AoEC United States
AoEC United States —
Delivered by SPARC.
SPARC is the Academy of Executive Coaching's Global Partner in the United States. We deliver AoEC's triple-accredited executive coach training programs for US-based practitioners, leaders, and organizations.
The Relationship
SPARC is the Academy of Executive Coaching's Global Partner in the United States. We deliver AoEC's triple-accredited executive coach training programs as AoEC United States — the same globally recognized AoEC curriculum, taught by US-based faculty for US-based practitioners and organizations.
Who Is the AoEC
Twenty-five years of executive coach training, anchored in the United Kingdom and operating across fifteen country networks.
Founded in 1999, the Academy of Executive Coaching is among the most accredited coach training providers in the world. Its programs hold simultaneous accreditation from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the Association for Coaching (AC), and EMCC Global. The AoEC operates as a B Corporation and through a network of country partners delivering its curriculum in fifteen markets, including the United States.
From AoEC's Launch Announcement · January 21, 2025
The Launch — In AoEC's Words
“This is the next chapter in the expansion of our global footprint into the US. SPARC Associates are recognised leaders in transformational change, and we are delighted to partner with them to bring our triple accredited Practitioner Diploma programmes to new audiences.”
Founder and CEO, Academy of Executive Coaching
“We are very excited to join the AoEC global family of world-class executive coach training providers. AoEC's extraordinary commitment to the highest quality, triple accreditation, and global perspective sets it apart in the US marketplace. We look forward to providing access to coaches, and organisational leaders and teams across the US who are committed to maximising impact in organisations and beyond.”
Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, SPARC
Read the full announcement at AoEC's Knowledge Bank → “AoEC launches in the United States with SPARC as official partner”
Who Is SPARC
Founded by practitioners, anchored in purpose-driven sectors, committed to open access.
SPARC was founded by Dr. Mathew Johnson and Dr. Shannon O'Neill — both ICF-credentialed executive coaches and former senior leaders in higher education. SPARC serves higher education, nonprofit, foundation, and government organizations across the United States and globally.
We are committed to open access — open access to globally accredited executive coach training for leaders and practitioners in purpose-driven sectors that historically have not had it. Our work draws on more than two decades of combined experience in coaching, consulting, and leadership development.
AoEC United States · What We Deliver
A four-step pathway from foundational coaching skills to ICF Master Certified Coach.
Each step stands on its own and stacks toward full credentialing. Pick where you are; finish where you want to go.
Coaching Skills Certificate
Two-day foundational program. 12 ICF education hours. For leaders and aspiring coaches.
Open program page →Coaching Tools Certificate
Two-day deep-dive on six tool domains. Continues the practical foundation.
Open program page →Practitioner Diploma
Six-month, ICF Level 1 accredited program. 64 ICF hours. The AoEC's flagship credential.
Open program page →Professional Practitioner Diploma
Advanced AoEC credential for experienced practitioners pursuing ICF PCC and MCC.
Learn more →The Global Network
“Global Partner” isn't decoration. It's a network.
The AoEC operates through country partners that deliver its curriculum within their home markets. SPARC is the AoEC's exclusive Global Partner in the United States and one of fifteen partners worldwide.
Trained with AoEC UK, AoEC Global, an AoEC partner country, or AoEC United States — and now live in the US? There's a US alumni community for you.
Visit the Alumni Hub →AoEC US Faculty
Led by two former deans, taught by a US-based practitioner team.
Dr. Mathew Johnson
Ph.D. · PCC · AoEC Practitioner Diploma faculty · Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach · Leadership Circle Certified Practitioner.
Dr. Shannon O'Neill
Ph.D. · PCC · AoEC Practitioner Diploma faculty · Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach · Leadership Circle Certified Practitioner.
Frequently Asked
Common Questions
What is AoEC United States?
AoEC United States is the Academy of Executive Coaching's US delivery network — its full curriculum of triple-accredited executive coach training programs, taught in the United States by US-based faculty. SPARC is the AoEC's Global Partner in the United States and the organization that operates AoEC US.
Who is SPARC?
SPARC was founded by Dr. Mathew Johnson and Dr. Shannon O'Neill — both ICF-credentialed executive coaches and former senior leaders in higher education. SPARC serves higher education, nonprofit, foundation, and government organizations across the United States and globally, with executive coaching, leader development, organizational consulting, and executive coach training as its four practice areas.
How is SPARC related to AoEC?
SPARC is the AoEC's exclusive Global Partner in the United States. The partnership was announced on January 21, 2025. SPARC delivers AoEC's programs as AoEC United States — the same globally recognized curriculum, taught in the US for US-based practitioners and organizations. The two organizations are independent but partnered, much like the AoEC's other country networks in 14 markets worldwide.
What programs does SPARC deliver?
SPARC delivers the AoEC's four-step coach training pathway in the United States: the Coaching Skills Certificate (two-day foundational), the Coaching Tools Certificate (two-day deepening), the Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching (six-month, ICF Level 1 accredited), and supports participants into the AoEC's Professional Practitioner Diploma (ICF PCC pathway).
Ready to start a conversation?
Whether you're considering a program, exploring training for your organization, or simply want to understand how AoEC United States works — we're here.