Psychologist Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, has been named APA's chief executive officer. Evans, who assumes the post on March 20, comes to APA after 12 years as commissioner of Philadelphia's Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, a $1.2 billion health-care agency that is the behavioral health and intellectual disabilities safety net for 1.5 million Philadelphians. While there, he realigned the agency's treatment philosophy, service-delivery models and fiscal policies to improve health outcomes and increase the efficiency of the system.
His broad experience will be a tremendous asset for APA, say association leaders. "Dr. Evans will take the helm of the American Psychological Association at a critical juncture, as we mark APA's 125-year anniversary," says APA President Antonio E. Puente, PhD. "He is a trailblazer who has relied on the strength of his background in both research and clinical practice to create transformational change in each of the mental health systems he has led. We look forward to Dr. Evans' vision and inspirational leadership skills to promote the association as the pre-eminent organization advancing psychological science, education and practice in the public interest, and supporting psychologists in the United States and beyond."
Evans says he is honored to be selected as APA's next CEO. "The American Psychological Association has a long, distinguished history of developing the best psychological science and applying it to benefit society and improve people's lives. I hope to bring to this position not only a passion for psychology, but the leadership experience to help move the association—and the discipline—into the next era of excellence and contribution to our society."
Evans holds a doctorate in clinical/community psychology from the University of Maryland and a master's degree in experimental psychology from Florida Atlantic University, where he also completed his undergraduate work. Before his work in Philadelphia, he was deputy commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, where he led major strategic initiatives in the state's behavioral health-care system. He also developed a thriving private practice.
Evans is the author or co-author of 40 peer-reviewed research articles and of numerous chapters, reviews and editorials. He has served as an associate clinical professor in the department of psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine, a clinical associate at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and a clinical professor in psychology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
He has been recognized nationally and internationally as an innovative and effective policymaker. Among his numerous awards, he was named by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy as an Advocate for Action in 2015. In 2013, he received the American Medical Association's top government service award in health care, the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service, for his leadership in transforming the Philadelphia behavioral health system, particularly around the adoption of a public health framework.
Evans will also serve as CEO of the association's companion organization, the APA Practice Organization, which supports and promotes the interests of practicing psychologists. He succeeds Norman B. Anderson, PhD, who resigned at the end of 2015. Cynthia D. Belar, PhD, has been serving as interim CEO since that time.