The Leader as Interpreter: The Hidden Power of the Primary Contact
In IACET’s Element 1.3, there's a deceptively simple requirement: “The Provider shall identify the unit and position(s) within the organization responsible for compliance with the ANSI/IACET 1-2018 Standard for Continuing Education and Training.” As part of the accreditation process, we ask providers to name their “primary contact,” that is, the person who will serve as the main point of accountability for adhering to the standard.
On the surface, this might sound like an administrative task: collecting documents, filling out reports, uploading materials into a portal. But if you stop there, you’ve missed the real opportunity. The primary contact is a leader, as well as an administrator and one of the most critical kinds of leaders in any organization: an interpreter, someone who can translate technical standards into cultural values.
From Checklist to Culture
It’s tempting to see accreditation as a one-time project: a box to check, a badge to earn. If that’s the mindset, it’s easy to treat the primary contact role like a clerical one.
In reality, these individuals are the heartbeat of the process. They are the ones who sit in meetings, explain why a new policy is needed, and answer questions from skeptical internal teams. They translate the "what" of the standard into a compelling why: why quality matters, why transparency is worth the effort, and why the learner’s experience is central.
They manage the accreditation journey and shape the culture of quality within their organizations.
Leadership in the Shadows
In my experience working with hundreds of training providers, I’ve come to see primary contacts as some of the most under-recognized leaders in the continuing education ecosystem. They are educators, coordinators, learning designers, HR professionals, and every one of them is working behind the scenes to uphold values like:
- Integrity – Ensuring the person who completes the training also receives credit for it.
- Transparency – Making learning outcomes clear, accessible, and measurable.
- Accessibility – Removing barriers so all learners can participate fully.
Those values are embedded in the IACET Standard, but they don’t come to life on their own. People activate them, and it’s often the primary contact who holds the torch.
Practical Tips for Primary Contacts as Leaders
Whether you’re new to the role or have been the compliance champion for years, here are five ways to step fully into your leadership as a primary contact:
- Start With the Why
Don’t assume everyone knows the purpose behind each requirement. Frame conversations in terms of learner outcomes and organizational values, not just compliance. - Build Bridges, Not Barriers
If you encounter resistance internally, don’t push harder; listen deeper. Ask if anything feels unclear or unhelpful, and try to reframe the requirement in a way that resonates. - Use the Standard as a Tool, Not a Test
The standard isn’t a trap to catch you doing something wrong; it’s a guide to help you do things right. Help your team see it as a support system, not a set of hoops to jump through. - Translate, Translate, Translate
Each audience will need a different version of the story. What your leadership team needs to hear may be very different from what your instructors need to understand. - Own Your Influence
You are shaping more than paperwork. You’re shaping learning culture. That’s authentic leadership, and it deserves recognition.
Final Thoughts
If you're a primary contact, you need to hear this clearly: you are not just uploading files to a portal. You are interpreting standards into practice. You are carrying the banner of integrity, quality, and learner-centered design throughout your organization. You are the embodiment of Element 1.3.
And that makes you a leader, whether your job title says so or not.
About the Author
Randy is a seasoned executive leader currently serving as the President and CEO of IACET, a non-profit accrediting body in the continuing education and training sector. With a focus on strategic vision and operational excellence, he effectively leads the organization to achieve its mission and goals.
With over two decades of experience in various leadership roles, Randy has a proven track record of driving organizational success. His expertise lies in aligning technological solutions with strategic objectives, ensuring operational efficiency and sustainable growth.