Courtney Ackerson, LMHC
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
The AMHCA Leadership Institute recently discussed the concept of "running toward
leadership," which I feel encapsulates my journey to AMHCA. Through my leadership roles within the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA) and AMHCA, I have honed my skills, preparing me to sprint towards leadership within AMHCA. I've actively participated in committees, attended annual conferences, and steadily amassed knowledge about AMHCA. The enthusiasm and energy echoed by fellow AMHCA members in the leadership institute fuels my ambition to elevate my involvement to the next level – by running for President of AMHCA.
I have been an engaged member of my state chapter since 2015 and joined AMHCA in 2016. Serving as treasurer for three years and president for a 5-year tenure in IMHCA, I've dedicated eight years to volunteer service. Recently, in August 2023, applied and was selected as the inaugural executive director for IMHCA, a role that allows me to contribute to the profession in a new capacity, fostering a fresh zeal and commitment to serve licensed mental health counselors.
My professional journey as a clinician across various settings, including inpatient and outpatient services from 2011 to 2017, has nurtured my inclination towards policy advocacy and staff development. Transitioning to a role in policy development within
behavioral health for a health management company, I provided oversight and assistance to providers, which seamlessly transitioned into my current role as the IMHCA executive director.
In addition to my volunteer work with IMHCA, I have a rich history of volunteering with nonprofit organizations and boards from committee work to board positions.
I been on the board of my neighborhood Association for the past three years and currently serve as president. I have lead the board through strategic planning and implementation. Our all-volunteer board hosts an annual calendar of events while it also focuses on recruiting and retaining community members. My neighborhood organization is the largest and most diverse neighborhood in Des Moines. We have implemented effective communication strategies with neighbors and ensured the operating costs of the organization are met. I plan monthly board meetings that include community members, city officials, local organizations, and elected officials.
I have historically been involved in other non-profits that have given me valuable knowledge in event planning and non-profit operations. These non-profits include Junior League of Des Moines which is a national organization of women who are giving back to their communities and expanding their leadership skills. I have also assisted The Beacon of Life in Des Moines
multiple years on their large-scale fundraising event, The Cake Gala, managing over $100,000 in donations and hundreds of attendees.
believe that I am in a unique position and have a specific skill set that can assist AMHCA currently. I have volunteered on AMHCA committees including the State Chapter Relations Committee (2019 - 2020), Conference Committee (2021 - 2024), Membership Committee (2020 - 2024), Awards committee (2023 and 2024), and Nominations Committee (2022 and 2023). I have attended the AMHCA conference since 2016 and volunteered on site where needed. Regular attendance at AMHCA board meetings as a member for just over a year and sporadically throughout my membership has helped me to understand AMHCA’s current strategic movement and operations.
With my involvement over multiple presidents, multiple committees, and from my personal member experience, my goals include:
- Increase membership by 20%, or approximately 1,200 members.
- Increase recruitment efforts.
- Targeting student membership for lifetime involvement.
- Targeting unified dues states.
- Targeting large state chapter memberships – attending state conferences, tabling/exhibiting strategically.
- Targeting states where we can access licensure lists for contacts.
- Holding a conference in strategic locations to draw members.
- Increase membership benefits adding two service-focused benefits.
- Expand non-dues revenue programming. Specifically assessing the income, evaluating programming, and building on our needs.
- Increase Conference Attendance by 20%.
- Maximize sponsorships at the conference.
- Revitalize the Foundation for AMHCA Scholarships. Expanding on the use or purpose if needed and increasing fundraising efforts. Scholarships for those entering the field are much needed with the increasing cost of education.
CANDIDATE VIDEO
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AWARDS AND HONORS
AMHCA’s Outstanding Leadership to a State Chapter (2018-2019)
IMHCA Outstanding Leadership (2023)
Junior League Member of the Year (2021)