09/01/2024

Introducing NCDA’s New Director of Credentialing

NCDA is pleased to announce its new Director of Credentialing, Charlie Raphael. He began his full-time work with NCDA at the end of July 2024 and has been busy interacting with the Credentialing Commission, NCDA headquarters staff and members. NCDA sat down with Charlie to learn more about him and his plans as Director.

NCDA: Welcome! Can you give us a short biography?

CR: I have been in certification, accreditation, education and training for 17 years (covering eight different industries). Throughout this time, I have been working in the nonprofit association space and I would not want to stop working for associations because they are all mission-driven and made up of people with an unparalleled passion for their industry/specialty. I already found this true at NCDA!

NCDA: What do you plan to do in your role as the full-time Director?

CR: Following the fantastic work of the previous Director, Aaron Leson, I am being given the opportunity to work full-time with the Credentialing Commission to develop and execute an exciting plan aimed at supporting the overall NCDA strategic initiative and increasing awareness of our globally-respected career development credentials. We will be extending a hand to various organizations who represent a likeminded passion and mission, so that our knowledge base and certifications continue to reflect the best in our field. We have seen tremendous initial growth internationally through a special program created specifically to allow people from varying cultures and economies the opportunity to develop and hone their career development and counseling abilities, and our plan is to continue to develop new relationships that will allow us to follow through with NCDA's mission for all people to attain fulfilling career and life goals. 

NCDA: What might you be doing with the Commission, the current credential holders and potential credential holders that could be challenging?

CR: As our certification program continues to mature and spread throughout the world, the Credentialing Commission and I are always working to create new ways to continue to support our credential-holders in their professional development and the awareness of the standards and rigors to which they have validated their knowledge skills and abilities. Being open to new ways means that we must communicate effectively, which occurs both virtually and through regularly scheduled meetings at NCDA conferences and Board retreats.

NCDA: What do you like about NCDA so far?

CR: I am so excited to be a part of this dedicated and passionate team that has been further highlighted to me by the realization of the length of time that each person has been with NCDA. The Executive Director, Deneen Pennington, and several staff members at headquarters have been working together for over 20 years! Many credentialing commissioners have been long-time NCDA members and active in several areas of the association. It certainly speaks to the culture and care of the organization! Everything that I have experienced in my first few weeks has only served to energize me even more to jump in and help us help to "attain fulfilling career and life goals."

NCDA: Thank you, Charlie, for joining us and we look forward to interacting with you more!

Readers can learn more about the five NCDA credentials and how to apply by visiting www.ncdacredentialing.org. The Credentialing Commissioners, listing of all credential holders, Directory of Select Continuing Education Providers, FAQs and more can be found online. Or email questions to Charlie at craphael@ncda.org