ACMP names its 2026–2027 global board

The Association of Change Management Professionals has named its 2026–2027 Global Board of Directors, which begins Sept. 1 and includes eight members based outside the United States. The new board is the most internationally representative in ACMP history as the organization looks to expand its global reach.

Why it matters: - ACMP's new board puts international representation at the center of its governance. - Eight of the 11 board members live outside the United States, which ACMP says makes the group the most internationally representative board in its history. - The board will help steer member support, professional standards, certification and the association's global strategy.

What happened: - The Association of Change Management Professionals announced its 2026–2027 Global Board of Directors after completing its recent board election process. - The new board begins its term on Sept. 1, 2026. - New board members are Dr. Behnaz Gholami of Canada, Sharon McLaughlin, CCMP®, of Canada, Gabriela Prado, CCMP®, of Chile and Samantha Rykers, MCMP™, CCMP®, of Australia. - Continuing board members are Rich Batchelor, MCMP™, CCMP®, of Canada; Yolonda Evans of the United States; Alexandra Hartman, MCMP™, CCMP®, of the United States; David Melin-Högrell of Sweden; Rana Özşeker, MCMP™, CCMP®, of Türkiye; Dr. Jens Sorg, MCMP™, CCMP®, of Germany; and Aric Wood of the United States. - Amanda Schmoldt, MCMP™, CCMP®, of the United States, is ending her term on Aug. 31 and will remain available as Past President for leadership and guidance as needed.

The details: - Seven incoming board members hold ACMP professional certifications. - The CCMP® credential recognizes experienced professionals who have demonstrated competency in applying the ACMP Standard for Change Management. - The MCMP™ designation recognizes distinguished leaders who have demonstrated advanced expertise and significant contributions to the profession. - ACMP said the new board reflects its commitment to the global change management profession. - The board includes leaders from North America, South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. - ACMP thanked departing board members Isolde Kanikani, CCMP®, of the Netherlands; Siddharth Kumar, CCMP®, of India; and Aizhan Zhantayeva, CCMP®, of Kazakhstan. - ACMP said their service helped strengthen the organization and support the growth of the global change management profession.

Between the lines: - The board mix signals ACMP is leaning harder into a global identity as change management becomes more internationally distributed. - The certification-heavy roster suggests ACMP wants governance tied closely to professional standards and credentialed leadership. - CEO Deshini Newman said the board's diversity will help ACMP advance the profession worldwide and bring cultural insights to the organization. - Board President Rich Batchelor said the global lineup should help ACMP better understand member needs and strengthen the worldwide community.

What's next: - The incoming board takes over on Sept. 1 and will begin guiding ACMP's next phase. - ACMP says the board will continue supporting members, strengthening standards and advancing certification. - The association says it will keep pursuing its vision of leading the way change works.

The bottom line: - ACMP is using its next board term to underscore that change management is now a truly global profession.