Welcome Dr. Jean Accius: Our New Board Chair

We are proud to announce that Dr. Jean Accius has officially begun his term as our newest Board Chair. Jean’s connection with our coalition dates back to 2016 when he stumbled upon us while conducting groundbreaking research on male family caregivers at AARP. His work culminated in the publication of Breaking Stereotypes: Spotlight on Male Family Caregivers, a pivotal report that shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of caregiving.
​
Jean's discovery of our coalition was no mere coincidence—it marked the beginning of a strong and enduring partnership. Over the years, Jean has been an unwavering supporter of our mission, advocating for caregivers and helping to amplify their voices. Now, as the President and CEO of CHC: Creating Healthier Communities, Jean continues his dedication to strengthening communities, a passion that resonates deeply with our coalition’s core values.

​A Vision for Empowering Communities

​Jean’s leadership at CHC reflects his commitment to health equity and his belief in the power of community. During our recent CaregiverCONx, attendees overwhelmingly identified community as the most crucial element they sought in attending the conference. Jean’s experience in empowering communities to thrive will be instrumental in sustaining and growing the support networks that caregivers desperately need.
As Kyle Woody, one of our coalition’s founders, aptly stated, “Jean’s experience in empowering communities to thrive will help us sustain and strengthen the community caregivers everywhere are desperately searching for.” Jean’s leadership will undoubtedly drive our coalition forward as we work to build stronger, more connected communities for caregivers.

​A Distinguished Career in Health Equity and Public Policy

Dr. Accius has long been passionate about equity, the contributions of women to society, and making the world a better place. Raised in Haiti by his grandmother from infancy to age four, Jean was inspired by her hard work and dedication, which have influenced his career path to this day.

Jean is a recognized innovator in health equity, longevity, and health systems transformation. His vision centers on creating equitable systems that enable every individual in every community to live a longer, healthier, and more productive life. As President and CEO of CHC, Jean leads a high-performing team committed to breaking down barriers to optimal health and empowering communities to thrive.
​
With a deep understanding of business and public policy, Jean has a proven track record of developing creative and actionable solutions that address disparities. He has successfully collaborated across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to accelerate change, demonstrating his ability to drive impactful outcomes.

​From AARP to CHC: A Journey of Impact

Before his tenure at CHC, Dr. Accius spent over 15 years at AARP, the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to empowering people as they age. His roles at AARP included serving as the Senior Vice President of International Affairs and Global Thought Leadership, where he led initiatives that made a compelling business case for diversity in the workforce and conducted pioneering research on the economic contributions of older populations.
​
Jean’s work has been widely recognized for its transformational impact. Among his accolades are the Next Avenue Influencer in Aging Award (2020), Black Enterprise magazine’s Modern Man of Distinction (2018), and Florida State University’s Distinguished Black Alumni of the Year (2021). He is a sought-after author and speaker, regularly featured in prominent outlets such as The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Forbes, TIME Magazine, and Politico. Jean has also facilitated sessions at the World Economic Forum in Davos and engaged leaders across industries at the United Nations.

​A Legacy of Leadership and Scholarship

Dr. Accius is not only a leader but also a prolific contributor to the academic and professional discourse on aging, caregiving, and health equity. He has published numerous journal articles and research reports that have informed policy and practice across the country. His work includes:

• Reimagining and Transforming Long-Term Care (Generations Journal, 2022)
• America Must Invest in Its Next Generation (Generations Journal, 2016)
• The Economic Impact of Supporting Working Family Caregivers (AARP Thought Leadership, 2021)
• The Longevity Economy Outlook (AARP Thought Leadership, 2019)

​Jean’s academic journey is as impressive as his professional one. He holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration from American University, a Master’s degree in Aging Studies from Florida State University, and has completed executive education programs at Stanford and Harvard. He is also a certified director with the National Association of Corporate Directors and a fellow with the Executive Leadership Council.

Looking Ahead: Jean Accius’s Vision for Our Coalition

As Jean steps into his role as Board Chair, we are excited to see the direction in which he will lead us. His deep understanding of the challenges caregivers face, combined with his expertise in health equity and community empowerment, makes him uniquely qualified to guide our coalition into the future.
​
Under Jean’s leadership, we will continue to advocate for caregivers, develop innovative programs, and strengthen the communities that are the backbone of caregiving. We look forward to the positive impact Jean will undoubtedly have on our coalition and the broader caregiving community.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Jean Accius as our new Board Chair. Together, we will work to create a world where caregivers are supported, empowered, and celebrated for the vital role they play in our society.