An interview by Steven Garner, PMP, CAE, CA-NV section of the American Water Works Association

Todd Galati, MA, is the senior director of standards and practice advancement at the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and was honored with the 2020 I.C.E. Credentialing Industry Leadership Award. The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated innovative leadership in the credentialing and/or licensure industry by developing, implementing and researching programs or practices. 

I.C.E.’s Publications and Editorial Committee member Steven Garner, PMP, CAE, certification manager at the CA-NV section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), recently spoke with Galati about his career path, his involvement in I.C.E. and his advice for future leaders.

Tell us about your background in credentialing. How did you get started in the industry?

Like many others in this industry, I took an indirect path to credentialing. I started my career as an exercise professional while earning degrees in athletic training and kinesiology. While completing my graduate studies, I accepted a role in community pediatrics at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, where I directed research with youth and families to evaluate physical activity, nutrition and health education interventions. My first role in certification was as a subject matter expert with the American Council on Exercise (ACE), serving on role delineation study and test development committees. I was first employed by ACE as a research scientist/resource center manager, and then began overseeing ACE’s certification programs. I now serve as the senior director of standards and practice advancement.

How has I.C.E. impacted your career?

I.C.E. has been a primary hub for my professional development and industry engagement since I transitioned into credentialing roles at ACE. Attending and presenting at the I.C.E. Exchange and volunteering for I.C.E. and National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) committees has had the greatest impact on my professional development.

I first attended the I.C.E. (then NOCA) Exchange in 2007, and was encouraged by Jim Henderson to consider serving on a committee. I was selected for the 2009 program committee and have been a perpetual I.C.E. volunteer ever since. My greatest professional development opportunity to date came from serving on the NCCA Commission for six years, where I had the opportunity to learn from and work with industry experts while gaining valuable friendships that continue to shape my journey. I was recently gifted with the opportunity to give back to the credentialing community as a participant on the NCCA Standards Revision Main Committee, where I once again was energized by the wisdom and collaboration of the great people who make up this industry.

I cherish the opportunities I have received through my participation with I.C.E. and the many professionals who are its members. I also want to thank the incredible I.C.E. staff for the significant impact they have had on me personally and professionally; they are the driving force that transform volunteer efforts into action and outcomes.

What does it mean to you to have been honored with the Credentialing Industry Leadership Award?

Being selected was a huge honor! It is the most prestigious award that I have received in my career. Having my name added to the list of prior recipients, many of whom are mentors and guiding lights in my career, is humbling. I hope that I can carry the torch with them to help develop future industry leaders.

What advice do you have for future leaders in the credentialing industry?

1. Get involved! Find places to contribute and participate that fit your personality, interests, available time and areas for personal and professional growth.
2. Learn from industry leaders at the I.C.E. Exchange and through webinars and various I.C.E. and industry publications.
3. Push yourself to make connections with your peers. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience within the I.C.E. peer community, and they are more than willing to connect, share and help. The industry is filled with people that believe in cross-industry support as a way of sharing and personal development.