American Psychological Association Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

American Psychological Association has 10 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, information technology, communications, and organizational leadership.

Dedicated to advancing psychological science for the public good, American Psychological Association fosters a global network of researchers and clinicians committed to improving human lives through evidence-based practice and professional development.

Leadership Roles at American Psychological Association

  • Chief Financial Officer - Michelle Besse-Aslan
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting - Ellen Soukup
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Charles McKay
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis - Tim Soltren
  • President - Abraham Pulido
  • President - Teofilo Acosta
  • President - Dorothy Tucker
  • President - Serge Houessou
  • Business Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer - Tony Habash
  • Chief Communications Officer - Alicia Furuta
  • Michelle Besse-Aslan - Chief Financial Officer

    Michelle Besse-Aslan, the Chief Financial Officer at American Psychological Association, directs the comprehensive fiscal strategy for the organization. Overseeing the entire financial architecture, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the long-term sustainability of scientific initiatives and professional programs. This leadership role involves managing complex budgetary frameworks that support nearly 121,000 members across North America. By optimizing resource allocation, Michelle Besse-Aslan directly impacts the ability of the association to fund critical psychological research and educational outreach. The Chief Financial Officer maintains rigorous standards of financial transparency while collaborating with the Board to align monetary assets with the core mission of advancing psychological knowledge. Through meticulous oversight of revenue streams and operational expenditures, Besse-Aslan secures the financial health necessary for the association to maintain its status as the leading professional organization for psychologists in the United States.

    Ellen Soukup - Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting

    Ellen Soukup, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting at American Psychological Association, manages the precise execution of accounting standards and financial reporting. Overseeing the daily ledger operations, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting ensures compliance with regulatory requirements for the largest professional organization representing psychology. This role involves maintaining the integrity of financial data that supports the association's extensive network of state and provincial affiliates. By refining internal controls, Ellen Soukup provides the fiscal clarity necessary for strategic decision-making across the organization. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting collaborates with the broader finance team to monitor cash flow and audit processes, ensuring that resources remain directed toward the advancement of psychological science. Through diligent management of accounting functions, Soukup supports the financial stability required for the association to continue its mission of improving lives through the application of psychological knowledge.

    Charles McKay - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Charles McKay, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at American Psychological Association, leads the strategic financial planning and investment initiatives. Directing the long-term fiscal growth, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer evaluates market trends to ensure the association maintains its competitive position in the scientific sector. This role involves overseeing the capital structure and risk management strategies that protect the organization's assets. By analyzing economic impacts on professional associations, Charles McKay provides the leadership necessary to sustain large-scale research funding and educational programs. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer works closely with the executive team to align financial goals with the broader mission of promoting psychological science. Through the implementation of robust financial policies, McKay ensures that the association possesses the necessary capital to expand its influence and support its 121,000 members across the United States and beyond.

    Tim Soltren - Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis

    Tim Soltren, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis at American Psychological Association, drives the development of annual budgets and complex financial forecasting. Overseeing the analytical processes, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis identifies opportunities for cost optimization and resource efficiency. This role involves translating strategic objectives into actionable financial plans that support the association's 54 subfields. By conducting detailed performance analysis, Tim Soltren enables the leadership team to make data-driven decisions regarding program funding and member services. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis maintains a focus on long-term fiscal health, ensuring that budgetary allocations align with the evolving needs of the psychological community. Through rigorous financial modeling and planning, Soltren supports the association's capacity to advance psychological science and knowledge for the benefit of society.

    Abraham Pulido - President

    Abraham Pulido, the President at American Psychological Association, provides the overarching vision and leadership for the organization's scientific and professional agenda. Overseeing the governance of the association, the President guides the strategic direction of the 54 subfields of psychology. This role involves representing the interests of 121,000 members in national policy discussions and professional forums. By fostering collaboration between researchers and clinicians, Abraham Pulido ensures that the association remains dedicated to the application of psychological science to improve lives. The President works with the Board to set priorities that address current societal challenges through the lens of psychological expertise. Through active engagement with state and provincial affiliates, Pulido promotes the advancement of communication and knowledge across the entire field. The leadership provided by the President ensures that the association continues to serve as the premier representative body for psychology in the United States.

