ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is proud to announce that Maricela Arias-Cantu has been named its new Chief Executive Officer. She will officially take over on May 1.
Arias-Cantu has been SOPHE’s Deputy CEO for the last two years – her second stint with SOPHE – and will become CEO on May 1, after this year’s Annual Conference in Portland.
“SOPHE has a rich history and lasting impact,” said Arias-Cantu. “We are in an era full of promise amid the evolving landscape. I aim to build on our successes with a drive to advance health education and promotion capacity, create an inclusive environment for our members, and ensure that SOPHE is the leading voice for the profession.”
“On behalf of the SOPHE Board of Trustees, I am delighted to welcome Maricela into her new role as CEO,” SOPHE President Dr. Heidi Hancher-Rauch said. “Maricela has long been a cornerstone of the Society; her deep expertise and demonstrated vision make her the ideal leader to build upon our current momentum and guide us toward a bright future. We look forward to the next chapter with her at the helm.”
Arias-Cantu has extensive nonprofit experience. Before serving as SOPHE’s Deputy CEO, she was the Director of Education, Content Strategy, and Engagement at the National Council on Aging and was SOPHE’s Director of Professional Development for two years. She has also served on the leadership team at the American Organization of Nurse Executives (now American Organization for Nursing Leadership) and previously worked for the Endocrine Society, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, and American Diabetes Association.
“I’m excited for SOPHE’s future with Maricela’s leadership,” outgoing SOPHE CEO Dr. William Datema said. “She has served admirably as SOPHE’s Deputy CEO for the past two years, and she has been a critical contributor to our success. Her professionalism, expertise, and connections within the Washington, D.C. metro area nonprofit community will continue to strengthen SOPHE and its work.”
Arias-Cantu continued, “I look forward to working with our Board of Trustees, staff, chapter leaders, and members as we work together to advance health education and promotion,” she said. “Our journey is full of potential as we make an impact on building healthy and thriving communities.”
As an active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Arias-Cantu earned her certified association executive (CAE) credential in 2023, was selected in 2010 as a Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) Scholar, and currently serves on the Healthcare Community Advisory Committee and DELP Advisory Committee. She earned a Master of Healthcare Administration and a Master of Science in Biology from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.
She volunteers and serves on the National PTA Bylaws Committee and has held volunteer leadership positions at the American Red Cross, local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, and local and council PTAs. She lives in Woodbridge, Virginia with her husband Rick of 26 years, three children, Richard, Salma and Ava and their dog, Rudy.
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For more information contact: ne**@***he.org.
About SOPHE
The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is a nonprofit association that supports leaders in public health, health education and promotion to advance healthy and equitable communities across the globe. Founded in 1950, SOPHE and its members work in health care settings, communities, organizations, schools, universities, worksites, and in local, state and federal government agencies. For more information visit www.sophe.org.
