ADA selects firm to conduct governance and organizational health evaluation
New timeline allows for greater stakeholder engagement
The American Dental Association has selected Vista Cova, a consulting firm with extensive experience in nonprofit and association management, to conduct a comprehensive governance and organizational health evaluation, expected to be completed by early next year.
ADA Resolution 56H-2002 directs the Association to study its governance structure at least every 12 years. Last October, the 2025 ADA House of Delegates adopted Resolution 521H-2025, calling for the next iteration of this study to include not only a review of the Association’s governance structure, but also an assessment of its internal controls, accountability expectations, and leadership and management culture. The evaluation will provide recommendations for a path forward for the ADA and the tripartite, designed to ensure governance and operational health are in alignment with long-term financial sustainability.
After issuing a request for proposals in early December 2025 and receiving seven proposals, the ADA signed a contract in March with finalist Vista Cova. The Association selected the firm based on its stated ability to understand and meet the needs of the ADA and its strong emphasis on the importance of stakeholder engagement.
To allow for the expanded engagement proposed by the firm, including a town hall at the 2026 House of Delegates, the ADA agreed to extend the due date for the final report and recommendations from June 2026 to January 2027. This shift in the timeline means that while some proposed changes resulting from the evaluation could be finalized in time to be considered by the 2026 House, the final recommendations are expected to come before the House in 2027.
The Governance and Organizational Workgroup — consisting of members of the ADA Board of Trustees’ Standing Committee on Governance and an advisory task force established by ADA President Richard Rosato, D.M.D. — will be charged with reviewing initial data, receiving synthesized reports and draft recommendations, and providing direct feedback to Vista Cova as work progresses toward a final report. As called for by Resolution 521H-2025, the workgroup shared an interim progress report in April with ADA leaders and volunteers.
“It is our expectation that the diverse perspectives each member brings to this effort will result in well-vetted recommendations to the Board and, ultimately, to the House of Delegates,” Dr. Rosato and ADA Executive Director Nader Nadershahi, D.D.S., Ed.D., said in an April 27 message to House members.
