2026 Board of Directors Call for Nominations
(April 1, 2025 - May 2, 2025)

Nominations are sought for two Members-at Large on the 2026 APA Board of Directors

The term of service for both positions is January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028. 

The Needs Assessment, Slating and Campaigns Committee (NASCC) aims to maintain a Board of Directors that reflects the demographic, geographic, and disciplinary diversity of the APA membership. NASCC conducted a comprehensive needs assessment that included a review of the composition of the 2025 Board of Directors and an assessment of the organizational priorities of APA. Below, we provide lists of both specific and general areas of expertise we are seeking in nominees. The ideal candidate for the Board meets the general qualities and at least one of the specific areas of expertise. NASCC commits to a holistic assessment of the pool of Board candidates and the present composition of the Board to ensure a future Board composition that maximizes a variety of experience and a commitment to the vision and mission of the Association.

Desired Specific Qualities for Member-at Large Nominees:

In addition to the general qualities listed below, nominees for this round will enhance the range of experience of the Board if they have expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Industrial and organizational psychologist with expertise in leadership and organizational dynamics, as well as finance, in large organizations including but not limited to non-profits
• Sociopolitical trends and issues including state and federal policies and funding with implication for science, education and practice
• Psychological science research with experience navigating federal funding

 

Desired General Qualities for Nominees:

Experience. APA Board members should have the relevant professional experience and commitment to serve on the Board of Directors of a major national nonprofit association and its companion 501(c)(6) organization. Board members have the authority and responsibility of decision-making for budget and financial matters and must carry legal and fiduciary responsibility for the Association. Board members are expected to have a doctorate in psychology along with significant contributions to the field of psychology or the public interest through: high-level scientific research and scholarship; the application of psychology in healthcare, education, government, industry, or the nonprofit sector; entrepreneurship or business leadership in fields that involve public health or the psychological sciences; and/or demonstrated and active commitment to advocacy for positive social change, consistent with their career stage (i.e., early, mid-career, experienced, senior). APA Board members must have knowledge, skills, and experience that advance the work of the APA Board. Their presence on the Board should demonstrate to the public that a high level of expertise, knowledge, and success is required to lead in psychology at the national level. NASCC will prioritize the identification of Board candidates who exemplify these characteristics.

Inclusiveness. In recruiting a broad pool of qualified candidates for the Board, NASCC seeks to be inclusive in terms of individuals of different race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, socioeconomic status and background, disability, age and career stage, culture and religion, educational background, domains of professional or scientific practice, and specific areas of expertise.

 Understanding of the Board and the Association. The APA Board of Directors is the administrative agent of the Council of Representatives, overseeing the work of the Chief Executive Officer of the Association and exercising general supervision over the affairs of the Association. The Board of Directors has the authority for decision-making related to budget and financial matters. Service on the Board carries with it a requirement of loyalty and fidelity to the Association, as well as the responsibility to govern the institution’s affairs honestly and economically, exercising the best care, skill, and judgment for the benefit of the Association. Members of the Board must demonstrate a robust understanding of the mission, vision, and strategic plan of the Association, and evidence commitment to furthering the mission, vision, and strategic plan through their service on the Board. Additionally, members of the Board must understand the structure, function, and operation of the Board.

Board Members should also understand their responsibilities as leaders within a 501(c)(6) organization. The APA Board also serves as the Board of Directors for APA’s 501(c)(6) companion organization, named APA Services, Inc. The purpose of APA Services, Inc., is to promote the mutual professional, scientific, and training interests of psychologists including advancing psychology’s roles and interests in understanding behavior and advancing health, science, education, and human welfare. The (c)(6) organization supports activities that APA cannot as a 501(c)(3), such as lobbying and political giving. APA Services, Inc., advocates with legislators and other policy makers, health insurers and other purchasers of services, and helps members with their professional needs.

NASCC will prioritize the identification of Board candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission, vision and strategic plan of both Associations, as well as an appropriate understanding of the roles and responsibilities inherent to service on the Board.

Responsibilities

The Board of Directors is responsible for approving the annual budget, exercising general supervision over the policies and affairs of APA, and overseeing the work of the Chief Executive Officer.

