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EACE 2025 Board of Directors Elections

President-Elect (short-term) Candidate

Gerald Tang
Executive Director
Bridgewater State University

1. Describe your interest in serving on the EACE Board in this capacity.

EACE has been my professional home since 2008, providing invaluable opportunities to grow, lead, and refine my expertise. Now, it’s my turn to give back and create pathways for others. As we navigate the uncertainties of higher education, EACE is uniquely positioned to lead as a premier professional organization. It’s time to reimagine our future - one that strengthens relationships, empowers colleges and employers to shape the workforce, and amplifies our collective voice to drive meaningful change.

Our success hinges on fostering the next generation of career professionals, providing leadership training, and equipping members with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving field. As EACE faces new challenges, I am eager to provide strong leadership and a clear vision to ensure its continued excellence. Through strategic planning, innovative professional development, and a commitment to financial sustainability, we can create a more transparent, effective, and forward-thinking organization.

At the heart of my decision to run for EACE presidency is a deep passion for this community - its people, its mission, and the transformative impact it has on professional growth. I am committed to ensuring EACE remains a vital resource and a champion for our field, both now and in the years to come.

 

2. What skills and experiences do you possess that have prepared you to be successful in this role?

I have been fortunate to serve on multiple committees and chair key positions. I previously held a board role as Director of Technology and currently hold the Director of Diversity & Inclusion position. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the association and a lasting impact on initiatives such as Twitter Chats, Sponsorship Package redesign, conference newcomers events, the Leadership Academy, EACE Community Dialogue, and affinity group expansion. Known for pushing boundaries, I continuously seek ways to enhance membership value and support the career services profession.

Beyond EACE, I co-chair committees and affinity groups with the National Association of Colleges and Employers and have served on the Career Counselors Consortium and CSTM boards. These roles have strengthened my leadership skills and nonprofit board management expertise.

Professionally, I serve as Executive Director of Career Services & Internships at Bridgewater State University, leading a team of 11 professionals, a graduate assistant, and multiple student staff. Since merging two offices into a centralized career hub, I have successfully implemented a strategic plan, revitalized our reputation, developed innovative programs, fostered data-informed decision-making, and leveraged technology to enhance our impact. I also worked in various higher education institutions, with a broad understanding of institutional types and career services operations. With my broad network and professional experiences, I can represent the voices within EACE and stay current with industry trends.

 

3. What ideas and/or goals do you have for this position?

Below are key areas I would focus on:

  • Strategic Planning: EACE’s strength lies in its ability to evolve, and now is the time to craft a forward-thinking strategic plan. By building on our successes and embracing new opportunities, we can ensure the organization remains a premier resource for career professionals. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues to shape this vision and set a strong foundation for the future.
  • Enhancing Membership Value: Understanding and amplifying the value of EACE membership is critical. I propose an in-depth conversation with the EACE Leadership Team to explore key questions: What do our members need? How can we better serve them? What unique value can we offer? By addressing these questions, we can create meaningful engagement and maximize membership benefits.
  • Leadership Development, Retention, and Recruitment: EACE thrives on the strength of its leaders. Leadership opportunities have traditionally emerged through committee involvement, but we must go further. I have actively encouraged new voices throughout my tenure, ensuring accessible leadership - evidenced by the expanded affinity groups led by emerging EACE leaders. If given the opportunity, I would explore diverse pathways for members to engage, lead, and shape the future of EACE.
  • Financial Strength and Sustainability: A thriving organization requires financial stability. To secure EACE’s longevity, we must explore new revenue-generating opportunities and design impactful programs that serve all career stages - experienced leaders, mid-career professionals, early-career professionals, employer partners, and associate members. Expanding tailored programming and increasing member touchpoints can enhance engagement while ensuring financial health.

With a clear vision and a commitment to progress, I am ready to lead EACE into its next chapter and ensure it remains a dynamic and forward-moving organization for years to come.

 

4. EACE History

Years of Membership: 18 years

EACE Service History: 

2023-Present - Board of Directors: Director, Diversity & Inclusion;

2023-Present - DEI Committee/Affinity Groups;

2022-2023 Grants and Scholarship Committee Member;

2020-2021 Annual Conference Sponsorship Committee Chair

2019-2020 Annual Conference Hospitality Committee Co-chair;

2018-2019 Annual Conference Programming Team Co-chair;

2017-2018 Annual Conference Programming Team Co-chair;

2016-2017 Annual Conference Publicity Co-chair;

2016-2017 Membership Co-chair;

2015-2017 Professional Exchange Member;

2015-2016 Professional Development Committee Member;

2015 Annual Conference Publicity Co-Chair;

2014-2015 Public Relations Co-Chair;

2014-2015 Professional Development Committee Member;

2014-2015 Professional Exchange Committee Member;

2013-2014 Bridges Member;

2013-2014 Mentoring Committee Member;

2012-2014 Board of Directors; Director of Technology;

2011-2013 Technology Committee Co-chair;

2011-2012 Professional Exchange Committee Co-chair;

2009-2011 Professional Exchange Member,

2008-2009 D&I Committee Member