Job description and link to application follow below.

AGA, the premier professional association advancing government accountability, announced today that it is accepting applications for its next chief executive officer as Ann Ebberts retires after leading the organization for twelve years. The CEO will serve as the strategic and operational leader of the organization, reporting to the national president and the National Governing Board.

Formerly known as the Association of Government Accountants, AGA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving the government accountability community across federal, state and local levels. The organization advances accountability, transparency and leadership through education, certification, innovation and collaboration with members and stakeholders in government, academia and the private sector.

AGA advances both public service and professional excellence, and the next CEO will help shape how the accountability community responds to a period of significant change in government. AGA is looking for a mission-driven executive who can advance its strategic vision while preserving the credibility and nonpartisan independence that define this organization.

The CEO will lead AGA’s strategy execution, financial stewardship and stakeholder engagement, including oversight of the organization’s signature programs and certifications such as the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), National Leadership Training (NLT), Professional Development Training (PDT) and Internal Control & Fraud Prevention Training. The role also includes responsibility for membership growth, chapter vitality and championing the modernization of accountability practices through technology, analytics and emerging oversight methodologies.

AGA is seeking candidates with a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit, association or government-facing organization. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of legislative and regulatory dynamics, experience working with boards and governance bodies, financial expertise and the executive presence to represent AGA with credibility across the government accountability community.

The position is based in AGA’s Alexandria, Virginia, headquarters. Confidential applications, including a letter of interest and resume, will be accepted through the OpenWater portal until 11:59 p.m. ET on June 21, 2026.

About AGA

AGA is the premier association for advancing government accountability. It is a professional association advancing accountability, transparency and leadership by promoting education, certification, innovation and collaboration across all levels of government and with stakeholders. AGA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

AGA Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Reports to: National President/National Governing Board
Classification: Exempt, Executive, Full Time
Location: Alexandria, VA (Headquarters)

Position Summary

The chief executive officer (CEO) serves as the strategic and operational leader of AGA (formerly known as the Association of Government Accountants), responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, goals, financial sustainability and stakeholder impact. AGA is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit association serving the government accountability community by providing members and future members with opportunities to learn together, share best practices and expand their professional and personal networks. The CEO provides visionary leadership while ensuring effective strategy execution, strong governance and organizational and operational excellence. 

This role requires a dynamic leader who operates at the intersection of government (federal, state and local), nonprofit, academia and private-sector environments — serving as an advocate, public administrator and entrepreneur. The ideal candidate is a mission-driven executive who can balance strategic vision, governance excellence, operational leadership, stakeholder engagement and innovation while preserving the organization’s credibility, independence and commitment to public trust.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the organization 
• Lead, develop and retain a high-performing staff 
• Partner with the National Governing Board (NGB) to establish priorities and ensure effective governance 
• Oversee the development and delivery of programs and services 
• Grow the organization’s membership and impact
• Ensure steady financial growth and sound financial management, transparency, resilience and accountability 
• Represent AGA externally with government, industry and public stakeholders 
• Strengthen and expand stakeholder relationships across sectors 
• Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion and continuous improvement 
• Serve as a thought leader on emerging industry and regulatory issues and trends

Essential Functions

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and execution of AGA’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with mission and stakeholder needs 
• Organizational Management: Oversee day-to-day operations and lead staff in delivering high-impact programs, products and services that meet and exceed members’ needs and expectations
• Financial Stewardship: Ensure fiscal integrity through disciplined budgeting, internal controls and performance monitoring
• Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Partnerships: Build and maintain partnerships across government, nonprofit and private sectors; and identify, evaluate and implement growth opportunities to maintain AGA’s reputation as a trusted, nonpartisan organization committed to advancing accountability, transparency, stewardship and effective government
• Innovation and Growth: Advance membership growth, chapter vitality, professional development, certification and the modernization of accountability practices through innovation, technology, analytics and emerging oversight methodologies

• Governance and Board Relations: Serve as an ex officio, non-voting member of the NGB and as a trusted advisor to the NGB, ensuring collaboration, transparency, alignment, ethical conduct and effective nonprofit membership governance practices
• External Affairs: Represent AGA with credibility across the government accountability community, government agencies at all levels and the broader public sector through stakeholder engagement, public speaking and thought leadership
• National Convening and Event Leadership: Lead national dialogue and convene strategic forums, conferences and professional events that advance accountability, innovation, leadership development and collaboration across all levels of government
• Operational Excellence: Strengthen systems, policies and processes to enhance efficiency and member experience
• Risk Management: Manage risks that could impact mission, growth, priorities and long-term sustainability

Experience & Education

• A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, preferably within a nonprofit, association or government-facing organization
• Relevant management or professional experience or certification is desired
• Demonstrated ability to lead through complex, sensitive or high-visibility environments with sound judgment, executive diplomacy, credibility and integrity

Additional Requirements

• Understanding of government environments, including legislative and regulatory dynamics
• Experience managing membership organizations is desired
• Experience working effectively with boards and governance bodies
• Experience leveraging technology and data analytics to improve performance 
• A high degree of political acumen, integrity and professionalism 
• Strong financial expertise with experience overseeing budgets and performance 
• Ability to analyze complex information and make sound decisions, and respond effectively to sensitive or high-stakes situations
• Support the development of the next generation of government accountability leaders through mentorship, education, certification and professional community building
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and the ability to represent AGA effectively with diverse and high-level audiences
• Strong executive presence and public speaking skills
• Ability to travel is required to support chapters, attend events and build stakeholder relationships.

Operational Measures of Success

• Financial performance (revenue, expense management, return on investment) 
• Membership growth, engagement and retention 
• Program and certification performance (e.g., National Leadership Training, Professional Development Training, Internal Control & Fraud Prevention Training, CGFM)
• Customer and member satisfaction 

Compensation and Application Process

AGA offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Confidential applications will be accepted until June 21 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume through the OpenWater portal.

Equal Opportunity Statement

AGA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.