ICAISA was convened originally in 2002 as a Commission of the NAIS Board in response to a request from independent school accrediting associations to address emerging national and state accreditation issues. A change in public perception and a positive identification with independent schools and our process of school accountability was a desired outcome. NAIS leaders, including past Presidents Pat Bassett and John Chubb, President Donna Orem, and Senior Vice President Jefferson Burnett, were instrumental in the Commission’s success, and its eventual transition to ICAISA. Both the Commission and ICAISA aspired to accomplish several goals: to position independent schools within the conversation on student learning outcomes and school accountability; to improve the independent school accreditation process; and to seek recognition for the accreditation programs of the member accreditation agencies. With full support from the NAIS Board, the Commission was sunset in June 2018 and ICAISA launched as a nonprofit organization on July 2, 2018. On July 1, 2019 ICAISA welcomed its first Executive Director, Bonnie J. Ricci. Having previously served as an association assistant director and former member of the NAIS Commission on Accreditation, Bonnie brings a wealth of accreditation expertise to the ICAISA organization.