Article archive / April 1, 2010
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 8. Source pages: 5, 16.
1. If I were elected LPA President Elect, my goals for my term as President Elect and then President would first be to capitalize on the positive momentum garnered by the LPA bylaws revisions, which I hope will be ratified at the convention. These changes will bring about better representation of the voices of LPA members to the leadership.
It also would be my goal to make LPA more diverse in terms of its membership and the issues it addresses. I also would seek to make LPA more transparent to its members, particularly with regard to important issues with which the association is dealing, such as our legislative agenda. Another goal would be to serve as a liaison between LPA and APA on national issues related to psychology and mental health. I also would like to see more regional organizations of psychologists, and I would like to be part of forming an association of psychologists in the Greater New Orleans area.
2. I think that I would be able to help heal the rifts that LPA caused in the association because, while I never have been personally interested in obtaining prescription privileges, I never opposed other psychologists who were. I truly respect the hard work and dedication required by psychologists who are involved in obtaining prescription privileges in Louisiana. That said, I would try to promote the perception that LPA is an organization that serves the needs of all of its members. I believe that the Bylaws revisions also will help to heal this rift.
3. I believe that I am qualified to serve as LPA President Elect and President because I have served in these roles in the past. I was LPA President in 2000 so I know what the job entails. I also have served as a leader in other organizations. I was on the Bylaws Revision Committee, so I am fully aware of the new regulations under which our association may operate if the changes are ratified. I am an optimistic person and I believe that I am good at getting people motivated and working together. I have found that I am skilled at conflict resolution and helping people to work toward compromise, something I often am called on to do in working with patients in my practice. I am a good listener and willing to accept input from others when making decisions. I also know that I am good at public speaking, and can represent our organization well with others. In spite of these qualifications and talents, I really don’t take myself too seriously!
4. I am a devotee of Martha Stewart. If elected, I could bring home-made cookies to the Board meetings, as I did when I was president in 2000!
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