Two National Nonprofit Associations Merge to Form AQORD
Blue Bell, Pa. (January 9, 2026)– Friends Services Alliance (FSA) and MHS Association (MHS) have officially merged to form a single, strengthened organization to serve values-aligned health and human services providers. By combining expertise, resources, and Anabaptist and Quaker values, the new organization expands its ability to support members and the communities they serve. The new organization, AQORD, became effective on January 1, 2026.
Now operating under a single brand, AQORD has a mission to inspire, strengthen, and advance the effectiveness of values-aligned health and human services organizations. Building on a strong history of service to nonprofits in this field, AQORD has expertise in leadership development, governance, compliance, and consulting, and pairs that expertise with meaningful peer collaboration and a deep commitment to faith- and values-aligned work.
“While some aspects of our organization will change for the better—including strengthened organizational capacity and a more sustainable future—our mission, values, and commitment to serving our members will remain the same,” said Karen Lehman, President and CEO of AQORD. “As we take this next step together, with leadership from both legacy organizations alongside us, we are confident that our combined strengths will lead to even greater impact.”
AQORD’s new logo and brand identity reflect the combined strengths of each organization. The name AQORD is a respelling of the word accord, symbolizing alignment and a shared, values-aligned approach. The letters A and Q also serve as a subtle nod to the organization’s Anabaptist and Quaker roots.
Founded in 1988, MHS, based in Goshen, Indiana, has diligently served Mennonite and Anabaptist faith-based health and human services providers in their leadership and strategic direction. FSA, founded in 1991 and based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, has supported Quaker-rooted senior living organizations in compliance, education, board and organizational development, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.
The leadership team for AQORD will include Karen Lehman, president and CEO; Clare Krabill, COO; Marianna Pessognelli, CFO; Karla Dreisbach, vice president of compliance; Suzette Davis, vice president of consulting; and Aja Moore-Ramos, senior director of communications.
In addition, the current board of directors reflects members with equal representation from FSA and MHS member organizations, with Robin Somers serving as board chair. These same members were on the previous FSA and MHS Association boards.
To learn more about AQORD, visit www.aqord.org, scheduled to launch on January 9, 2026.
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AQORD is the association advancing organizational excellence for values-aligned health and human services organizations. It was born from the 2026 merger of Friends Services Alliance and MHS Association, two organizations rooted in traditions of service, care, and faith. AQORD supports its members through partnership, innovation, and shared purpose.