The Board typically attends six Board meetings per year, two of which are virtual. Board members are members of APA’s Council of Representatives and attend the February and August Council meetings. Two of the Board meetings are held in conjunction with the Council meetings. Board members also typically attend additional meetings, including board and committee meetings, as part of their role in serving as Board of Directors liaisons to boards and committees.

The Board generally holds one or two calls per month and Board members are expected to regularly check email correspondence. In addition to the above-mentioned meetings, the Board generally holds one or two calls per month and Board members are expected to regularly check and respond to email correspondence. The Board’s workload may be heavy with considerable reading material, particularly prior to Board and Council meetings and during other periods with exceptional organizational demands. At times, the Board’s workload may be heavy, with considerable reading material, additional conference/video calls, and significant email correspondence.

How to Apply

Individuals who self-nominate should provide the following materials:

1. Brief statement of no more than 300 words detailing qualifications. Please feel free to include information on any professional or experiential diversity you believe you would bring to the Board.
2. Current curriculum vitae.

Individuals who are nominating someone else:

1. Please include the full name and email address for that individual.

Each member-at-large candidate must be a Member of the Association. Nominees’ materials will be reviewed by NASCC. Semi-finalists will be interviewed virtually by NASCC members in early June. NASCC will develop slates of at least two candidates for each position by the last week of June. Final candidates will be announced in mid-July. The two Members-at-Large will be elected by the APA Membership. The deadline to submit a nomination is May 2, 2025

Board and Committee Call for Nominations

Nominations are sought for the following boards and committees whose members are elected by the Council of Representatives:

Unless noted otherwise board and committee terms commence January 1, 2026. Click on board/committee name to see the full description.

1. Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest
   The Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public interest (BAPPI) has three seats open, each elected for three-year terms. BAPPI encourages nominations from experts in disability advocacy, racial equity. multiculturalism, health equity, geropsychology, environmental justice, organizational psychology, technology,  or policy.
2. Board of Educational Affairs
   The Board of Educational Affairs (BEA) has four seats open, each elected for three-year terms. BEA encourages nominations from psychologists with expertise in the Application of Psychology to Schools and Education; Precollege and Undergraduate Education in Psychology; Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning; and Board of Scientific Affairs Representative.  
3. Board of Professional Affairs
   The Board of Professional Affairs (BPA) has four seats open, each elected for three-year terms. BPA encourages nominations from experts in Child, Adolescent & Family Services; Institutional Practice / Health Care Systems Leadership; Applied Psychology Practice; and Licensing and State Regulations.
4. Board of Scientific Affairs
   The Board of Scientific Affairs (BSA) has three seats open, each elected for three-year terms. BSA encourages nominations in the areas of Health and Social Psychology; Behavioral/Developmental Neuroscience/Comparative Psychology; Quantitative Psychology (Methodology/Statistics); Modern Data Science Technology (e.g., Educational Technology/Testing, Generative AI, and Human Factors Psychology, Big Data Science, Science Ethics).
5. Commission for the Recognition of Specialties and Subspecialties in Professional Psychology
   The Commission seeks nominations to fill four seats, elected for three-year terms: one seat representing education (BEA), one vacancy representing practice (BPA), one vacancy representing public interest (BAPPI), and one vacancy representing early career psychologists (ECP). Commissioners shall also be nominated in such a fashion that ensures representation among them of (a) the broad scope of the practice of professional psychology, its scientific bases, and the Association's commitment to diversity and the public interest, and (b) an array of expertise in such matters as professional education and training, practitioner credentialing, program accreditation, continuing professional development, the identification of emerging patterns of practice, marketplace issues, legal/regulatory affairs, comprehensive and long-range knowledge of the development of specialties and the education and training system, student perspectives, consumer perspectives, evidence-based practice and/or science background.
6. Committee for Global Psychology
   The Committee for Global Psychology (CGP) seeks APA affiliate and full members who are concerned with, knowledgeable about, and committed to advancing APA's impact from a global perspective. Experience in international teaching/training, research, service, leadership, or policy is desired. The committee has three seats open each seat will be elected to serve a three-year term.
7. Committee for the Advancement of General Applied Psychology
   The Committee for the Advancement of General Applied Psychology (CAGAP) has four seats open, each elected for three-year terms. CAGAP builds on the work initiated by the Exploratory Committee on Applied Psychology, a time-limited group designed to explore a more specific representation of applied psychology within APA’s elected and appointed leadership structure. CAGAP is seeking nominees with experience aligning with the following slates: Early Career Psychologist; Graduate Student Representative; Social Psychologist; and Legal and/or Government Sector.
8. Committee on Rural Health
   The Committee on Rural Health (CRH) seeks to fill three slates with any nominees who are interested in the full breadth of issues affecting the health of persons living in rural and remote regions. CRH seeks nominations from individuals who are cultural, ethnic, or linguistic minority, individuals in private practice who is committed to service delivery for rural populations; and individuals with expertise in public health and advocacy.
9. Ethics Committee
   The Ethics Committee has two seats open, each elected for three-year terms.  Nominations are sought for a Practitioner (Licensing Board experience preferred) and Public Member (non-psychologist).
10. Finance Committee
    The Finance Committee has two seats open, each elected  for terms of three years. One slate shall be drawn from current Council members or Finance Committee members who have served within the previous seven years (including outgoing members of the Finance Committee); the second slate shall be drawn from APA members who have demonstrated interest and expertise in organizational financial policies and operations.
11. Membership Board
    The Membership Board has three seats open, each elected for three-year terms. Nominations are sought for the following areas applied, education, and social media/technology.
12. Policy and Planning Board
    The Policy and Planning Board (P&P) has three seats open, each elected for three-year terms. P&P encourages nominations from members in any career stages and graduate students.
13. Publications and Communications Board
    The Publications and Communications (P&C) Board has one open seat to be elected for a six-year term. P&C seeks nominees from psychologists whose primary expertise is in Adult clinical; Psychopharmacology; Animal research; Public policy and law; Psychological intervention and prevention science; and Disability studies. The newly elected candidate will be formally seated on July 1, 2025.

