02 May 2023
NCHEC Board Announcement for Interim Executive Director
Whitehall, PA. May 1, 2023. The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing Inc.’s (NCHEC) Board of Commissioners (BOC) is announcing the appointment of Melissa Opp, MPH, MCHES®, ICE-CCP, as the Interim Executive Director. Taking over the role from her predecessor, Opp brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and an unwavering commitment to the NCHEC organization.
As the Interim Executive Director, Opp will manage the day-to-day operations, execute NCHEC's strategic goals, and focus on continued quality improvement. Opp’s appointment comes at a critical time for NCHEC, as it continues to focus on maintaining and elevating accredited credential programs for health education specialists. The Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES®) programs serve as the benchmark for quality assurance in the Health Education and Promotion profession.
Commenting on her new role, Opp expressed her eagerness to lead NCHEC into a new era, saying, "I am grateful for the opportunity to support NCHEC during this time of transition and to work in collaboration with the board, staff, and other stakeholders to further the organization’s mission. I remain committed to advancing the NCHEC certification programs and the Health Education and Promotion profession.”
Opp has been with NCHEC since 2008, most recently in the role of Deputy Executive Director, and has proven to be a major contributor to its success. She holds a Master's in Public Health (MPH), is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES®), and holds a certification from the Institute for Credentialing Excellence in Certified Credentialing Professional (ICE-CCP). Her commitment and dedication to the field of health education have not gone unnoticed, and the BOC values her knowledge of the field and NCHEC as a credentialing organization.
Finally, with her appointment, NCHEC's Board of Commissioners expresses its confidence in her ability to lead the organization. NCHEC BOC Chair Kathy Janes Jinkins said, “The Board of Commissioners is enthusiastic about having Melissa continue her career with NCHEC as the Interim Executive Director. With her years of experience with the organization and her demonstrated work ethic, we have the utmost confidence in Melissa to take the reins of NCHEC.”
Founded in 1988, the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the professional practice of Health Education/Promotion. The mission of NCHEC is to enhance the professional practice of Health Education by promoting and sustaining a credentialed body of Health Education Specialists. To meet this mission, NCHEC certifies health education specialists, promotes professional development, and strengthens professional preparation and practice.