Koya partnered with the American Counseling Association on its search for its next CEO.

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is the largest member organization of counseling professionals in the world, representing 57,000 members nationally. ACA’s mission is to promote the professional development of counselors, advocate for counselors, and to ensure that ethical, culturally-inclusive practices protect its members’ clients and all people who seek counseling services.

The search resulted in the appointment of Shawn E. Boynes, CAE, FASAE to the role.

Boynes brings over 25 years of association management experience to the role. Most recently, Boynes served as Executive Director at the American Association for Anatomy (AAA). There, he successfully partnered with volunteer leadership to rebrand and transform the 134-year-old organization into a thriving society committed to diversity, equity and inclusion while leading impactful change in the scientific community.

Prior to joining AAA, Boynes served as Senior Director of Education for the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), the leading professional association for infection preventionists. During this time, he drastically increased revenue for annual conferences, online education and sponsorships. He also launched and developed APIC’s online education center.

Boynes has also served in leadership roles at the Minority Corporate Counsel Association, Greater Washington Society of Association Executives, American Trucking Associations, and the Association of Corporate Counsel.

A recognized leader in the association community, Boynes is actively involved in the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). He is currently Chair of the ASAE Fellows program, having previously been identified for his leadership in the space and named an ASAE Fellow in 2017. He is also a Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) Scholar. He earned his Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in 2010.

Previously at ASAE, he served on its Board of Directors, the Certified Association Executive (CAE) Commission and a variety of other committees.

Throughout Boynes’ career, he has developed a true appreciation for continuous learning and the value that mission-driven associations bring to the world.  Boynes brings knowledge, expertise and experience to ACA at a critical time in its history, where the investment in and strengthening of mental health care systems is needed more than ever.

Boynes earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing from Howard University.

Read the announcement: American Counseling Association Announces First New CEO in 23 Years