President’s Message – December 2025
Dear NCME Colleagues,
As we approach the close of 2025 (someone please explain how that happened so quickly), I am pleased to provide several important updates on organizational developments, leadership transitions, and new opportunities for member engagement.
This has been a year of meaningful progress for NCME, and I remain deeply appreciative of the dedication and expertise our members bring to the work of advancing educational measurement. The items below represent both ongoing initiatives and new efforts that will position NCME for a strong year ahead. Before turning to the specific announcements, I want to express my gratitude for your continued participation in NCME’s programs, committees, and professional communities. Your involvement strengthens our collective impact and ensures that NCME remains a trusted leader in the field.
NCME Welcomes Dr. Susan Lyons as Executive Director:
Effective January 1, 2026
The NCME Board is thrilled to announce Dr. Susan Lyons as our next Executive Director, beginning January 1, 2026. Dr. Lyons leads Lyons Assessment Consulting and co-founded Women in Measurement, bringing a track record of assessment innovation, accountability design, and equity-centered leadership. She has partnered with states, districts, nonprofits, and testing organizations; taught graduate statistics and classroom assessment at Boston College; and is a frequent author and presenter across NCME, AERA, and CCSSO.
Over the coming months, Dr. Lyons will collaborate with outgoing Executive Director Rich Patz, Atria, and NCME leadership to ensure a seamless transition. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Lyons. Thank you to the other members of the search committee, Andrew Ho, Kadriye Ercikan, and Sue Lottridge as well as to the other candidates. We had a very strong applicant pool which we take as a positive reflection of the strength of our organization and membership.
Calling All Leaders of Content and Assessment Specialists: Last Call to Participate in a Focus Group
NCME is hosting two focus groups in December with leaders of content and assessment development specialists to explore how we can better serve, support, and engage these vital contributors to the measurement pipeline. Please email ncme@ncme.org if you have suggested participants for this focus group.
New Website Launched: How to Access Your Account
The new NCME website launched on November 18. You will need to reset your password to access your NCME account following the launch of the new online experience. Your username will remain the same; go here to set up a new password for the NCME website to access your membership information.
Membership Renewal for 2026 is Now Available!
Renewing ensures uninterrupted access to member benefits, including journal subscriptions and discounted registration for the Annual Meeting. Your engagement strengthens our community and helps further NCME’s mission to advance theory and applications of educational measurement to benefit society. To renew your membership, simply log in to your NCME account and use the Pay Now button on the Membership Renewal section of your dashboard. Make sure you have followed the steps above to reset your password if needed. If you have any questions regarding access, payment, or your NCME membership, please contact NCME at ncme@ncme.org.
New NCME Opportunities: Join the New SIGIMIE
The NCME Board has approved the Inclusive Measurement for Historically Marginalized Groups (IMHM) SIGIMIE, focused on advancing research and practices that support historically marginalized learner populations. More information from the co-chair of the SIGIMIE, Yi-Chen Wu, about the planned focus and role of the group was shared in the December newsletter. To join IMHM or any other SIGIMIE, please go to the Communities Portal and, when logged in, select Join Community on the desired groups.
Donate to the NCME Endowment: The Fund for Measurement Excellence and Integrity
Thanks to the leadership and generosity of Immediate Past President Andrew Ho, the NCME Board established a permanent endowment to ensure the long-term financial stability of the organization. The initial goal is to raise $100,000 by the end of this year, and every dollar that you give by December 31, will be matched, up to $40,000, thanks to a pledge by anonymous Past Presidents. Your gift will be doubled and help secure NCME’s future! Thanks to the generosity of Past Presidents and community members earlier this year, we have already raised $25,000 toward this goal. Learn more about the NCME Endowment and donate today.
As we close out the year, I want to thank you for your continued support of NCME and to celebrate what this community has accomplished—new initiatives, bold steps, engaging conversations, and a shared commitment to advancing high-quality measurement practices. Thank you for showing up, leaning in, and pushing our field forward. I look forward to the work we will undertake together in 2026 and the continued strengthening of our professional community.
Warmly,
Amy Hendrickson
NCME President, 2025