Robert Zeiss, PhD, was awarded a Presidential Citation for his exceptional stewardship of psychology training in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Zeiss, a reflective, unassuming leader, puts others first and brings out the best in those who work with him. This appearance belies his own enormous impact on the growth and innovation of psychology training in the VA during the past decade. As national director of Associated Health Training for the VA, he oversaw the unprecedented expansion of training in numerous health professions. As a result of his thoughtful diligence, VA psychology training programs are now located in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, enhancing the contributions that psychology brings to our veterans' health nationwide. He ensured that the rapid growth in internship and postdoctoral positions was balanced by a sustained insistence on the VA's historic commitment to the quality of its programs. As a result, the VA can proudly claim to set a standard for quality, growth and opportunity. Zeiss' effective, productive leadership sets a similarly high standard.