The Division Engagement Office has a staff liaison assigned to each division. Our goal is to help support you as a division leader and to help connect and engage your division within APA. We can help with navigating APA or answering questions about association management best practices. Here are some questions we frequently answer for divisions:
- How can I get a roster of our division members?
- What can we do about disruption on our Listserv?
- What do I need to know as president-elect?
- How can we encourage our members to renew?
- Can we ask for donations?
- What are our division demographics?
- Where do I send our candidates for division officers?
Paula Aviles, CAE
Divisions:
1–9, 40–49
Contact:
(202) 336-6018
APA: I joined APA in 2016 right after receiving my Certified Association Professional (CAE) designation.
Experience: I have worked with associations for over 15 years and enjoy working with nonprofits on membership best practices.
Loves: On a personal note, anyone that knows me knows how much I love animals. My older labradoodle still has the energy of a young dog, so he keeps me busy. I live in Northern Virginia, but I am originally from Santiago, Chile, and speak fluent Spanish. I came to the United States with my parents and my brother when I was seven years old after my father’s job transferred him to Washington, D.C. I believe the field of psychology is fascinating and important, and I admire the work our members do. I look forward to working with you.
Keith Cooke
, MA, CAE
Divisions:
30–39, 50-56
Contact:
(202) 216-7602
APA: I started as a production editor in APA Journals in 1986 (not my first job but close!), moved to operations manager in Books in 1995, and manager in what was then called Division Services in 1998.
Experience: I have a master’s degree in publication design and received my certified association executive credential in January 2022.
Loves: I love dogs and spend my time outside of work fostering Sato dogs, abused and abandoned dogs from Puerto Rico, through the group Toby’s Rescue in Washington, D.C.
Maggie Helmus, MPS
Divisions:
10-29
Contact:
(202) 336-5969
APA: I have been with APA since the summer of 2022.
Experience: I’ve dedicated my entire career to the nonprofit sector, starting during graduate school in 2018. I’m currently working toward earning my Certified Association Executive credential.
Loves: Several of my greatest joys in life are cheese, books, and a nice glass of Malbec—ideally enjoyed all at once. I cherish my small circle of close friends and family, and I like to think the Capricorn in me values quality over quantity..
You can always find the current liaison assignments on the Contact Division Engagement page.