The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) has officially appointed Breanne Hartley as its new Board of Directors president, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter in the organization’s history. Hartley succeeds SungWoo Kahng, who has served as the board president for the past seven years and has contributed significantly to the growth and evolution of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Kahng’s leadership helped shape the BACB into the reputable organization it is today, and now, under Hartley’s guidance, the BACB is poised for continued success and innovation.
Founded in 1988, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board has long been a vital force in advancing the field of behavior analysis, particularly for those working with individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. As a nonprofit organization, the BACB is dedicated to providing high standards for behavior analysts by offering certification programs for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs), and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). These certifications ensure that professionals are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical standards to provide high-quality services to individuals with behavioral health needs.
In this new phase of leadership, Breanne Hartley will help guide the Behavior Analyst Certification Board toward its mission of safeguarding consumers of behavior-analytic services by promoting and disseminating professional standards. As the field of behavior analysis continues to grow and evolve, Hartley’s leadership will play an essential role in ensuring that the Behavior Analyst Certification Board remains a trusted and influential force in the industry.
The Role of the BACB in the Behavior Analysis Community
Since its founding, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board has been a cornerstone of the behavior analysis community. As the certifying body for behavior analysts, the BACB sets the standard for professional practice and ethical conduct in the field. The certification programs offered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board are rigorous and serve as a mark of expertise and competence in the field. Professionals who earn the BCBA, BCaBA, or RBT credentials are expected to uphold the highest standards of care, ensuring that individuals who rely on behavior-analytic services receive effective, ethical, and evidence-based interventions.
The BACB is also accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which further reinforces its credibility and commitment to excellence. By providing certification programs and setting professional standards, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board plays a vital role in protecting the public, particularly vulnerable populations, by ensuring that behavior analysts are highly qualified and continuously advancing their knowledge and skills.
Breanne Hartley’s Leadership and Vision for the Future
Breanne Hartley brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role as president of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Currently serving as the Chief Clinical Officer at UNIFI Autism Care, a Carmel, Indiana-based autism therapy provider, Hartley has made a significant impact in the field. UNIFI, which was launched in mid-2023, is an innovative autism care provider that seeks to deliver exceptional therapy services while ensuring better coordination of care with other specialists. The company is backed by the Mitchell Family Office and has been quickly establishing itself as a leader in the autism therapy space.
Before her role at UNIFI, Hartley served as the Chief Operations Officer at LittleStar ABA Therapy, where she oversaw the organization’s day-to-day operations, ensuring that the company maintained its high standards for patient care. Her experience at both UNIFI and LittleStar has equipped her with the necessary skills to guide the Behavior Analyst Certification Board through an era of continued growth and change in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA).
In a heartfelt LinkedIn post announcing her appointment, Hartley shared her excitement about taking on the new role and working alongside the dedicated professionals on the BACB Board. “It is a gift to be surrounded by the incredibly dedicated professionals on this Board, who are all committed to the advancement of behavior analysis,” she wrote. “I eagerly look forward to helping the Behavior Analyst Certification Board fulfill its mission to protect consumers of behavior-analytic services by systematically establishing, promoting, and disseminating professional standards.”
The Growing Demand for Behavior Analysts
The demand for behavior analysts is growing at a rapid pace, and this trend is expected to continue as the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) gains recognition and importance in addressing the needs of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. According to recent statistics from the BACB and Lightcast, there were 65,300 BCBAs in 2023, and nearly half (44%) of them have had their certification for five years or less. This indicates that the field is experiencing rapid growth, with new professionals entering the field each year to meet the increasing demand for services.
This growing demand is driven by the increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the effectiveness of ABA in treating its symptoms. As more families seek behavioral interventions for their children, and as more schools, healthcare organizations, and other institutions recognize the value of ABA, the need for qualified behavior analysts continues to rise. This places additional pressure on organizations like the Behavior Analyst Certification Board to ensure that the certification process remains rigorous, and that behavior analysts receive the ongoing training and professional development needed to meet the evolving needs of the field.
Challenges and Opportunities for the BACB Under Hartley’s Leadership
As the field of ABA continues to grow, so too will the challenges facing the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. With the increasing number of behavior analysts entering the field, it is crucial that the BACB maintains the integrity of its certification process and continues to set the highest standards for professional practice. Under Hartley’s leadership, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board will likely focus on further enhancing the certification process, expanding professional development opportunities, and ensuring that behavior analysts have the tools they need to provide effective services to individuals with autism and other developmental disorders.
One of the key challenges facing the BACB is maintaining consistency in certification standards as the demand for professionals grows. Ensuring that all behavior analysts, regardless of their background or experience, meet the same high standards for competency and ethical practice will be essential for protecting consumers and upholding the credibility of the profession. Additionally, as more states and countries adopt ABA as a standard for treating autism, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board will play a key role in ensuring that behavior analysts are equipped to meet the specific needs of diverse populations.
However, the growing field also presents numerous opportunities for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board to innovate and expand its influence. As the demand for behavior analysts continues to rise, the BACB has an opportunity to explore new avenues for certification, education, and professional development, ensuring that behavior analysts remain at the forefront of evidence-based practice in the treatment of autism and related disorders.
Looking to the Future: A Stronger BACB
Breanne Hartley’s appointment as president of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board comes at a critical time for the organization and the field of applied behavior analysis. With a growing pool of certified professionals, a rising demand for ABA services, and an increasing recognition of the effectiveness of behavior analysis in addressing autism spectrum disorder, the BACB will need strong leadership to guide it through the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Hartley’s extensive experience in clinical operations and her dedication to improving autism therapy services make her an ideal candidate to lead the Behavior Analyst Certification Board into the future. Under her leadership, the BACB will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing the field of behavior analysis, ensuring that the highest standards are met, and protecting the individuals who rely on behavior-analytic services for their well-being.
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board is entering a new era, and with Breanne Hartley at the helm, it is poised to thrive and make an even greater impact on the lives of individuals with autism and other behavioral health needs. With a strong focus on professional standards, consumer protection, and ongoing innovation, the BACB will continue to be a leading force in the field of applied behavior analysis for years to come.
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