American Psychological Association Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

American Psychological Association has 10 executives leading key functions including organizational strategy, financial oversight, communications, and scientific advocacy.

Committed to advancing psychological science for the public good, American Psychological Association drives global knowledge application through its vast network of researchers, educators, and clinicians to improve human lives.

Leadership Roles at American Psychological Association

  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Jaime Diaz-Granados
  • Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President - Arthur Evans
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michelle Besse-Aslan
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis - Tim Soltren
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting - Ellen Soukup
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Charles McKay
  • President, Division 1, Society for General Psychology - Clare Mehta
  • Fellow and President - Nancy Baker
  • Business Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer - Tony Habash
  • Chief Communications Officer - Alicia Furuta
  • Jaime Diaz-Granados - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Jaime Diaz-Granados, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at American Psychological Association, directs internal operations and coordinates cross-functional initiatives across the organization. Overseeing the integration of scientific research into professional practice, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the mission to benefit society. Diaz-Granados manages complex relationships with academic institutions and professional divisions to foster growth in psychological knowledge. By streamlining administrative processes, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer supports the broader goal of expanding the reach of psychological science. Jaime Diaz-Granados maintains focus on operational excellence while facilitating collaboration among the 54 subfields represented within the association. This leadership role involves constant engagement with stakeholders to refine the application of psychological expertise. Through rigorous oversight of organizational workflows, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer strengthens the infrastructure necessary for sustained impact in the United States and beyond.

    Arthur Evans - Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President

    Arthur Evans, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President at American Psychological Association, defines the strategic vision and long-term objectives for the organization. Leading the largest scientific and professional body for psychology, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President drives initiatives that elevate the role of psychological science in public policy and healthcare. Evans coordinates with the Board to ensure financial health and mission fulfillment across all 121,000 members. By championing the integration of psychological knowledge into societal frameworks, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President expands the influence of the profession. Arthur Evans maintains a focus on organizational growth and the advancement of psychological standards. This executive position requires constant navigation of complex professional landscapes to ensure the association remains a leader in the field. Through decisive leadership, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President secures the future of psychological research and clinical practice.

    Michelle Besse-Aslan - Chief Financial Officer

    Michelle Besse-Aslan, the Chief Financial Officer at American Psychological Association, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic stability of the organization. Overseeing all financial reporting, capital allocation, and budgetary compliance, the Chief Financial Officer ensures resources support the advancement of psychological science. Besse-Aslan directs the financial strategy to sustain the association's extensive membership services and professional programs. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary foundation for the organization to pursue its mission. Michelle Besse-Aslan collaborates with other executive leaders to align financial planning with strategic goals. This role involves rigorous monitoring of economic trends to mitigate risks and identify opportunities for growth. Through precise financial management, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the integrity of the association's assets while supporting the diverse needs of researchers, educators, and clinicians across the United States.

    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, architects the annual budget and performs deep-dive financial modeling to support organizational decision-making. Focusing on the allocation of funds for scientific research and educational initiatives, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis ensures that every dollar advances the association's core mission. Soltren analyzes complex data sets to forecast future financial requirements and identify potential efficiencies. By providing actionable insights to the executive team, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis enables data-driven strategic planning. Tim Soltren maintains rigorous standards for fiscal transparency and accountability. This leadership role involves constant coordination with department heads to align departmental spending with the broader organizational objectives. Through meticulous planning and analysis, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis secures the financial resources required to sustain the association's impact on the psychological community.

    Ellen Soukup - Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting

    Ellen Soukup, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting at American Psychological Association, governs the integrity of all financial records and ensures strict adherence to accounting standards. Overseeing the daily accounting operations, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting manages the flow of funds and ensures accurate reporting for the organization's diverse divisions. Soukup maintains the internal controls necessary to protect the association's assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. By streamlining the accounting processes, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting provides the executive team with reliable financial data for strategic decision-making. Ellen Soukup coordinates with external auditors and internal stakeholders to uphold the highest levels of fiscal responsibility. This role involves managing the complexities of non-profit accounting to support the association's mission. Through diligent oversight of the ledger and financial statements, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting ensures the stability and transparency of the organization's financial operations.

