CEC Names Chad Rummel, M.Ed., Executive Director

Arlington, Va., Nov. 25, 2019 ― The Council for Exceptional Children announced the appointment of Chad Rummel, M.Ed., CAE, as executive director, effective Jan. 1, 2020.

“Chad Rummel is a distinguished executive and thought leader with expertise in policy, advocacy, standards, volunteer leadership management, communications, membership, and conference development,” said CEC President Mary Lynn Boscardin. “In addition to bringing many years of experience in implementing programs and initiatives to enhance revenue and expand membership, Chad has well-established roots in the education community, which will help advance CEC’s mission to improve the educational lives of children and youth with exceptionalities. We are delighted that he has agreed to lead our team.”

Chad brings a deep understanding of CEC’s work to his new role, drawn from his nearly 16 years of experience – including six years as an educator and nine years in professional membership associations. He has strong expertise in education initiatives, Board and volunteer management, digital communications, events management, advocacy, and sponsorship/development initiatives. Chad comes to CEC from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP), where he has been executive director since 2013. Prior to that, Chad served as a Management, Communications, and Meetings Consultant at the American Psychological Association; held positions at the National Scholastic Press Association and Herff Jones Yearbooks; and co-taught with special educators in Journalism, Business, and Computer electives at public high schools.

While at SPSP, Chad led the process of moving the organization’s management from a volunteer-run, outsourced enterprise to one that is aligned, forward-thinking, strategically focused, and efficiently managed. As part of these efforts, he led the redevelopment of SPSP’s digital communication efforts, increased membership by nearly 50 percent, and implemented a new strategic mission, vision, and brand.

Chad received his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Business and Journalism from Emporia State University and his Master of Education degree in Education Leadership from George Mason University.

“This is an exciting time for CEC as we enter a new era of advocacy, standards, and professional development on behalf of children and youth with exceptionalities and the educators who serve them,” said Chad. “I am committed to advancing the mission that has led CEC from its beginnings almost 100 years ago. I believe my experience uniquely positions me to propel CEC into our next chapter – as I’ve spent my career doing education work through the lens of an association management professional, and association management through the lens of an educator. I am looking forward to partnering with CEC’s members, leaders, and stakeholders to continue this organization’s critical work.”

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the professional association of educators dedicated to advancing the educational success of children and youth with exceptionalities that accomplishes its mission through advocacy, standards, and professional development. Learn more about CEC at exceptionalchildren.org

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