Reflections upon a very rewarding journey: Almost a decade later.

Abstract

Serving as APA President is a wonderful experience that provides an opportunity to truly make a difference for psychology and our nation. Psychology's ability to influence national policy requires the association and its president appreciate the potential of the discipline to effect national policy. APA governance should focus upon the development of substantive, meaningful policy agendas, not merely those of interest to a few or upon internal governance politics. New leaders must recognize the importance of both the broad perspective addressing all of psychology and the relatively short window of achieving results. Leaders must develop the next generation of leaders and facilitate their integration into the new roles. In this paper, I discuss my experience as President of the American Psychological Association, and how I believe leadership in APA can make a difference.

Investing in our future: Unrealized opportunities for funding graduate psychology training.

“…Finally, APA and its members must use their scientific and clinical expertise to effect positive changes in public policy (DeLeon, 2008). With regards to health care policy, we should work with the National Healthcare Workforce Commission, created by the PPAC Act of 2010 to monitor behavioral health professional workforce trends, to draw attention to the importance of ensuring there are sufficient providers to meet growing needs within the United States (see also VandenBos, DeLeon, & Belar, 1991).…”

Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Independent Practice.

“…The complete practitioner gives freely of his or her expertise both within the profession and in the larger communities in which he or she lives. As a member of one of the learned professions (DeLeon, 2005(DeLeon, , 2008, the complete practitioner takes his or her place as a leader in the community and shares expertise, skills, and knowledge to contribute to the greater good. Examples may include offering services pro bono; becoming involved in community service projects; and participating in political, civic, and religious organizations.…”