Grounded in Purpose, Guided by the Field
A Message from Leadership:
Moain Abu Dabrh, MBBCh, MS, NBC-HWC; Chair of the Board of Directors
Deanna Fournier; Executive Director
Grounded in Purpose, Guided by the Field
Happy New Year. We hope that 2026 has begun on a kind note for you and yours.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff at NBHWC, thank you for your continued commitment to advancing the field of health and wellness coaching. We remain grounded in our shared mission and vision for a world where all people thrive, and we are continually inspired by the leadership, insight, and dedication of this community.
As the Health & Wellness Coach Certifying Exam (HWCCE), offered in partnership with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), approaches a decade of administration, we pause to reflect on how far the profession has come and where it is headed next.
Since the first exam in 2017, national and global recognition of NBHWC, the NBC-HWC credential, and the profession itself has grown substantially. NBC-HWCs are now recognized across key federal institutions (including the VA) and both non-profit and for-profit healthcare and employee wellness systems/settings, enhancing professional credibility and expanding career opportunities. Ongoing dialogue with global and allied credentialing bodies and professional societies continues to broaden the reach and relevance of NBHWC standards.
We are deeply grateful for the role each of you has played in advancing this profession. With appreciation for that shared effort, we want to reflect on accomplishments from the past three years and outline what you can expect next.
Key Milestones and Meaningful Growth (2022-2025)
During our recent Strategic Board Retreat, we reflected on several milestones made possible through collaboration across the field:
From Foundation to Forward Momentum (2026 on)
Over the past year, NBHWC experienced leadership transitions and organizational growth. With this evolution comes a more deliberate focus on translating standards, evidence, and policy progress into clearer guidance, communication, and opportunities for the coaching community.
Our strategic priorities for 2026 and beyond were informed the 2024 & 2025 Annual Surveys, coach focus groups, town halls with training programs, conversations with continuing education providers, and analysis of broader industry trends. The path ahead focuses on the following areas:
What You Can Expect in 2026:
As these priorities take shape, coaches can expect:
- Clearer communication, including regular leadership updates and community messages
- Launch of the NBC-HWC Ambassador Program, with defined opportunities for engagement, advocacy, and representation
- Refined continuing education guidance aligned with evolving standards and practice needs
- Employer and system-facing education to clarify the role and appropriate use of NBC-HWCs’ skills
- Targeted research and practice outputs that translate evidence into practical guidance for diverse settings
- Continued policy engagement to reduce adoption barriers and strengthen reimbursement, employment, and integration pathways
Looking Ahead – Together
With a strong foundation in place, NBHWC remains focused on advancing standards, supporting coaches through clarity and credibility, and partnering across systems to steward health and wellness coaching with integrity, transparency, and collaboration.
We are grateful for your trust, your voice, and your continued engagement, and we look forward to shaping the next chapter of this work together.
