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?
As president, I would seek to advance the creation and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives. This would include making APA a valuable, effective and influential organization advancing psychology as a science. I would ensure that APA is the premier innovator in the education, development and training of psychological scientists, practitioners and educators. This would include APA being a leading advocate for psychological knowledge and practice, informing policymakers and the public on how to improve public policy and daily living, including the application of psychology to promote human rights, health and well-being.
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?
One of the greatest challenges facing the association is the need to increase and enhance its membership. We must attract psychologists who are not APA members to the association. We must also attract back previous members who have left. As president, I would appoint a panel to canvass non-member psychologists, as well as current members, to ask for their ideas and suggestions about APA's policies. I would ensure that potential members know of the association's efforts in such areas as pursuing prescription privileges for properly trained psychologists and hospital privileges. I would also seek to make membership dues more manageable.