Summary of Executive Committee Meeting

Abrief recap of topics covered at the Executive Committee included:

1. Development of educational materials on self care for psychologists as the first phase in building Colleague Assistance resources
2. Discussion of the survey about Convention 2009, where there was overwhelming support for a move to Lexington. Although the Fayette Region folks were obviously in favor, a number of others commented that they liked the variety and it only seemed fair to move it now and then. The Executive Committee approved the change in venue for 2009 if possible, and for 2010 if the hotels do not have space still available. (Yes they really do book that far in advance!) It is important to note that because of our size (250+ per day) there are few hotels that can both accommodate our meeting space needs AND have additional space for a sit-down lunch.
3. A review of the transition plans for hiring the next Executive Director (I have given notice that I will leave after I complete my MBA degree in May 2009). The discussion covered the makeup of the transition committee (representative of KPA's members) and possible models for how to structure the position. Although the Board has expressed a strong preference to hire a psychologist, there was discussion related to information from APA that the majority (80%) of other state psych associations execs are not psychologists. In fact, the majority of professional associations are led by individuals who are CAE's (Certified Association Executives) instead of members of the profession - a very different model than the one we are used to. No doubt, the transition team will have much work to do to help select the best person for the position and the association.
4. We also reviewed a proposal to change the KPA election cycle to start in January rather than July. This would align our elections with our fiscal year, allow the President-Elect to take better advantage of the leadership training offered each March by APA, and make the Convention the capstone of the Presidential year.
5. Other topics looked at strategic planning for our legislative agenda in 2009 related to the Sequence of Training bill; crafting clearer and more comprehensive policies for our listservs, now that they are becoming more active; promoting the KPA mentoring program; development of an "Induction Ceremony" to more formally acknowledge the successful transition to the profession of newly licensed psychologists; plans to engage KPA ethnic minority members in discussions to help us be more strategic in our diversity efforts; development of information to assist members who want to include KPA in their estate planning; and additional ways to market the innovative 2008 Conference on Work, Family, Community: Shared Responsibilities to psychologists and other decision makers in our communities.