Beth Deisher Elected to ACEF Board of Directors
The former executive director rejoined the foundation leadership team on September 15, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
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The Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF) elected Beth Deisher to its Board of Directors on September 15, 2026. She succeeds Mary Sauvain, who transitioned from the board to become the organization's executive director earlier this year.
Why it matters
Deisher brings extensive experience to the Irvine-based organization, having previously served as its executive director and spearheaded the creation of its anti-counterfeiting task force. Her appointment ensures continued leadership continuity as the group supports law enforcement in combating counterfeit currency and numismatic fraud.
The Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation has provided critical support to federal law enforcement in more than 70 investigative cases. Deisher previously served as the foundation's executive director for over two years.
The players
Beth Deisher
She is a veteran numismatic editor who was inducted into the American Numismatic Association Numismatic Hall of Fame in 2013.
Mary Sauvain
She is the current executive director of the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation and a former board member.
Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation
Headquartered in Irvine, this organization assists federal law enforcement with investigations involving counterfeit numismatic materials.
The details
Deisher, who spent 27 years as the editor of Coin World, was recruited in 2017 to organize the Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force, where she coordinated specialists to assist federal agencies. She now steps into a board position vacated by Mary Sauvain, who began her tenure as executive director on August 1, 2026.
Timeline
1985: Deisher began editorial leadership of Coin World.
January 2024: Mary Sauvain began serving as a board member.
April 2024: Deisher began serving as ACEF executive director.
August 1, 2026: Sauvain became Executive Director and Deisher stepped down.
September 15, 2026: Deisher elected to ACEF Board of Directors.
Market Landscape
Deisher's appointment to the board solidifies the strategic direction set by the 2017 formation of the Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force. This move positions the foundation to maintain its specialized advisory role in the numismatic industry against ongoing counterfeit threats.
The transition ensures that the organization maintains its expert support for law enforcement investigations involving counterfeit items. Customers and collectors can expect the foundation to continue its established educational programs and investigative partnerships without disruption.
The takeaway
Deisher's return to the board highlights the importance of institutional memory in managing complex anti-counterfeiting operations. Leadership continuity is essential for nonprofit organizations that rely heavily on specialized expertise and government partnerships.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry updates in the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CoinWeek.
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