    Teofilo Acosta - President

    Teofilo Acosta, the President at American Psychological Association, leads the organizational efforts to expand the reach and influence of psychological science. Overseeing the development of professional standards, the President ensures that the association supports the diverse needs of its 121,000 members. This role involves championing initiatives that bridge the gap between academic research and clinical practice. By advocating for the integration of psychological knowledge into public policy, Teofilo Acosta drives the association's mission to benefit society. The President coordinates with divisional leaders to address emerging trends in the 54 subfields of psychology, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the evolving landscape of mental health. Through a commitment to excellence and professional development, Acosta fosters an environment where psychological science thrives. The leadership of the President is essential for maintaining the association's status as the leading authority on psychology in the United States.
    Teofilo Acosta

    Dorothy Tucker - President

    Dorothy Tucker, the President at American Psychological Association, directs the strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the professional standing of psychologists nationwide. Overseeing the association's commitment to scientific advancement, the President facilitates the exchange of knowledge among researchers, educators, and consultants. This role involves leading the organization through complex professional challenges and ensuring that the association's 54 subfields remain aligned with the core mission of improving lives. By promoting the application of psychological science in diverse settings, Dorothy Tucker drives the association's impact on public health and education. The President works to strengthen the network of 60 state and provincial associations, ensuring a unified voice for the profession. Through dedicated leadership, Tucker supports the growth of the membership and the continued relevance of psychological research in addressing the needs of society, solidifying the association's role as a cornerstone of the scientific community.

    Serge Houessou - President

    Serge Houessou, the President at American Psychological Association, manages the high-level strategic partnerships and organizational growth of the association. Overseeing the expansion of professional resources, the President ensures that the association provides value to its 121,000 members across the United States. This role involves leading the organization in its efforts to promote the advancement of psychological science through collaborative research and educational programs. By fostering connections between the 54 subfields of psychology, Serge Houessou drives the integration of diverse perspectives into the association's work. The President collaborates with the executive team to ensure that the association's mission remains focused on improving lives through evidence-based practice. Through proactive leadership, Houessou strengthens the association's influence in the scientific and professional sectors, ensuring that the organization continues to lead the way in the application of psychological knowledge for the benefit of society.

    Tony Habash - Business Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer

    Tony Habash, the Business Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer at American Psychological Association, architects the digital infrastructure and operational integration strategies. Managing the technological backbone of the organization, the Business Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation required to support 54 subfields of psychology. This role involves streamlining cross-departmental workflows to enhance communication between researchers, educators, and clinicians. By implementing scalable information systems, Tony Habash ensures that the association effectively disseminates psychological science to a broad professional audience. The Business Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer coordinates with other executive leaders to integrate business processes with advanced data analytics, thereby improving operational efficiency. Habash maintains a focus on technological innovation to support the diverse needs of the membership, ensuring that the association remains at the forefront of digital engagement within the scientific community.
    Tony Habash

    Alicia Furuta - Chief Communications Officer

    Alicia Furuta, the Chief Communications Officer at American Psychological Association, directs the public relations and messaging strategy for the organization. Overseeing the dissemination of psychological science, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the association's research and professional standards reach a global audience. This role involves managing media relations and digital content to promote the advancement of psychological knowledge. By crafting narratives that highlight the impact of psychology on society, Alicia Furuta strengthens the association's brand and public influence. The Chief Communications Officer collaborates with internal divisions to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms, including affiliations with 60 state and territorial associations. Through strategic communication initiatives, Furuta drives public awareness and engagement, ensuring that the association remains the primary voice for psychology in the United States and a vital resource for clinicians, educators, and the general public.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding American Psychological Association Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads American Psychological Association?
    American Psychological Association is led by Michelle Besse-Aslan (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Ellen Soukup (Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting) and Charles McKay (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of American Psychological Association’s executive team?
    The executive team of American Psychological Association includes leaders such as Michelle Besse-Aslan (Chief Financial Officer), Ellen Soukup (Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting), Charles McKay (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does American Psychological Association have?
    American Psychological Association has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in American Psychological Association’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of American Psychological Association includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis, President.