ACAMS Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

ACAMS has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, organizational alignment, and financial management.

Committed to advancing global standards in financial crime prevention, ACAMS empowers professionals through rigorous certification, specialized training, and a vast network of industry experts dedicated to maintaining integrity within the global financial ecosystem.

Leadership Roles at ACAMS

  • Chief Executive Officer - Neil Sternthal
  • Chief Financial Officer - Yuctan Hodge
  • Chief Operating Officer - Mariah Gause
  • Chief of Staff - Bridget Keplinger
  • 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 educational resources for financial crime detection, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the membership base remains at the forefront of regulatory compliance. Neil Sternthal oversees the alignment of public and private sector initiatives to combat illicit financial activity on a global scale. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with international regulatory bodies to standardize anti-money laundering practices. Through the implementation of high-level growth strategies, the Chief Executive Officer drives the mission of enhancing professional expertise across diverse industries. By maintaining a focus on long-term sustainability and market relevance, Sternthal secures the position of the organization as the premier authority in the field. The Chief Executive Officer continuously evaluates emerging threats to adapt training programs for a worldwide audience.

    Yuctan Hodge - Chief Financial Officer

    Yuctan Hodge, the Chief Financial Officer at ACAMS, manages the fiscal health and financial planning of the organization. By overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company possesses the resources required to expand its financial crime prevention training programs. Yuctan Hodge directs the financial strategy to support growth in both public and private sector markets. This leadership role involves analyzing economic trends to mitigate risks and identify opportunities for investment in new educational technologies. Through the maintenance of rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer guarantees the stability of the organization as it scales operations globally. Hodge collaborates with the executive team to align fiscal objectives with the overarching mission of professional excellence. By optimizing revenue streams and managing expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation necessary for the continued advancement of industry standards.
    Yuctan Hodge

    Mariah Gause - Chief Operating Officer

    Mariah Gause, the Chief Operating Officer at ACAMS, manages the internal infrastructure and daily execution of organizational programs. Overseeing the delivery of certification and training services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational workflows support the needs of financial crime prevention professionals. Mariah Gause optimizes resource allocation to maintain high standards of service across North American and international markets. This leadership role involves streamlining cross-departmental processes to improve member engagement and educational outcomes. By refining the operational framework, the Chief Operating Officer supports the scalability of the organization in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. Gause monitors performance metrics to guarantee that all service delivery aligns with the core mission of professional development. Through the management of complex logistical requirements, the Chief Operating Officer facilitates the seamless execution of global conferences and digital learning initiatives.
    Mariah Gause

    Bridget Keplinger - Chief of Staff

    Bridget Keplinger, the Chief of Staff at ACAMS, coordinates executive priorities and facilitates communication across the leadership team. By managing the flow of information between departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic initiatives receive the necessary attention and resources. Bridget Keplinger drives the execution of organizational projects that enhance the knowledge and expertise of members within the financial crime prevention sector. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between high-level strategy and tactical implementation to maintain operational cohesion. Through the oversight of internal governance and administrative efficiency, the Chief of Staff supports the achievement of long-term institutional goals. Keplinger monitors the progress of key initiatives to ensure alignment with the broader mission of the organization. By fostering collaboration among senior leaders, the Chief of Staff enables the effective delivery of professional development programs to a global membership base.

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    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 4 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.