The National Board of Executive Function Certification (NBEFC™) operates under a formal governance structure that ensures integrity, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of certification, education, and professional conduct.
This framework reflects the Board’s commitment to upholding national standards of excellence in executive function education and to advancing the field through ethical leadership and collaboration.
Executive Leadership
Michele Nusbaum, Executive Director
Michele serves as the Executive Director and Founder of the National Board of Executive Function Certification (NBEFC™). She oversees the Board’s operations, certification policy, ethics, and educational initiatives, including the Give Teachers EF Initiative and NBEFC’s Continuing Education framework.
Her leadership supports the Board’s mission to expand awareness, improve educational access, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism in executive function training and certification.
The Executive Director is joined by two silent board members who provide governance oversight and continuity. These members maintain privacy to preserve nonpartisan representation and objectivity in Board decision-making.
Advisory Board
The Advisory Board is composed of professionals representing education, psychology, behavioral science, and related disciplines. Members provide expertise and guidance that strengthen the Board’s mission of advancing integrity, quality, and consistency in executive function education and certification.
Each Advisory Board member contributes to the Board’s initiatives through consultation, review, and participation in internal committees aligned with their area of expertise. Their collective insight supports the development of ethical standards, continuing education, and best practices that serve both professionals and the communities they impact.
Committees of the Board
The National Board of Executive Function Certification (NBEFC™) maintains several standing committees that provide oversight, governance, and specialized input in key areas of professional practice. Committees may include Advisory Board members as well as other appointed professionals with relevant expertise.
Standing Committees include:
- Ethics and Professional Standards Committee – Oversees adherence to the NBEFC™ Code of Ethics and ensures certified professionals uphold the highest standards of conduct.
- Education and Provider Review Committee – Evaluates educational provider applications, CEU submissions, and program quality for alignment with Board standards.
- Certification and Examination Committee – Guides exam design, delivery, and evaluation to maintain fairness, consistency, and national credibility.
- Research and Policy Committee – Reviews emerging research and informs updates to policy, continuing education, and professional standards.
Committee activities are conducted internally to preserve confidentiality and operational integrity.
Governance Philosophy
The governance model of NBEFC™ ensures that all decisions are informed by multidisciplinary expertise and grounded in evidence-based practice.
Through collaboration between the Executive Director, silent board members, Advisory Board, and standing committees, the organization maintains its mission of promoting professional excellence, ethical practice, and consistency across the field of executive function.
NBEFC™ reviews its governance policies annually to ensure continued compliance with national expectations and evolving best practices. The Board remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the ongoing advancement of its standards in service of professionals and the individuals they support.