In a leadership move that signals a new era for one of education’s most recognizable names, ACT has appointed Steve Tapp as its new Chief Executive Officer. The announcement marks a major transition for the mission-driven assessment and workforce readiness organization, following the tenure of Janet Godwin, who led ACT through a sweeping transformation over the past five years. Godwin will remain on board as Special Advisor to Tapp and the company’s Board of Directors.
A Seasoned Leader for a Changing Assessment Landscape
Tapp brings over 30 years of experience in the education and assessment markets, most recently as CEO of Lifelong Learner Holdings, the parent company of PSI Services and Talogy. Under his leadership, PSI evolved from a U.S.-based testing firm into a global assessment powerhouse, serving both education and talent management sectors.
Before PSI, Tapp held senior roles at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, including President of its Assessment Division (Promissor) and positions in corporate finance and strategy. His track record in scaling businesses, integrating technology, and navigating market evolution positions him well to lead ACT’s next phase of innovation and expansion.
“I’ve long admired ACT’s mission to change lives through assessment,” said Steve Tapp, CEO, ACT. “I look forward to helping propel the organization forward, building on the foundation Janet and her leadership team have established, and continuing to support millions of learners worldwide on their college and career journeys.”
Building on a Legacy of Transformation
During her 35-year tenure, including five years as CEO, Janet Godwin shepherded ACT through a period of significant reinvention. Most notably, she guided its transition into an independent, public benefit corporation backed by Nexus Capital Management LP, positioning ACT to pursue its mission with renewed agility and impact.
“I’ve been honored to lead ACT through its transformational journey,” said Godwin. “Steve’s depth of market experience makes him the right leader to take ACT into its next chapter.”
Nexus Signals Confidence in New Leadership
Nexus Capital Management, which acquired ACT in 2023, praised both leaders for steering the organization through a pivotal time of change.
“Janet has been instrumental in positioning ACT for long-term success,” said Evan Glucoft, Managing Director at Nexus and ACT Board Member. “Steve’s proven leadership and growth orientation make him an ideal fit to accelerate ACT’s standalone evolution as a world-class provider of educational and workforce solutions.”
Why It Matters
Tapp’s appointment comes as the assessment and credentialing industry undergoes rapid transformation, with technology, AI, and skills-based learning redefining how education connects to workforce readiness. Under his leadership, ACT is poised to strengthen its position at the intersection of education, employability, and lifelong learning—areas increasingly converging as global workforces adapt to automation and new skill demands.
Join thousands of HR leaders who rely on HRTechEdge for the latest in workforce technology, AI-driven HR solutions, and strategic insights