Nominations are sought for the following committees whose members are appointed by the Board of Directors:

1. Committee for Postdoctoral Education and Training Programs in Psychopharmacology for Prescriptive Authority
   The Designation Committee for Postdoctoral Education and Training Programs in Psychopharmacology for Prescriptive Authority (RxP Designation Committee) seeks nominations to fill two seats. The appointees will serve a three-year term beginning January 1, 2025.
2. Committee on Aging
   The Committee on Aging (CONA) has three seats open, each for three-year terms. CONA seeks nominees with expertise in research, practice, or policy/advocacy expertise in human rights and freedom from discrimination for older adults or aging-related basic; and  aging-related basic or translational science in subdisciplines other than clinical or counseling psychology (e.g., behavioral neuroscience, cognitive, developmental, social).
3. Committee on Animal Research and Ethics
   The Committee on Animal Research and Ethics (CARE) has two seats open, each elected for three-year terms. CARE encourages nominations of scientists who work in the following focus areas, to be considered broadly: effects of social integration on health across the lifespan; stress and behavior; nontraditional, nonmammalian model species; integration of animal research and alternatives to animal research; and comparative psychology.
4. Committee on Associate and Baccalaureate Education
   The Committee on Associate and Baccalaureate Education (CABE) has three seats open, each elected for three-year terms. CABE is seeking to fill two seats for members who teach psychology at associate degree-granting institutions and one seat for a member who teaches psychology at a baccalaureate degree-granting institution.
5. Committee on Children, Youth, and Families
   The Committee on Children, Youth and Families (CYF) is pleased to invite nominations for service on the committee. There are  two open seats, each appointed to serve three-year terms. CYF the nominees should have expertise in one or more of the following areas: understudied and underserved culturally and linguistically diverse, understudied, underserved and diverse populations; and partnering with the community or other professional, governmental, and other types of organizations.
6. Committee on Disability Issues in Psychology The Committee on Disability Issues in Psychology (CDIP) has two seats open, each elected for three-year terms. One seat is designated for a graduate student member. Nominations for experts that have professional and/or lived experience with disability aligning with disability advocacy and/or activism are encouraged to apply. In addition, nominee should have research, teaching, or practice-based expertise in one or more of the areas directly related to CDOP’s mission.
7. Committee on Division/APA Relations
   The Committee on Division/APA Relations (CODAPAR) has two seats open, each for three-year terms. CODAPAR strongly encourages the nomination of individuals with diverse identities (e.g. race, ethnicity, culture, gender, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation).
8. Committee on Early Career Psychologists
   The Committee on Early Career Psychologists (CECP) has three seats open for a (1) Education Representative, (2) Governance and Membership Representative, and (3) State, Provincial, and Territorial Psychological Associations (SPTAs) Representative. Committee members will serve a three-year term (2026-2028).  
9. Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs
   The Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs (CEMA) has two seats open, each elected for three-year terms. CEMA is seeking nominees with life experience as an Asian American man and/or nonbinary individual; and African American woman and/or nonbinary individual. In addition, CEMA candidates should have research, teaching, or practice-based expertise in one or more of the following areas: Strong leadership skills; Advocacy and/or policy experience; Experience working within interdisciplinary teams and/or integrated care settings; and, Special consideration will be given to those applicants whose education, training, experiences, and/or expertise represents basic and/or applied areas of psychological science/research.

