CHEA Names Antoinette Flores Vice President of Federal Policy and Government Relations
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Audrey Hamilton
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) announced today that Antoinette Flores has joined the organization as Vice President of Federal Policy and Government Relations.
In this role, Flores will lead CHEA’s federal policy strategy and engagement on accreditation, quality assurance, and higher education policy. She will work closely with CHEA President Nasser H. Paydar and organizational leadership to advance strategic policy priorities, identify and provide analysis on emerging issues affecting accreditation and higher education, and strengthen engagement with policymakers and stakeholders.
“Antoinette brings deep expertise in federal higher education policy, accreditation, and regulatory affairs at a pivotal moment for higher education and quality assurance,” said Paydar. “Her experience across government and the policy landscape will strengthen CHEA’s ability to engage thoughtfully on emerging issues, support our members, and help advance informed national conversations about accreditation, accountability, and institutional quality.”
Flores brings extensive experience in higher education policy, federal government, and policy analysis. Most recently, she served as Director of Higher Education Accountability and Quality at New America. Previously, she held multiple leadership positions in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education, including Deputy Assistant Director of Policy, Planning, and Innovation, where she oversaw policy development, regulatory activities, and accreditation issues. She also served as Senior Advisor, coordinating oversight and implementation efforts related to the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. Earlier in her career, Flores was Managing Director for Postsecondary Education at the Center for American Progress.
Flores succeeds Jan Friis, who recently retired after 20 years of service to CHEA. During his tenure, Friis played a central role in helping shape CHEA’s federal policy engagement and served as a trusted leader and resource to members and others across the higher education community.
About the Council for Higher Education Accreditation
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is the national advocate and institutional voice for academic quality through accreditation. Representing degree-granting colleges and universities, it is the only national organization focused exclusively on higher education accreditation and quality assurance. CHEA plays a central role in recognizing accrediting organizations and strengthening public trust in higher education. For more information, visit www.chea.org.