Package Description

Date: January 15, 2026
Time: 4-5 p.m. ET
Title: ACES Strategy: Looking Ahead to 2026

Description:
Join President Heather E. Saunders, and President-elect Mark Allen, for a brief overview of ACES’ strategic direction for 2026, moderated by Executive Director Gigi Sutton. Key goals and priorities set by the ACES Board of Directors will be highlighted, followed by an open Q&A. Attendees will gain a clear, high-level understanding of where ACES is headed in 2026 and how these priorities support the member experience.

Cost: Free for ACES members/$30 for nonmembers

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About the speakers:

Heather E. Saunders
President (2024-2026)

Heather E. Saunders, owner of Just the Write Type, is a proofreader and STEM/medical editor. She teaches on and writes about conscious language, editing, freelancing, and science communication, and develops content with inclusivity, accessibility, and conscious language at the forefront. She is producer of That Word Chat, a regular StetWalker, Assistant Proofreader’s supervisor, and secretary for ACES: The Society for Editing. 

Mark Allen
President-elect (2024-2026)

Mark Allen is an editor, consultant, and teacher with 30 years of professional experience working with words. After a career on newspaper copy desks, he has spent 17 years as a freelance editor. He is president-elect of ACES: The Society for Editing and chair of the ACES Advocacy Advisory Committee. He has spoken about copy editing and word skills at conferences and at public and private workshops.

Jehan "Gigi" Sutton, MBA
Executive Director

Gigi Sutton is the executive director of ACES and resides in the Chicagoland area. With many years of experience managing various trade and professional associations throughout her career, Gigi is actively involved with organizations such as ASAE and the Association Forum Chicago. She is also the president of the Gilberts Town Center Homeowners Association. When she's not working or volunteering, Gigi enjoys reading, cooking, and especially traveling with her husband and daughter.