10. Committee on Health Equity
    The Committee on Health Equity Committee (Che) has two seats open, each elected for three-year terms. CHE is seeking nominees with research, teaching, or practice-based expertise in one or more of the following areas: human rights based approaches to advance Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; addressing racism as a key driver of health inequities; climate change; Anti-racism; and/or population health approaches to behavioral and mental health. Expertise in the following committee identified priorities are also sought: behavioral, biological, psychological, social, and instructional drivers of infectious disease, including but not limited to Covid-19 and HIV/AIDS; communicating science to nonscientists; communicating behavioral and social science through media outlets; knowledge of healthcare systems and policy to advance health equity; and/or expertise in artificial intelligence, older adults, early childhood, and maternal health. The committee encourages nominations from Early Career Professionals, LGBTQI+ professionals, persons living with a mental and/or physical disability, and professionals who are ESL (English as a Second Language) or linguistically diverse.
11. Committee on Human Research
    The Committee on Human Research (CHR) has two seats open, each elected for three-year terms. CHR encourages nominations to fill the following slates: (1) Psychologist with expertise in developmental research across the lifespan, focusing on either child or adult development, or both and (2) Applied Psychologist working in industry, government, or the non-profit sector.
12. Committee on Professional Practice and Standards
    The Committee on Professional Practice and Standards (COPPS) has three positions open, each elected for three-year terms. COPPS encourages nominations from experts in healthcare and forensic psychology, as well as graduate student members.
13. Committee on Psychological Tests and Assessment The Committee on Psychological Tests and Assessment seeks nominations to fill three vacancies: The open slates will represent the Board of Education, Board of Professional Affairs, and Board of Scientific Affairs on current committee composition and specialties of those members rotating off the Committee, expertise requirements for each slate are as follows: school psychology with an emphasis on cultural/gender/diversity measurement;  legal/forensic issues, and large scale assessment.
14. Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity
    The Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity (CSOGD) has two seats open, each appointed for three-year terms. member. CSOGD seeks nominations in the following areas: Efforts (research, policy, or practice) at the intersection of or related to the effects of ableism, ageism, heterosexism, xenophobia, intersectionality, misogyny, transphobia, and the communities who are particularly impacted by these systems of oppression (e.g., trans femmes of color, asylees/refugees, elders, disabled people, and people with chronic illness); deep understanding on anti-oppressive efforts and community organizing; experience or interest in gender-affirming professional or community organization leadership, especially with marginalized groups; professional training and education in providing culturally responsive and gender-affirming clinical healthcare; and community mental health experience, especially with respect to marginalized groups.
15. Committee on Socioeconomic Status
    The Committee on Socioeconomic Status (CSES) has two seats open, each elected for three-year terms.  CSES seeks nominees for the following slates: (1) A representative from educational context(s) and/or demonstrating interest in and commitment to advancing academic understanding of socioeconomic status and  (2) a representative with expertise relevant to the CSES mission statement, with a particular focus on poverty, social class, and socioeconomic status.
16. Committee on Women in PsychologyThe Committee on Women in Psychology (CWP) has three seats open, each elected for three-years. CWP is seeking nominees with life experience as a Black/African American psychologist or American Indian/Indigenous psychologist. Nominees should have research, teaching, or practice-based expertise in one or more of the following areas women’s health/mental health across the lifespan, maternal/reproductive health/women’s health policy; sexualization of women and girls; interpersonal violence; health equity,  and bias, stigma, and discrimination.
17. Continuing Education Committee
    The Continuing Education Committee (CEC) seeks nominations for four new members to serve three-year terms each. The committee seeks to assemble a professional group committed to lifelong learning and evidence-based practice and education (see APA policy on Quality Professional Development and Continuing Education).
18. Fellows Committee
    The APA Fellows Committee seeks nominations for two new members for a three-year term. The committee encourages nominations in the following areas basic research/science and practice/applied. The Fellows Committee strongly encourages applications from fellows in science, academia, and those with racial or ethnic minority identities.

