The ACHA Health and Well-Being Executive Leadership (HWBEL) Section is ACHA’s newest section and serves as a network of members invested in advancing the executive leadership aspects of health and well-being on campus. This section was created to support the growing number of professionals in Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) and Associate Vice Provost (AVP) roles focused on campus health and well-being, who felt they did not fit within any existing sections.
This section provides a forum for sharing ideas, building professional relationships, and fostering a culture of care that benefits students, faculty, and staff alike. The HWBEL Section is dedicated to establishing competencies for executive leadership in higher education, supporting leadership development, and encouraging the exchange of ideas among members to create a strong professional network.
We spoke with Section Chair Anna Courie, DNP, RN, PHNA-BC, from Clemson University, and Section Chair-elect Oliver Tacto, DSW, MPH, CHES, from Maryville University, about their leadership journeys, the HWBEL Section’s vision, and the evolving landscape of college health.
Q: What inspired you to take on the leadership role for the section?
Anna Courie: I became the chair of the Health and Well-Being Executive Leadership Section by raising my hand. I have long believed in the importance of service to professional organizations that advance practice for their members, and ACHA leads the way in higher education health and well-being. My background includes building new programs and strategies, so taking on the role of the first chair didn’t phase me. My goal is to lay a strong foundation for future leaders.
Oliver Tacto: I saw this section as an opportunity to build something meaningful. Executive leadership in health and well-being is crucial, and I wanted to be part of shaping how we develop and support leaders in this space. The collaborative aspect of this section excites me—we’re bringing together professionals who can truly make an impact at their institutions.
Q: What has the HWBEL Section accomplished in its first year?
Anna Courie: We’ve achieved several milestones, including publishing and signing the section’s Articles of Operation, developing a five-year strategic plan, and launching our Connect site. Our membership has grown to over 210 individuals. We are hosting meet-and-greets, quarterly section meetings, and a needs assessment led by Chair-Elect Oliver Tacto. Thad Mantaro created our first newsletter, LaNika Wright is coordinating our national conference track, and Members-at-Large Sherra’ Watkins and Padonda Webb are representing HWBEL across the association. It’s been a tremendous collaboration.
Oliver Tacto: The needs assessment has been a key initiative. We wanted to ensure we were addressing the real challenges and priorities of our members. The results have helped shape our strategic plan, and we are excited to implement new programs based on the insights we gathered.
Q: What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in college health and well-being?
Anna Courie: It’s an exciting time for leadership in health and well-being. Organizations increasingly recognize the strategic importance of health and wellness, whereas historically, higher education focused on developing a workforce with healthcare as a required service. Now, institutions are shifting toward developing whole individuals. This requires systemic changes that address the needs of students, faculty, and staff. Health and wellness are no longer just a nice-to-have; they are an organizational imperative for success.
Oliver Tacto: One of the biggest challenges is integrating health and well-being into institutional strategy rather than treating it as a standalone initiative. The opportunity lies in demonstrating how well-being impacts academic success, retention, and institutional effectiveness. We need to be at the table for these discussions and advocate for policies that prioritize whole-campus wellness.
Q: What advice do you have for ACHA members striving to improve health and well-being on their campuses?
Anna Courie: Compassion is key. Drawing from the work of Drs. Trzeciak and Mazzarelli, we know that without compassion, there can be no sense of community. Caring reduces burnout, diminishes isolation, and enhances belonging. When we prioritize interpersonal caring and compassion, other aspects of health and well-being naturally fall into place.
Oliver Tacto: Build relationships. Change happens when people are engaged, connected, and invested. The best initiatives are the ones that bring together different stakeholders—students, faculty, administrators—to create a shared vision for well-being on campus.
Q: What keeps you motivated in this field?
Anna Courie: I’ve worked in organizational health and well-being for over 20 years. What excites me most is when individuals outside of the health and wellness profession engage in well-being initiatives. Health and well-being should be everyone’s responsibility, not just that of a chief well-being officer. Seeing that broader engagement reaffirms the importance of this work.
Oliver Tacto: Seeing the tangible impact of our work. When an institution shifts from viewing well-being as a service to seeing it as an integral part of its mission, that’s a huge win. Knowing that we’re shaping healthier, more supportive environments for students and staff keeps me motivated every day.
Q: Why should ACHA members consider joining the HWBEL Section, and how can they get involved?
Anna Courie: We need executive leadership in health and well-being. I once advised a Fortune 15 company’s COO that their well-being approach would fail if they focused only on programs and benefits without a strategic vision. Health and well-being should be embedded in every aspect of an organization. That’s what HWBEL is about—empowering leaders to engage in these critical conversations and advocate for holistic institutional well-being. We need leaders who care, because without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community. I encourage members to join HWBEL and help build this community of leadership and transformation.
Oliver Tacto: Joining HWBEL means becoming part of a network of leaders who are committed to making a real difference. We offer opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and collaboration. Whether you’re an established leader or looking to grow into an executive role, HWBEL provides the support and resources to help you succeed.
We invite you to join the Health and Well-Being Executive Leadership (HWBEL) Section and become part of this dynamic network of leaders dedicated to advancing health and well-being in higher education.
As Anna and Oliver have shared, this section is about more than just leadership—it’s about creating systemic change, building strong professional relationships, and ensuring that well-being is a strategic priority on campuses nationwide. By joining HWBEL, you’ll gain access to valuable networking opportunities, professional development resources, and a community of peers who are passionate about shaping the future of campus well-being.
To join, log in to your ACHA account, navigate to Manage My Account under the Member Center and add the HWBEL Section to your preferences. We’re excited to have you as part of this growing community of leaders dedicated to making well-being a cornerstone of higher education!
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