CCAHM Welcomes New Vice President and Member-at-Large after November Special Election

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Centennial, CO – November 2024 – The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) is pleased to announce the results of its recent Executive Committee elections. Dr. Benjamin W. Griffith II, DAc, LAc, DiplAc, has been elected as Vice President, and Brittany C. Sanelli, M.Ac., L.Ac., has been elected as Member-at-Large. Both will serve critical roles in advancing CCAHM's mission to promote excellence in acupuncture and herbal medicine education.

Ben Griffith, who has served as member-at-large on the EC since 2021 and CCAHM Faculty Development Committee Chair since 2023, brings nearly two decades of experience as an instructor and eight years as a department chair at Won Institute of Graduate Studies in Warminster, PA, brings extensive expertise in accreditation, instruction, advocacy, and coalition building. Upon his election, he stated: "It is an honor to continue serving CCAHM in this new capacity. As a profession, we face significant challenges, and strong, collaborative leadership is essential to overcome them. I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of our member colleges and the field as a whole."

Newly elected to the Executive Committee, Brittany Sanelli, President of the Institute of Taoist Education and Acupuncture (ITEA) in Louisville, Colorado, brings a unique perspective with her background in forward-thinking curricular changes and advocacy for inclusivity across acupuncture traditions. Reflecting on her new role, she says: "Serving on the CCAHM Executive Committee is a privilege. I am passionate about creating opportunities for dialogue and collaboration among diverse voices to ensure a vibrant and inclusive future for acupuncture education."

CCAHM President, Dr. Thomas Kouo, DAOM, L.Ac., Dipl.OM, expressed his enthusiasm for the new additions to the Executive Committee. "We are thrilled to welcome Ben Griffith and Brittany Sanelli to their new roles. Their experience, dedication, and leadership will be invaluable as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Their presence on our Executive Committee in their respective roles helps to ensure that we can fully represent and embrace the diversity of our perspectives and skills within our community. Together, we will continue advancing the mission of CCAHM to support member schools and strengthen our profession."

The new terms took effect immediately following the election. 

For more information about the CCAHM Executive Committee or the Council’s initiatives, visit www.ccahm.org.

About CCAHM:
The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) is a leading national association dedicated to promoting excellence in acupuncture and herbal medicine education. Committed to advancing the field and ensuring the highest standards of education and training, CCAHM collaborates with colleges and practitioners to foster innovation and professional development. CCAHM also develops and administers the Clean Needle Technique (CNT) course, exam, and manual, which define the national standard for safe needle practices and are essential for preparing students for licensure and professional certification.

Website: https://www.ccahm.org
For media inquiries, please contact:

Kristin Richeimer, CAE
Executive Director, CCAHM
kricheimer@ccahm.org