Division news

Division 39 member Kimberlyn Leary, PhD, ABPP (Clinical Psychology and Psychoanalysis) was appointed the Program Chair of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA). She is the first psychologist and woman of color to hold this role.

The Program Committee reviews submissions, chooses content and designs the scientific program for two conferences in each year. The Program Chair also participates in ongoing strategic planning for the association. APsaA's Program Committee of 39 members includes Division 39 members (Drs. Brenda Bauer, Sharon Blum, Nancy Chodorow, Melinda Gellman, James Hansell, Dorothy Holmes, Christine Kieffer, Nancy Kulish and Jennifer Stuart), Social Work colleagues (Ms. Sharon Alperovitz and Ms. Phoebe Cirio) and invited liaison representation from the Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender and Racial and Ethnic Diversity committees. The remaining members are psychiatrists, many of whom are also associated with the American Psychiatric Association. 

The selection of Leary for this role and the composition of the committee as a whole is an indication of APsaA's commitment to diversity. The recent election of Mark Smaller, PhD, whose doctoral degree is in social work, further signals APsaA's inclusiveness.