Article archive / July 1, 2010
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 11. Source pages: 1, 4, 5, 13.
Members of the Louisiana Psycho- logical Association (LPA) elected five new directors to the Executive Council. Dr. Sherry Desselle, Dr. Gail Gillespie, Dr. Bryan Gros, Dr. Robert Storer, and Dr. Kim VanGeffen will begin serving today, July 1st.
This election is the first of its kind, mark- ing a new organi- zational design that was passed by members at the annual convention, April 22nd. This change is part of a cascade of events set into motion last year, after passage of Act 251. In the new structure those in key decision- making roles will have been elected by the membership rather than appointed by the president.
Dr. Sherry Desselle works as a Trauma Treatment Specialist for Capital Area Human Services District in Baton Rouge. She is transitioning to full-time practice and noted she offers, “…an open mind, clear head, sense of humor, and sense of purpose…” to help the state association.
Dr. Gail Gillespie wrote, “…I am excited and optimistic about the changes in the governance of the board, and wish to continue the influence of positive change and renewed vitality with this organization. My vision for LPA is to promote an air of inclusiveness for all psychologists to not only feel welcome, but to feel needed.”
Dr. Bryon Gros is Director of Psychology at Capital Area Human Services District and President of the Board of Directors of Mental Health America of Louisiana. “As a member of the Executive Council, my overall priority would be to represent the needs and voices of LPA members.”
Dr. Robert Storer, is a member of both Louisiana and Mississippi Psychological Associations. He is currently on the Legislative Affairs committee and editor of the LPA Newsletter, and would continue these contributions. And, “…do my best to represent the interests and wishes of the members of LPA.”
Dr. Kim VanGeffen, is past president of LPA and her goal is “…to represent the diversity of needs of psychologists in Louisiana. There are many psychologists who have not believed that LPA served their interests. It will be important for the LPA leadership to learn how best to meet the needs of its members so that we can continue to grow as an organization.”
Out-going president Dr. Judith Levy congratulated the new directors and asked for others to give them support.
Executive Director Gail Lowe (back left), Dr. Kim VanGeffen (center) and Dr. Sherry Desselle, at a bylaws committee meeting at Dr. Karen Speier’s home. Kim and Sherry have recently been elected directors to the LPA Executive Council.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.