The Moran Company Assists the American Counseling Association With CEO Search
May 1, 2026 – The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Brian Banks as the new CEO of the American Counseling Association. Jon Rosell led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Brian back to ACA,” said ACA governing council president M. Elsa Soto Leggett. “At a time when policy and advocacy efforts are a central concern for our organization, it’s exciting to have Brian’s deep knowledge in this area as a resource. Given his ongoing commitment to advancing the counseling profession, as well as his skill in relationship development and organizational leadership, we knew he was the right person to lead our organization into its next phase. We look forward to seeing ACA grow and flourish under his leadership. Known for his strategic vision, collaborative leadership and commitment to equitable access to mental health care, Banks brings a forward‑thinking, mission‑centered approach to leading ACA into its next chapter.”
Mr. Banks is a nationally recognized leader in government affairs, public policy and strategic advocacy. He brings more than two decades of experience advancing mental health access, strengthening professional standards and shaping impactful national legislation. Mr. Banks previously worked at ACA from 2019–2024, serving for four years as ACA’s chief government affairs and public policy officer.
Prior to re-joining ACA, Mr. Banks served as the executive director of the Policy, Advocacy & Research in Counseling Center and chief government affairs officer at the National Board for Certified Counselors, where he led national policy strategy, research initiatives, legislative engagement and organizational growth. He drove operational oversight and strategic innovation through initiatives such as developing artificial intelligence regulatory guidance for the federal government and state regulatory agencies in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
As ACA’s chief government affairs and public policy officer, Mr. Banks transformed the association’s advocacy program into a nationally recognized leader in the mental health policy space. Under his leadership, ACA achieved historic legislative wins — including expanding Medicare provider eligibility for counselors — and delivered record‑breaking increases in grassroots engagement.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Banks held senior policy and advocacy roles across federal, corporate and nonprofit sectors, including serving as legislative liaison for the secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon. He has also driven community‑impact initiatives through leadership positions at MGM Resorts International and the Capital Area Food Bank.
“ACA has always supported the profession with empathy and works to amplify the needed impact for counselors through community and partnerships,” Mr. Banks said. “As I step into the role as CEO of the American Counseling Association, I am committed to a future where every counselor — from our graduate students to those who are preparing to retire — are supported in their journey. ACA will provide mentorship that guides, resources that equip, and we will collaborate with our partners to strengthen our voice across the country and globally.”
“Together, we will nurture resilience, champion well-being, and ensure every counselor has a home here at ACA, and that we will remain a reliable resource for all people,” he continued. “The strength of ACA is the people, and together we will work to protect and promote the profession for generations to come.”
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The American Counseling Association is a 60,000-member not-for-profit organization dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. ACA provides education, community and professional development opportunities to counselors in various practice settings as well as counselors in training. As a 501c3 professional association founded in 1952, it also provides leadership, advocacy and resources for the counseling profession. ACA consists of 20 divisions, four regions and 56 chartered branches.
Finding Non-Profit Leaders
The Moran Company, based in Leawood, KS, specializes in searches for non-profit leadership, including executive directors, fundraising/development directors, hospital foundation directors, and other senior executives. Bill Moran founded the search firm in 1996. He has worked on more than 70 non-profit searches. He brings a rare combination to the search sector having spent 10 years as senior fundraising staff and 12 years as a successful fundraising consultant serving more than 100 clients.
Mr. Moran founded the search firm in 1996. He has worked on more than 70 non-profit searches. He brings a rare combination to the search sector of having spent another 10 years as senior fundraising staff and 12 years as a successful fundraising consultant serving more than 100 clients.
Mr. Rosell has more than 30 years of non-profit leadership experience in associations, education, human services and healthcare. He began his career as a special education teacher and transitioned to a 17-year administrative career within special education in both public and private, non-profit leadership roles.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
