Statement by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) – Change in leadership
Today, the ACICS Board of Directors announced that Roger J. Williams has been appointed as the new Interim Chief Executive Officer and President. Williams replaces Tony Bieda, who had been serving as the Executive in Charge since April. Prior to that, Mr. Bieda led all external affairs for ACICS since 2007.
The Board believes this is a prudent step in its ongoing effort to revitalize ACICS with a clear, unremitting focus on strengthening the quality and integrity of its accrediting process. The national search for a permanent CEO of the organization will proceed uninterrupted during this transition.
Mr. Williams has been serving as a Special Advisor to the ACICS Council since late May. He brings nearly 25 years of experience in the management of higher education accreditation through his previous role as Executive Director of the Accrediting Council of Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Williams transformed ACCET from the brink of losing its recognition with the Department and near bankruptcy in 1990, into a highly regarded agency with a healthy reserve and a stable future. Moreover, he led ACCET to become the only U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency to be certified by the International Organization for Standardization as a Quality Management System. The Board is confident that Roger Williams will serve as a capable guide toward the substantial improvements ACICS is implementing to its operations and oversight capacity.
The Board of Directors appreciates the 8 ½ years of loyal service to ACICS and dedicated leadership provided by Mr. Bieda during difficult and challenging times. The Board wishes Tony best wishes in his future endeavors.
About ACICS
Founded in 1912, ACICS is the largest national accrediting organization of degree-granting institutions. ACICS accredits professional, technical and occupational programs, and is one of only two national accreditors recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The mission of ACICS is to advance educational excellence at independent, nonpublic career schools, colleges and organizations in the United States and abroad.