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News — Alexandria, Va. (March 21, 2025) — Shawn Boynes, FASAE, CAE, CEO of the American Counseling Association (ACA), has announced his departure effective April 15, 2024.

During his tenure, Boynes oversaw a 10% cumulative revenue growth, implemented a new, focused strategic plan, and launched the ACA Strategic Partner Network. He has driven innovation in the way the Association presents content — including an overhaul of educational offerings, year-over-year growth in annual conference attendance and increased financial support from exhibits and sponsorships to help diversify operational revenue. He also oversaw the relaunch of the counseling.org website and Counseling Today magazine. Under Boynes’ leadership, ACA made major investments in technological infrastructure to modernize ACA platforms and improve member service.

Boynes’ career in association management spans 30 years, coming to ACA after serving nine years as Executive Director of the American Association for Anatomy. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and has served on ASAE’s Board of Directors.

“This has been an incredible time to serve as the leader of ACA. The conversation around mental health couldn’t be more important in today’s environment, and the passion of counselors to rise to the occasion and meet the needs of their communities has been unparalleled,” Boynes said. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to advance ACA’s mission and I’m happy to leave the organization on a high note — better positioned for the future where mental health services will continue to be in high demand and where counselors will continue to answer the call to help.”

“On behalf of volunteer leadership, we thank Shawn for his meaningful contributions to ACA. We appreciate the innovation and energy he has infused and his dedication to the ACA mission,” said Christine Suniti Bhat, PhD, ACA’s 2024-2025 president.

Following Boynes’ departure, the search for a full-time CEO will begin. An interim CEO will provide leadership until a new CEO is hired.

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About the American Counseling Association

Founded in 1952, the American Counseling Association (ACA) is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. ACA represents more than 60,000 members and is the world’s largest association exclusively representing professional counselors in various practice settings. Driven by the belief that all people can benefit from the power of counseling, ACA’s mission is to promote the professional development of counselors, advocate for counselors, and ensure that ethical, culturally inclusive practices protect our members’ clients and all people who seek counseling services.