Our state psychological associations have always been the key to advancing professional practice. Several of our executive directors, such as Ohio's Michael Ranney who has served since June of 1997, have been with psychology from the earliest years of Practice Leadership Conference, which in my judgment is the highlight of the year. Another visionary stalwart, Sally Cameron, recently retired after 38 years of serving the North Carolina Psychological Association (NCPA). Sally became the first NCPA Executive Director in January of 1981.
"It has been the honor of my career to serve as Executive Director. I am excited today as I was in 1981 about your profession and the contributions you make to the state and to society. As NCPA celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2018, it was a time for reflection. Together we accomplished a great deal, and there is still much more to be done. As I look back over my 38 years, how things have changed. From an office in my home to a rental space; from file cards to a computer with a database; from that rental space to our wonderful permanent headquarters in Raleigh; from being the only staff person to a staff of four plus our long time Director of Professional Affairs and our lobbyist; and much more.
"NCPA is an incredible organization. Psychology has been so fortunate to have so many members over my 38 years who have given an unbelievable amount of their time, talent and treasure to their professional organization. Working with each one has been a privilege and a pleasure. Traveling throughout the state to meet many psychologists at local gatherings and continuing education activities was such a joyous part of my role.
"I am very grateful to the support from APA, and particularly the Practice Organization; for state psychological associations; and for CESPPA, the professional organization for executive directors of state, provincial and territorial associations. The decision to retire was not easy – especially when you love what you do. But it was time – a time to spend even more time with my wonderful and ever so supportive husband Jim, more time with friends and family, and to do the psychologically healthy thing – rest and relax. I will miss NCPA but I know that with the commitment of the leaders and members, NCPA and psychology will continue to thrive for many years to come. Thanks for the memories" (Sally Cameron).
"Sally is an icon in the world of Executive Directors for psychological associations. Besides being a wonderful person she was a wonderful mentor to many including me during my time with both NCPA and APA. Psychology, and I, owe a debt of significant gratitude to Sally" (Tony Puente, former APA President).
Don't Forget a Small Moonbeam: APA Board of Directors member Beth Rom-Rymer: "It is thrilling to announce that on February 17, 2019, 23 years after APA Council passed the first resolution on prescribing psychologists, Council approved updated proposals for education and training as preparation for becoming prescribing psychologists. One of the salient curriculum revisions was that the didactic portion of the training could be taken at the predoctoral graduate level. Our Illinois pipeline is full, with 75 undergraduate students taking their required pre-prescribing undergraduate science courses. They will have the opportunity to earn their joint degrees in Clinical Psychopharmacology and Clinical Psychology as graduate students. Just as men and women have evolved in their societal roles over the last several decades, we psychologists, too, are evolving and learning new ways in which we can expertly help the most-at-risk members of our communities." Aloha, [Dean Martin].
Pat DeLeon, former APA President – Division 31 – March, 2019
