John Francis Leader, PhD

Candidates’ statements reflect their own views and do not represent the positions of APA or APA Services, Inc.

Psychology is more necessary than ever. Rising mental health needs, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, pressure on research and education, inequities in access, declining trust in institutions, and growing complexity in public dialogue all require thoughtful and principled leadership from APA.

My platform is ‘Practice, Science, Global’ because I believe APA can meet these challenges by drawing together the full breadth of psychology, including practitioners, researchers, educators, students, and early career psychologists, nationally and worldwide. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and every part of our community must have a meaningful voice.

I want to help build an APA that is big but feels small, like a family where every member belongs, committed to transparent governance, responsible financial management, and decisions clearly connected to member priorities. We need to lead on the ethical and evidence-based use of AI and digital technologies, strengthen participation by psychologists in all areas of society, and include perspectives that are too often underrepresented.

Critically, I want to help build an APA culture of respect and openness. We will not always agree, but for me that is an advantage, as our role is to help society to find shared purpose that is complemented by difference. We can, and must, work together to translate psychological knowledge into actual benefits for the communities we serve.

I am running to help ensure APA is relevant, trusted, inclusive, well-run, and prepared for the future. Your support is deeply appreciated. You can learn more about my campaign at https://jfl.com/apa-boardopens in new window.

John Francis Leader, PhD (JFL), is an early career psychologist who works across practice, research, and policy on the topics of mental health, artificial intelligence, and organizational development.

Leader was elected by APA Council to APA’s Committee for Global Psychology, serving as 2026 chair. JFL has strong board experience across governance, risk, and financial management, including: vice president finance of the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA); the International Association of Applied Psychology Professional Practice Committee; and the Psychological Society of Ireland.

Liaising with the World Health Organization and UNICEF, Leader actively represents psychology within the United Nations system. An adjunct research fellow at UCD’s School of Psychology, JFL leads the Mixed Reality Therapy program and has developed mental health policy initiatives, psychology-focused AI frameworks, and launched a digitalization collaboration between APA and EFPA. JFL speaks internationally on mental health policy and the role of psychological science in the responsible use of AI.

Having completed their PhD in 2019, Leader is especially committed to supporting students and early career psychologists. As the child of a U.S. immigrant, JFL draws on both U.S. and global experience to strengthen diverse voices and promote respectful dialogue and unity of purpose across psychology.

Leader brought the 2026 Resolution on Promoting Global Perspectives in U.S. Psychology to APA Council, where it was approved in February, with the Global Perspectives implementation rubric launch at the APA Convention.

Your support is deeply appreciated. Learn more about Leader’s campaign at https://jfl.com/apa-boardopens in new window.