Candidate Statements - Council Representative

Richard M. Suinn, Ph.D.

It would be a pleasure to represent Division 12 to maintain its strong leadership presence at Council. My extensive experience enables me to immediately understand the complexities of Council, and to be an influential and respected voice. My uniqueness comes from experiences within every level of APA governance:

Executive: APA president–which provided special insights in getting things accomplished,
Special-focus Boards: chair of Education and Training Board and Board of Ethnic Minority Affairs, service on Publications/Communications and Policy and Planning Boards
Specialized-committees: chair of the Committee on Ethics, Policy and Education, chair of two Commissions on diversity.

I have over 30 year’s involvement in Divisions: helped found several Divisions and served on executive committees to foster Divisional growth and visibility. My latest activity for Division 12 was on its presidential-appointed Task Force on Diversity. My APA positions have been opportunities to initiate actions benefiting Divisions. For instance, as chair of APA’s Membership Committee I was instrumental in recruitment innovations, an activity essential for Division 12 to retain its strength, influence and vitality.

I am truly a scholar/practitioner: publishing research on effective interventions, teaching core clinical courses on assessment and therapy, designing a new doctoral program in clinical psychology, supervising practicum, consulting with organizations, heading a Psychology Department. A licensed psychologist, I have been on the state’s Board of Examiners, ABPP’s Board of Directors, and an active participant in both the APA State and Divisional Leadership meetings.

I also have broader skills: I have been mayor of my city, and served as Olympic team psychologist and community advocate. As my perspectives have widened, the common element is a positive activism and commitment to getting things done. I would love to focus my energies and know-how for the Division’s visions and goals and I ask for your support.