Essential competencies of Chief Wellness executives in higher education

The evolving landscape of health and well-being in higher education has underscored the critical need for strategic leadership roles, such as Chief Wellness/Well-being Officers (CWOs/CWBOs), to promote campus-wide resilience and holistic health. In response to the growing complexity of institutional wellness efforts following the COVID-19 pandemic, the American College Health Association's Health and Well-being Executive Leaders (HWEL) Section conducted a national needs assessment to identify essential competencies, and development priorities for wellness executives. With input from over 60% of section members, findings revealed key gaps in systems thinking, strategic planning, data literacy, and organizational influence. This article proposes a foundational competency framework tailored to the unique demands of higher education leadership, with actionable recommendations for professional development, mentorship, and institutional advocacy. By formalizing competency expectations, ACHA aims to support the growth of a robust, professionalized pipeline of well-being leaders capable of integrating wellness into the core mission and operations of colleges and universities nationwide.