.

As a Black queer man in this profession who has worked in predominantly White spaces and currently serves within an independent school community similar to the one he attended, I remain deeply committed to representation and authenticity. However, my candidacy for the Board of Directors extends beyond identity—it is rooted in a vision for ACCIS that embraces strategic growth, inclusive excellence, and responsive leadership.

My journey with ACCIS continues to be one of growth, purpose, and connection. What began as a search for community has evolved into a deep commitment to advancing our association's mission and values. Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of serving as Co-Leader for the ACCIS Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee, an experience that has both challenged and inspired me in ways I could not have anticipated.

Through collaborative leadership, our committee has flourished, experiencing exponential growth in both membership and impact. Together, we have successfully executed three in-person Equity and Innovation Summits, which have become cornerstone events reflecting our association's commitment to antiracist action and inclusive practices. The engagement from our membership reinforces what I've always believed: that ACCIS is uniquely positioned to lead transformational change. As our DEIB programming has expanded across the association, I've witnessed firsthand how an intentional focus on equity and inclusion strengthens our work. The relationships formed through committee service and summit participation have created support networks extending beyond annual conferences, fostering year-round collaboration and resource sharing. This interconnectedness is the heartbeat of ACCIS—where counselors from diverse backgrounds and experiences unite to elevate our profession and better serve our students.

My leadership on the NACAC Black and African Diaspora SIG has been similarly transformative, extending far beyond basic committee involvement. As Co-Leader, I've secured significant partnerships and collaborations that have amplified our reach and impact across the profession. One of my proudest accomplishments has been establishing a comprehensive mentorship program for new professionals in the field, creating pathways for sustainable career development. Additionally, I spearheaded an initiative that has significantly increased HBCU awareness and membership within NACAC, strengthening vital institutional representation in our national association. These initiatives have set a new standard for SIG leadership throughout NACAC, demonstrating how affinity groups can drive meaningful organizational change. This cross-organizational leadership experience has enhanced my ability to build bridges between constituencies and bring innovative, tested ideas back to our ACCIS community.

If elected to the Board of Directors, I would bring my experience in committee leadership and community building to further strengthen our association's infrastructure. My desire to support ACCIS’ long-term growth guides my focus on:

• Developing sustainable models for our successful initiatives, ensuring the longevity of programs like the Equity and Innovation Summit.
• Expanding mentorship opportunities for underrepresented counselors strengthens support for early-career professionals.
• Creating more accessible professional development pathways for members at all career stages, recognizing the diverse needs of our community.
• Strengthening the connection between our antiracist commitments and daily practices, ensuring that equity remains at the core of ACCIS’s work.

The cup that ACCIS continually fills for its members—through resources, community, and professional growth—is one I have benefited from immensely. As a Board member, I would be deeply committed to giving back to an organization that has given me so much.

I remain inspired by the collective wisdom of our membership, but I also recognize that this moment demands leadership that bridges diverse perspectives with strategic vision. My experience leading the DEI&B Committee through periods of significant growth, combined with my lived experience navigating independent school spaces as a Black queer professional, gives me a uniquely nuanced lens through which to view our challenges. At a time when both higher and secondary education face unprecedented scrutiny—from access barriers and affordability concerns to shifting federal policies—ACCIS needs leaders who can translate equity commitments into practical frameworks that serve all students. My demonstrated ability to build coalitions, design innovative programming, and center marginalized voices positions me to help ACCIS not merely respond to these challenges but to proactively shape the future of college counseling. My vision is one where ACCIS becomes the definitive voice for ethical, student-centered approaches that transcend political divisions while remaining firmly grounded in our shared values. This is the work I've been preparing for throughout my professional journey, and I'm ready to bring this purpose-driven leadership to our Board of Directors.

Education:
M.Ed. Higher Education Administration, Northeastern University, 2020
B.A. Political Science (International Politics), Louisiana State University, 2008

Previous Employment:
Associate Director of College Counseling, Episcopal High School, 2019-Present
Program Associate, Office of Community and Equity, Episcopal High School, 2023- Present Assistant Director of College Counseling, St. Johns College High School, 2018-2019
Senior Assistant Director of Regional Enrollment, Miami University, 2017-2018
Assistant Director of College Counseling, Holy Innocents Episcopal School 2014-2017
Senior Regional Admissions Counselor, Louisiana State University, 2008-2014

Significant Professional Development:
ACCIS (2014-2017, 2019-Present): Co-Chair of the Diversity Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee, Counselor Resources Subcommittee, Social Media Subcommittee, Black Affinity Group; NACAC (2008-Present): Co-Leader of the Black and African Diaspora Special Interest Group, HBCU Advance Advisory Committee, National College Fair Committee, Directing a Dynamic College Counseling Program, Guiding the Way to Inclusion, Ad-Hoc Committee on Centering Students in Development of Equitable Admission Practices; SACAC (2008- Present): Board of Directors (State and Area Initiatives Chair), Black and African Diaspora Special Interest Group Co-Leader, Regional Admissions Counselor SIG Leader, Dry Run Faculty, Silent Auction Chair; PCACAC (2018-Present) Conference Planning Committee (Social Chair), Black and African Diaspora SIG; NAIS (2014-Present) People of Color Diversity Leadership Conference (African American Affinity Group Leader); 2022 City of Alexandria Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 Recipient; Coca Cola Scholars Foundation (2016-2018) Program Reading Committee; Episcopal High School (2022-Present) Black Faculty & Staff Caucus; Jack Kent Cooke Foundation (2020-Present) Application Reader; Atlanta Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (2014-2017) Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee; Greater Atlanta Regional Network (2012-2014) Founder, President; Public Education Foundation (2011-2018) Camp College Faculty; Counselor Advisory Boards, University of Iowa, Dickinson College, Lynn University, Emory University, University California at Berkeley, Young Harris College, Georgia State University; Experienced presenter at NACAC, SACAC, PCACAC, NAIS, ACCIS