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Contact: Kellee Edmonds
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kellee_edmonds@ace.nche.edu

Nicole M. Chestang Named Vice President and Executive Director of GED® Testing Service

Washington, D.C. (October 6, 2009)—The American Council on Education (ACE) today appointed Nicole M. Chestang to the position of vice president and executive director of GED Testing Service®, a program of ACE. Her appointment is effective Nov. 2, 2009.

Chestang joins GED Testing Service after leading Chestang & Associates, a strategic consulting practice serving the education, nonprofit and private sectors with a specialty in college access and pipeline issues related to underrepresented and low-income minority populations. 

Before launching her own firm in early 2009, Chestang worked as chief operating officer and executive vice president/secretary of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a nonprofit international association of graduate business schools and sponsor of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

While at GMAC, Chestang was part of the leadership team that oversaw the conversion of the GMAT from paper based to computer based as well as its transition to new vendors which resulted in improved access, technology and security for the exam program worldwide.

“I am delighted to welcome Nicole to the GEDTS senior leadership team,” said ACE President Molly Corbett Broad. “Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for GEDTS as ACE will be making a significant investment in developing the next generation GED Test, including the planning and development of a comprehensive support network to enhance access and attainment.”

“Nicole has an impressive portfolio that spans nearly 15 years of managerial experience in international standardized testing and membership,” added Shirley Pippins, senior vice president of programs and services at ACE. “Her commitment to underserved communities and populations with special needs will be crucial as we explore strategies to increase the number of GED test takers and publicly underscore the relevance of the GED credential.” 

Last year witnessed an increased demand for the GED high school equivalency credential, with nearly 777,000 adults taking the tests, the highest number since the latest series of GED Tests was introduced in 2002.

“I am pleased to be joining ACE and the GED Testing Service as we work with our partners and stakeholders on new directions for the program,” said Chestang. “In a world where education is one of the keys to global competitiveness, the GED Test has a vital role to play.”

Chestang earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wayne State University (MI) and a master of business administration from Washington University (MO).

In announcing Chestang’s appointment ACE also announced that Martin Kehe, interim executive director and director of test development, has been named deputy executive director of GED Testing Service.

GED Testing Service® is a program of the American Council on Education (ACE) that develops, delivers, and safeguards the GED Tests, setting the policy for and ensuring compliance of GED test battery administration. GED testing is administered by each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, the Canadian provinces and territories, the U.S. insular areas, the U.S. military, and federal correctional institutions. Each jurisdiction manages its own GED testing program. GED is a trademarked acronym used to refer to the General Educational Development Tests. Those who pass the GED Tests earn a GED Diploma or GED Certificate. For Frequently Asked Questions about GED testing, click here.

Founded in 1918, ACE (www.acenet.edu) is the major coordinating body for all the nation's higher education institutions, representing more than 1,600 college and university presidents, and more than 200 related associations, nationwide. It seeks to provide leadership and a unifying voice on key higher education issues and influence public policy through advocacy, research, and program initiatives.

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