    Charles McKay - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Charles McKay, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at American Psychological Association, oversees the high-level financial strategy and long-term investment planning for the organization. Focusing on the expansion of financial capacity, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer drives initiatives that secure the resources necessary for the association's growth. McKay manages the balance sheet and evaluates strategic partnerships to enhance the organization's market position. By providing executive-level financial guidance, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the association remains a robust advocate for psychological science. Charles McKay collaborates with the Board to define the financial roadmap for future projects and organizational expansion. This role involves balancing the immediate needs of the membership with the long-term sustainability of the association. Through strategic financial leadership, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the advancement of psychological knowledge and the professional development of clinicians and researchers across the country.

    Clare Mehta - President, Division 1, Society for General Psychology

    Clare Mehta, the President, Division 1, Society for General Psychology at American Psychological Association, leads the efforts to promote the integration of psychological knowledge across diverse subfields. Overseeing the activities of Division 1, the President, Division 1, Society for General Psychology fosters collaboration among researchers and educators to advance the understanding of general psychology. Mehta drives initiatives that encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and the application of psychological science to contemporary societal challenges. By organizing professional forums and academic exchanges, the President, Division 1, Society for General Psychology supports the intellectual growth of the membership. Clare Mehta maintains a focus on the core principles of the field while encouraging innovation in research and practice. This leadership role involves engaging with the broader association to ensure that general psychology remains a central pillar of the organization's mission. Through dedicated leadership, the President, Division 1, Society for General Psychology strengthens the scientific foundation of the profession.
    Clare Mehta

    Nancy Baker - Fellow and President

    Nancy Baker, the Fellow and President at American Psychological Association, provides leadership and guidance to the association's governing bodies and membership. Overseeing the promotion of excellence in psychological practice, the Fellow and President drives initiatives that recognize and support the contributions of distinguished members. Baker facilitates the development of professional standards and advocates for the advancement of psychological science within the broader healthcare community. By representing the interests of the membership, the Fellow and President ensures that the association remains responsive to the evolving needs of clinicians and researchers. Nancy Baker collaborates with other leaders to shape the strategic direction of the organization. This role involves fostering a culture of excellence and professional integrity across all divisions. Through active engagement and leadership, the Fellow and President strengthens the association's commitment to improving lives and advancing 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, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the organization. Overseeing the integration of business systems with information technology, the Business Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer ensures that data-driven tools support the needs of 121,000 members. Habash architects scalable platforms that facilitate communication and knowledge sharing across the 54 subfields of psychology. By modernizing the association's digital presence, the Business Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer enhances the delivery of professional resources and educational content. Tony Habash maintains a focus on cybersecurity and system reliability to protect sensitive research and member data. This leadership role involves aligning technological investments with the association's strategic goals. Through the implementation of advanced digital solutions, the Business Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency and expands the reach of psychological science.
    Tony Habash

    Alicia Furuta - Chief Communications Officer

    Alicia Furuta, the Chief Communications Officer at American Psychological Association, directs the public relations and brand strategy for the organization. Overseeing the dissemination of psychological science to the public, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the association's message reaches diverse audiences, including policymakers, educators, and the general public. Furuta manages the communication channels that highlight the impact of psychology on society and human lives. By crafting compelling narratives, the Chief Communications Officer elevates the profile of the profession and promotes the value of psychological research. Alicia Furuta coordinates with internal divisions to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms. This leadership role involves managing media relations and digital outreach to foster public understanding of psychological issues. Through strategic communication, the Chief Communications Officer strengthens the association's influence and supports the broader mission of improving lives through the application of psychological knowledge and science.

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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 Jaime Diaz-Granados (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Arthur Evans (Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President) and Michelle Besse-Aslan (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of American Psychological Association’s executive team?
    The executive team of American Psychological Association includes leaders such as Jaime Diaz-Granados (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Arthur Evans (Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President), Michelle Besse-Aslan (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 Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting.