When even seasoned researchers are struggling to secure federal funding, APF's work to fund the work of early career psychologists and students is more important than ever, says Terence M. Keane, PhD, director of the national center for PTSD-Behavioral Sciences division and associate chief of staff of research and development of the VA Boston Healthcare System. Keane, who became president of APFs Board of Trustees last month, says shaping new psychologists' careers is what he's most excited about in his new role. "To me, what could be a better job to have than to orchestrate the delivery of resources to incredibly bright, smart and talented individuals?" he says.
Keane takes the reins from Dorothy W. Cantor, PsyD, who became APF president in 2001. Under her direction, APF has held two fundraising campaigns. The first, the Campaign for a New Era, raised $7.6 million in five years (2000–04); the second, the Campaign to Transform the Future, raised more than $12 million (2012–16.)
A mentor at heart, Cantor helped APF shift its focus from honoring psychology's luminaries to providing small research grants to early career psychologists and students. "For them, $5,000 and $10,000 can make a huge difference in their careers," she says. APF now awards $800,000 in such grants each year.
During her tenure, the trustees also launched APF's Visionary Fund, which provides grants on broad topics that address society's biggest challenges, such as violence prevention and reducing stigma and prejudice.
Like Cantor, Keane aims to look for new ways to encourage philanthropy. He has served on APF's board since 2014. In 2013, he and several colleagues established the APF Trauma Psychology Grant. His passion for psychology and charitable giving makes him an ideal foundation chief, Cantor says. "He has the enthusiasm, warmth, dedication and the visibility," says Cantor.
Keane says he is eager to "ramp up the energy" among psychologists to reinvest in the field. Giving back is something everyone, regardless of specialty area, can feel good about, he says.
"APF is something for which APA can be very proud," he adds. "In a time of trouble and turmoil, this is something we are doing with which everyone can agree."
