ACAMS Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

ACAMS has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, organizational alignment, and human resources.

Dedicated to advancing financial crime prevention expertise, ACAMS empowers global professionals through rigorous certification programs and industry-leading educational resources that strengthen the integrity of the international financial system.

Leadership Roles at ACAMS

  • Chief Executive Officer - Neil Sternthal
  • Chief Financial Officer - Yuctan Hodge
  • Chief Operating Officer - Mariah Gause
  • Chief of Staff - Bridget Keplinger
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Bill Lumani
  • Neil Sternthal - Chief Executive Officer

    Neil Sternthal, the Chief Executive Officer at ACAMS, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. By prioritizing the expansion of financial crime detection knowledge, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that ACAMS maintains a dominant position within the global regulatory landscape. This leadership role involves constant engagement with public and private sector stakeholders to identify emerging threats in financial crime. Neil Sternthal drives the development of high-impact certification programs that define industry standards for compliance professionals. Overseeing the long-term growth trajectory, the Chief Executive Officer aligns internal resources with the evolving needs of the membership base. Through rigorous analysis of market trends, the Chief Executive Officer secures the organization's reputation as the premier authority in anti-money laundering education. By fostering partnerships across international borders, the Chief Executive Officer expands the reach of the organization, ensuring that financial crime prevention remains a top priority for institutions worldwide.

    Yuctan Hodge - Chief Financial Officer

    Yuctan Hodge, the Chief Financial Officer at ACAMS, governs the fiscal health and long-term economic stability of the organization. By managing capital allocation and revenue streams, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that sufficient resources support the development of advanced financial crime prevention tools. This role involves rigorous oversight of budgetary planning and financial reporting to maintain transparency with the Board. Yuctan Hodge directs the financial strategy that enables the organization to invest in new educational technologies and global market expansion. By analyzing fiscal performance metrics, the Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for cost optimization and revenue growth. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other leaders to align financial objectives with the broader mission of enhancing professional expertise. Through disciplined fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding for large-scale initiatives. This leadership role provides the economic foundation required for the organization to remain the leading voice in financial crime detection.
    Yuctan Hodge

    Mariah Gause - Chief Operating Officer

    Mariah Gause, the Chief Operating Officer at ACAMS, manages the daily execution of organizational workflows and service delivery. By optimizing internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that educational content reaches members with maximum efficiency. This role involves coordinating cross-departmental efforts to support the delivery of certification programs across diverse global markets. Mariah Gause oversees the operational infrastructure that sustains the membership experience, ensuring that every professional receives high-quality training. By streamlining administrative functions, the Chief Operating Officer enables the organization to scale effectively while maintaining rigorous standards for financial crime prevention. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with the executive team to translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans. Through the implementation of robust project management frameworks, the Chief Operating Officer drives continuous improvement in service quality. This leadership focus ensures that the organization remains agile in responding to the complex demands of the financial sector.
    Mariah Gause

    Bridget Keplinger - Chief of Staff

    Bridget Keplinger, the Chief of Staff at ACAMS, facilitates seamless communication and strategic alignment across the executive leadership team. By managing the flow of information to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief of Staff ensures that critical decisions receive timely attention. This role involves coordinating high-priority projects that span multiple departments, ensuring that organizational goals remain the primary focus. Bridget Keplinger oversees the implementation of key initiatives that drive the mission of financial crime prevention forward. By acting as a liaison between the Board and the leadership team, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational cohesion. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on strategic objectives, providing the necessary support to overcome operational bottlenecks. Through the management of executive workflows, the Chief of Staff enhances the overall productivity of the leadership group. This role ensures that the organization remains focused on its core purpose of educating professionals in the public and private sectors.

    Bill Lumani - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Bill Lumani, the Chief Human Resources Officer at ACAMS, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies that sustain the workforce. By fostering a culture of excellence, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization attracts top-tier experts in financial crime prevention. This role involves designing professional development programs that keep the internal team at the forefront of industry knowledge. Bill Lumani oversees the implementation of performance management systems that align individual contributions with the broader mission of the organization. By managing employee engagement initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer builds a resilient and motivated team capable of supporting global members. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with the executive team to ensure that human capital strategies support long-term growth objectives. Through the development of inclusive workplace policies, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the organizational foundation. This leadership role ensures that the staff possesses the expertise required to maintain the highest standards in financial crime education.
    Bill Lumani

    Explore Leadership Teams in Membership Organizations

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding ACAMS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads ACAMS?
    ACAMS is led by Neil Sternthal (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Yuctan Hodge (Chief Financial Officer) and Mariah Gause (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of ACAMS’s executive team?
    The executive team of ACAMS includes leaders such as Neil Sternthal (Chief Executive Officer), Yuctan Hodge (Chief Financial Officer), Mariah Gause (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does ACAMS have?
    ACAMS has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in ACAMS’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of ACAMS includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Human Resources Officer.