American Psychological Association Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

American Psychological Association has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, integration, and presidential leadership.

Driven by a commitment to advancing psychological science, American Psychological Association enhances communication and application of knowledge to benefit society and improve lives through its extensive network of researchers, educators, and clinicians.

Leadership Roles at American Psychological Association

  • Chief Financial Officer - Michelle Besse-Aslan
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis - Tim Soltren
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Charles McKay
  • President - Teofilo Acosta
  • President-Elect, Division 48 - Bradley Olsen
  • President, Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy APA Division 29 - Stewart Cooper
  • 2016 President - Susan McDaniel
  • President-Elect - Wendi Williams
  • President - Edson Apa
  • Business Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer - Tony Habash
  • Michelle Besse-Aslan - Chief Financial Officer

    Michelle Besse-Aslan, the Chief Financial Officer at American Psychological Association, directs the organization's financial strategy and operations. Overseeing all fiscal activities, Besse-Aslan ensures robust financial planning and analysis to support the association's mission of advancing psychology. This leadership position involves managing budgets, financial reporting, and investment strategies to maintain the financial health of the organization. Besse-Aslan's oversight extends to optimizing resource allocation across various divisions and initiatives, ensuring efficient use of funds to promote psychological science and its application. The Chief Financial Officer's role is critical in maintaining the fiscal integrity and long-term sustainability of the American Psychological Association, supporting its nearly 121,000 members and its broad societal impact.

    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, supports the comprehensive financial management of the organization. Soltren focuses on developing and executing detailed budget plans, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic resource allocation. This role involves in-depth financial analysis to inform decision-making and support the association's long-term objectives. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis's work is crucial for maintaining financial stability and enabling the American Psychological Association to effectively advance psychological science and its applications. Tim Soltren contributes significantly to the financial oversight, providing critical insights into budget performance and financial forecasting to support the organization's mission and its nearly 121,000 members.

    Charles McKay - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Charles McKay, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at American Psychological Association, provides executive leadership for the organization's financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. McKay oversees all aspects of financial management, including accounting, treasury, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance and fiscal integrity. This critical role involves guiding the financial direction of the association to support its mission of advancing psychological science and improving lives. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include developing financial strategies that foster growth and sustainability for the American Psychological Association. Charles McKay's leadership ensures that financial resources are effectively managed to support the organization's extensive research, education, and advocacy efforts across the United States.

    Teofilo Acosta - President

    Teofilo Acosta, the President at American Psychological Association, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the organization. Acosta guides the association's mission to advance communication and application of psychological science and knowledge for societal benefit. This leadership role involves setting the vision for the organization, fostering collaboration among its diverse membership, and representing psychology on national and international stages. The President's tenure is dedicated to enhancing the impact of psychological science and improving lives through research, education, and practice. Teofilo Acosta's influence is instrumental in shaping the future of psychology and ensuring the American Psychological Association remains a leading voice in the field.
    Teofilo Acosta

    Bradley Olsen - President-Elect, Division 48

    Bradley Olsen, the President-Elect, Division 48 at American Psychological Association, prepares to lead a significant segment of the association focused on specific psychological disciplines. Olsen supports the current leadership of Division 48, contributing to strategic initiatives and operational planning. This role involves gaining comprehensive understanding of the division's objectives and member needs, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership. The President-Elect, Division 48's focus is on future planning, identifying opportunities to advance psychological science within the division's scope. Bradley Olsen's involvement is key to maintaining continuity and driving progress within Division 48, supporting the broader mission of the American Psychological Association.

    Stewart Cooper - President, Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy APA Division 29

    Stewart Cooper, the President, Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy APA Division 29 at American Psychological Association, directs a specialized division dedicated to advancing psychotherapy. Cooper leads initiatives aimed at promoting research, education, and practice in psychotherapy, serving its members and the broader field. This leadership position involves fostering professional development and advocating for evidence-based therapeutic approaches. The President, Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy APA Division 29's focus is on enhancing the quality and accessibility of psychotherapy services. Stewart Cooper's guidance ensures that Division 29 effectively contributes to the American Psychological Association's overall goal of improving lives through psychological science.

    Susan McDaniel - 2016 President

    Susan McDaniel, the 2016 President at American Psychological Association, provided pivotal leadership during a significant period for the organization. McDaniel guided the association's strategic priorities, focusing on advancing psychological science and its application to benefit society. This past leadership role involved shaping the organization's direction and advocating for the field of psychology. The 2016 President's influence extended to fostering collaboration and promoting the value of psychological research and practice. Susan McDaniel's contributions during her presidency were vital in advancing the American Psychological Association's mission and strengthening its position as a leading professional organization.

    Wendi Williams - President-Elect

    Wendi Williams, the President-Elect at American Psychological Association, is preparing to assume the highest leadership role within the organization. Williams actively participates in strategic planning and governance, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity of leadership. This role involves deep engagement with the association's objectives and member needs, contributing to future initiatives. The President-Elect's focus is on understanding and shaping the organization's trajectory to further advance psychological science and its applications. Wendi Williams's preparation is crucial for guiding the American Psychological Association effectively in its ongoing mission to benefit society and improve lives through psychology.
    Wendi Williams

    Edson Apa - President

    Edson Apa, the President at American Psychological Association, leads the organization with a focus on advancing the field of psychology. Apa directs strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the communication and application of psychological science and knowledge for societal benefit. This leadership position involves fostering innovation and collaboration among the association's diverse membership. The President's role is critical in advocating for the importance of psychological research and practice in addressing contemporary challenges. Edson Apa's leadership ensures the American Psychological Association continues its vital work in improving lives and contributing to a better understanding of human behavior.

    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 technological infrastructure and business integration strategies. Habash drives the digital transformation initiatives, ensuring seamless integration of business processes and information systems to enhance operational efficiency. This dual role involves overseeing IT operations, cybersecurity, and the strategic implementation of technology solutions that support the association's vast membership and scientific endeavors. The Business Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer's leadership ensures that technology effectively serves the organization's goals of advancing psychological science and improving lives. Tony Habash's expertise is vital in navigating the complex technological landscape, fostering innovation, and ensuring the secure and efficient management of data across the American Psychological Association's extensive network.
    Tony Habash

    Explore Leadership Teams in Membership Organizations

    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 Tim Soltren (Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis) 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), Tim Soltren (Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis), 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, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, President-Elect, Division 48.