Nominating Committee Announcement
October 8, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
The ACCET Nominating Committee convened on October 1, 2026, to review nominations submitted for an open Institutional Commissioner position. The Committee considered a strong pool of highly qualified candidates, each bringing valuable experience and perspectives reflective of ACCET’s diverse membership. Following a thorough review of the candidates’ backgrounds, qualifications, and potential contributions to the Commission, the Committee selected its nominee for consideration by the membership.
After careful consideration of the candidates, the Nominating Committee is pleased to recommend Edward Rabinovich, Chief Executive Officer of the Manhattan School of Computer Technology, for election as an Institutional Commissioner.
Mr. Rabinovich brings more than 17 years of experience in institutional leadership, accreditation, regulatory compliance, and operations, along with extensive service as an ACCET volunteer evaluator and team chair. His experience reflects several important segments of ACCET’s membership, including Title IV institutions, Nursing and Allied Health education, English language training (ESOL/VESOL), and Interactive Distance Learning.
In accordance with Section 8.2.1 of the ACCET Bylaws, the Nominating Committee’s recommendation is being provided to the membership at least sixty (60) days before of the Annual Business Meeting. The election will be held as part of the virtual Annual Business Meeting on Monday, December 7, 2026.
ACCET members may also submit additional nominations outside the Nominating Committee process. To be considered, a nominee must meet the eligibility requirements for Institutional Commissioners set forth in the ACCET Bylaws. In addition, the nomination must be supported in writing by at least ten percent (10%) of ACCET’s member institutions and received by the Executive Director no later than November 6, 2026. Any additional qualified nominees will be provided to the membership no later than thirty (30) days before the Annual Business Meeting.
Thank you for your continued support of ACCET and its peer review process. We appreciate your engagement and participation in the upcoming election.
Sincerely,
Res Helfer, ACCET Executive Director
About the Nominating Committee
In accordance with the ACCET Bylaws, the Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying and recommending nominees for vacancies on the Accrediting Commission. The Committee consists of the Commission Chair, Vice Chair, and Past Chair, along with two representatives from ACCET member institutions appointed by the Chair with the advice and consent of the Commission.
The current members of the Nominating Committee are:
- Mr. Peter Mikhail, Commission Chair
- Ms. Megan Kobzej, Commission Vice Chair
- Dr. Donnell Bayot, Commission Past Chair
- Dr. Jimmy Alexander Gomez, Senior Vice President of Compliance and Quality Assurance, College of Biomedical Equipment Technology
- Ms. Velmarie Merced, Operations Coordinator, Mech-Tech College
Ex Officio (Non-Voting)
- Mr. Res Helfer, Executive Director
ACCET extends its sincere appreciation to the members of the Nominating Committee for their service, thoughtful review, and commitment to the nomination process.