Question 1
According to its Vision Statement, APA aspires to be a "principal leader and global partner promoting psychological knowledge and methods to facilitate the resolution of personal, societal and global challenges in diverse, multicultural and international contexts." How would your presidency and presidential initiatives further this vision?
APA has been able to address numerous social issues because of its firm foundation in psychological science. As social issues become increasingly complex, spanning cultures and nations, our reliance on the integration of science, multicultural understanding and commitment to human rights grows. As president, I will seek to advance collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and those with international and multicultural expertise—including those who have so far been invisible or underrepresented in this process—to maximize APA's efforts to address these complex issues in ways that value cultural differences while striving for viable and sustainable solutions. Dream big. Do more. Together!
Question 2
APA has been grappling with a number of recent challenges. What is the single greatest challenge facing the association and how would you address it during your presidency?
The challenges facing APA are too complex to be narrowed down to one. However, my label for the "single challenge" is viability—organizationally and professionally. I will be a strong voice for APA's foundation as a scientific organization. Science is our single biggest distinction among health-care professions and makes us viable as a professional organization. I will call for a culture of evidence and assessment in everything that we do. Right alongside science, we must be a financially sound organization that cares about all members. Along with these things, if we implement our mission, we will be viable.