 

Below is information about the APA Graduate Student committee.

1. American Psychological Association of Graduate Students. APAGS is governed by nine officers (the APAGS Committee) elected by APAGS members along with the chairs of five specialized subcommittees. The nine elected APAGS officers include a chair, past-chair and chair-elect, as well as six members-at-large representing practice, research/academics, education/training, communications/public relations, diversity and membership recruitment/retention. The APAGS subcommittees include the Committee for the Advancement of Racial and Ethnic Diversity (CARED), the Advocacy Coordinating Team (ACT), the Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity (CSOGD), the Convention Committee and the Science Committee. Elected officers of APAGS serve as one method for students’ voice to be heard in APA on a variety of graduate student issues—such as financing and market-sensitivity of education and training, and increasing diversity within programs.

 

APA is engaged in a process of transformation, placing a much greater emphasis on making an impact that clearly benefits society and improves lives. In February 2024 the Council of Representatives revised and adopted its 2019 strategic plan that sets APA’s organizational priorities for the next three to five years.  APA groups actively collaborate across APA to align the work of elected and appointed leaders, staff, and the broader membership in service of advancing the strategic plan. Given the importance of this approach to the Association’s strategic priorities, APA encourages nominees to review the strategic plan to become familiar with the larger context in which their expertise and interests will contribute to APA's success.

Boards and committees typically have one hybrid and one virtual meeting each year as well as monthly calls, but this varies depending on the group. Additional details can be found in the description for each board and committee. A video platform, such as Zoom, is used for all virtual calls and meetings.

The deadline for nominations is January 31, 2025. All nominations must be submitted using the online form.

Nominations are reviewed by individual boards and committees throughout the spring. The Board of Directors subsequently reviews and confirms committee members appointed by the Board of Directors August. Notifications about the committee appointments will be sent to nominees by early September. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Election Office at elections@apa.org.

Seeking Experts to Serve on APA Panels and Ad Hoc Groups 

Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology Advisory Committee
(Terms Beginning Summer 2025)

The Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology (LIWP) Advisory Committee (AC) seeks nominations for four new members to begin 3-year terms on May 5, 2025. Self-nominations are encouraged, as well as nominations from individuals, APA committees, boards, and divisions. 

LIWP AC members DO NOT need to be full APA members according to the Membership section of the Association Bylaws (see #5) for the entirety of their term. The LIWP AC is an advisory committee and while the committee influences policy and program recommendations for the LIWP program, APA staff and the APA Board of Directors are directly responsible for policy implementation.

In particular, the committee is seeking applicants who are scholars, activists, or experienced (direct or indirect) in the following areas:

• Gender diversity and familiarity with needs of women, trans, and nonbinary psychologists
• Fundraising through non-governmental sources and individual donors
• Curriculum design, audit, and/or implementation
• Organizational change and strategy

Nominations to the LIWP AC must include a full CV, a completed nomination form, and an expression of interest statement. All nominations must be submitted online by Friday March 28, 2025. 

