America’s Service Commissions names 2026-2027 board

America’s Service Commissions has approved its board of directors and officers for the 2026-2027 term, which began Oct. 1. The new roster will help guide the national network representing 52 state and territorial service commissions and the programs they run across the U.S.

Why it matters: - ASC’s board helps steer the national association that represents 52 state and territorial service commissions. - The commissions administer more than 75% of federal AmeriCorps funds, making the board influential in how service priorities and investments are shaped. - Leadership changes can affect advocacy, membership strategy and support for local service programs.

What happened: - America’s Service Commissions announced its board members and officers for the 2026-2027 term. - The term officially began Oct. 1. - ASC members approved the slate during the annual Membership Assembly on Sept. 15, 2026. - John Kelly, ASC chief executive officer, said the board helps ensure state and territorial commission perspectives guide priorities, advocacy efforts and investments.

The details: - Officers for the new term are Chris Bugbee as chair, Phil Kolling as vice chair and public policy chair, Emily Litchfield as membership chair, Alexis Matthews as resource development chair, Melinda Points as treasurer and Tray T.S. Deadwyler as secretary. - New officer Alexis Matthews is an AmeriCorps grant specialist at Serve Kentucky. - Continuing officers include Chris Bugbee of OneStar, Phil Kolling of SerVermont, Emily Litchfield of the Arizona Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family, Melinda Points of the Oklahoma Community Service Commission and Tray T.S. Deadwyler of Think for Good. - Board members continuing in service include Daniel Altamirano Hernandez, April Elkins Badtke, Willie Brooks, Celeste Brown, Brittany Stiffler Crabtree, Starr Crow, Al Dixon, Chelsey Fortin-Trimble, Baruc Lara, Cameron McKenzie, Ia Moua, Samélia Okpodu-Pyuzza, Julia Quanrud, Jason Scott, Jordan Snipes, Gretchen Stallings and Megan Trawick. - New board appointments are Luke Fuszard of Serve Wisconsin and Kimber Russell of Serve Idaho. - ASC said Kristen Bennett of Service Year Alliance and Vanessa Diamond of Points of Light completed their board service at the end of September.

Between the lines: - The board mix suggests continuity at the top, with most officers and members continuing into another term. - The addition of new appointments in Wisconsin, Idaho and the officer slate signals modest turnover rather than a broad reset. - ASC is relying on leaders drawn from state commissions, volunteer organizations and public service offices to balance policy, funding and program priorities.

What’s next: - The new board will guide ASC through the 2026-2027 term. - ASC will continue working with its member commissions on advocacy, resource development and support for service programs nationwide. - The organization’s next major governance milestones will likely center on policy priorities and funding decisions affecting AmeriCorps and state commission work.

The bottom line: - ASC’s new board keeps most of its existing leadership while adding a few new voices to oversee a network that plays a major role in the nation’s service infrastructure. - More information is available on the organization’s social media page.