Join APA’s Climate Change Psychology Advisory Group

This Advisory Group is comprised of professionals and stakeholders dedicated to furthering the intersection of psychology, climate change, sustainability, and natural environments for the betterment of society. Openings are available at the beginning of each calendar year and applications are accepted through March 15^th . The community will grow in member capacity as determined by APA efforts.

Advisory Group members support APA’s efforts by:

• promoting the importance of psychological science in addressing climate change
• helping build connections between APA and influential organizations/individuals working on climate change
• providing advice, guidance, and expertise to APA staff on matters of climate science and policy
• responding to correspondence from APA staff and interacting with other Advisory Group members in electronic discussions
• attending on-line meetings scheduled by APA staff, which may occur quarterly

How to Apply: The nomination must be completed online and include the following:  

• CV
• A brief letter of intent, not to exceed two pages, that includes: 
  • Willingness to partake in community engagements
  • Description of the nominee’s qualifications, specifically highlighting how the nominee might contribute to the efforts mentioned above 

For additional information about the application process, please contact Mark Chan at oap@apa.org

Serving on an APA board or committee gives you an opportunity to be directly involved in shaping the future of psychology. You will have a voice in changes that affect psychological science, practice, research, education and knowledge.

APA policies are set by the Council of Representatives. But boards and committees can propose policies for council to approve.

APA looks to board and committee members to represent an area of expertise or to represent specific constituencies, such as people of color, practitioners, academicians, researchers, etc. Ad hoc groups (task forces, working groups, panels, etc.) are appointed for a specific purpose and a limited time.

Learn how to get appointed or elected to a committee and participate in the creation of APA policy. 

The American Psychological Association (APA) is seeking up to three volunteer doctoral-level psychologists to join its team of representatives at the United Nations (UN) in New York beginning January 2025.

APA is an accredited nongovernmental organization (NGO) at the UN where it holds special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and is associated with the Department of Global Communications (DGC). These credentials allow psychologist Representatives to serve as advocates at the UN. APA’s UN team consists of 8 psychologists: one Main Representative, who is an APA staff member, a Lead Representative, and six volunteer Representatives. The APA team fosters dialogue and information exchange between APA, UN and member state staff, and other NGOs to encourage the development of psychologically-informed policies and programs to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The APA UN Representatives advance the APA strategic plan by making a positive impact on critical societal issues, embracing a global perspective, and promoting human rights. Based on APA advocacy goals and UN initiatives, APA volunteer Representatives collaborate with APA offices and volunteer leaders, the global psychology community, UN Representatives in Geneva, and other NGOs to develop substantive input to the UN, impacting social issues and human rights around the world. They do this through, for example, developing and disseminating to the UN position papers or fact sheets; organizing and participating in workshops, seminars, and side events; and disseminating to the APA membership information about UN priorities and events.

Volunteer Requirements
Appointments are for a 3-year term (the first year is probationary), with the potential for one 3-year term renewal. The time commitment averages 5 hours per week.

Representatives are preferably based in or near New York City (NYC), or they may be based elsewhere in the country or the world. NYC-based Representatives will participate in both in-person and virtual activities, while Representatives more than 50 miles outside of the New York metro area will participate virtually via videoconference and other forms of electronic communication and contribute to written documents and other materials. They may choose to attend in-person events at their own expense. Monthly team meetings are scheduled at a convenient time for the majority of the Representatives, most of whom are based in NYC.

These are unpaid, volunteer positions. APA reimburses Representatives for local travel within a 50-mile radius of NYC (including travel from suburban areas) on public transportation or for parking costs; membership on up to two UN-NGO committees; and pre-approved direct costs (i.e., registration fees). APA does not reimburse travel and registration costs for the APA Annual Convention.


The online nomination packet must include an application letter (no longer than 750 words) entailing a brief statement of interest that highlights your skills, experience, and interest in this position. Applicants should be specific with reference to ongoing or upcoming UN activities to which psychology can contribute. Nomination applications must be received in their entirety by December 6, 2024 and can be submitted HERE.