American Psychological Association Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

American Psychological Association has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial management, technology integration, and communications.

Dedicated to advancing psychological science for the benefit of society, American Psychological Association fosters professional growth and knowledge application across 54 subfields to improve lives globally.

Leadership Roles at American Psychological Association

  • Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President - Arthur Evans
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Jaime Diaz-Granados
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michelle Besse-Aslan
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Charles McKay
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting - Ellen Soukup
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis - Tim Soltren
  • President - Sarah Royce
  • President - Dorothy Tucker
  • Business Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer - Tony Habash
  • Chief Communications Officer - Alicia Furuta
  • Arthur Evans - Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President

    Arthur Evans, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President at American Psychological Association, directs the overarching strategic vision for the largest professional organization representing psychology in the United States. Evans manages the alignment of 121,000 members with the core mission of advancing psychological science. By coordinating with the Board and various divisions, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President ensures that organizational initiatives translate into tangible societal benefits. This leadership role involves overseeing the expansion of psychological knowledge across North American markets and beyond. Through rigorous oversight of institutional goals, Arthur Evans drives the operational efficiency required to support educators, clinicians, and researchers. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President secures the long-term influence of the organization within the scientific community, ensuring that psychological research remains a cornerstone of public health policy and professional practice.

    Jaime Diaz-Granados - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Jaime Diaz-Granados, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at American Psychological Association, executes daily operational mandates to support the organization's vast network of 54 subfields. Diaz-Granados facilitates collaboration between state, territorial, and provincial associations to ensure consistent delivery of psychological resources. Overseeing internal administrative workflows, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer maintains the structural integrity of the association while promoting the application of psychological science. This role requires constant engagement with diverse member groups to refine educational and clinical standards. By optimizing internal processes, Jaime Diaz-Granados directly impacts the ability of the organization to serve its 121,000 members effectively. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer also monitors the implementation of strategic programs that bridge the gap between academic research and practical application, ensuring that the association remains a vital resource for professionals across the United States and international affiliates.

    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 sustainability of the organization. Besse-Aslan oversees the allocation of resources to support the 121,000 members and the various scientific divisions within the association. By directing financial reporting and auditing processes, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and compliance with regulatory standards. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams from membership dues and professional publications to fund critical research initiatives. Through strategic capital management, Michelle Besse-Aslan supports the expansion of psychological knowledge and the development of new educational tools. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with the executive team to prioritize investments that maximize the impact of psychological science on society. By maintaining a robust financial foundation, Besse-Aslan enables the organization to continue its mission of improving lives through the application of psychological expertise.

    Charles McKay - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Charles McKay, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at American Psychological Association, directs the financial planning and risk management strategies essential for the organization's stability. McKay oversees the budgetary frameworks that support the 54 subfields of psychology, ensuring that each division receives the necessary funding to advance scientific communication. By architecting fiscal policies, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer mitigates operational risks while identifying opportunities for growth within the professional membership base. This role involves coordinating with external auditors and internal stakeholders to maintain the integrity of the association's financial records. Through precise economic forecasting, Charles McKay supports the long-term viability of the organization's mission to benefit society. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that all financial activities align with the broader strategic goals of the association, providing the necessary resources for researchers, educators, and clinicians to thrive in their respective fields.

    Ellen Soukup - Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting

    Ellen Soukup, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting at American Psychological Association, manages the daily accounting operations and financial reporting cycles for the organization. Soukup ensures the accuracy of all financial transactions related to the 121,000 members and the diverse range of professional services provided. By overseeing the general ledger and accounts payable functions, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting maintains the fiscal discipline required to support the association's scientific mission. This role involves implementing rigorous internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with accounting standards. Through meticulous oversight of financial data, Ellen Soukup provides the executive team with the insights needed to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting plays a vital role in the financial health of the organization, ensuring that all accounting practices support the continued advancement of psychological science and the professional development of members 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, directs the development of annual budgets and long-term financial projections. Soltren analyzes market trends and membership data to forecast revenue and expenditure requirements for the 54 subfields of psychology. By conducting detailed financial modeling, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis identifies areas for cost optimization and strategic investment. This role involves collaborating with department heads to align departmental goals with the overall financial objectives of the association. Through rigorous analysis, Tim Soltren ensures that the organization maintains the resources necessary to promote psychological knowledge and improve lives. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Budget Planning & Financial Analysis provides the critical data needed to support the association's mission, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to the advancement of psychological science and the professional success of the membership.

    Sarah Royce - President

    Sarah Royce, the President at American Psychological Association, leads the governance and policy-setting initiatives that guide the organization's scientific and professional direction. Royce represents the interests of the 121,000 members, ensuring that the association remains committed to its mission of advancing psychological science. By presiding over board meetings and strategic committees, the President facilitates consensus on key issues affecting the 54 subfields of psychology. This leadership role involves advocating for the application of psychological knowledge in public policy and clinical practice. Through active engagement with the membership, Sarah Royce drives the development of initiatives that support educators, consultants, and students. The President ensures that the association maintains its position as the leading voice for psychology in the United States, fostering an environment where scientific research can flourish and directly benefit society. By setting the strategic agenda, Royce shapes the future of the profession and its impact on public health.

    Dorothy Tucker - President

    Dorothy Tucker, the President at American Psychological Association, directs the collaborative efforts of the organization to enhance the professional standards and scientific rigor of the field. Tucker oversees the implementation of initiatives that support the diverse needs of the 121,000 members, ranging from clinical practitioners to academic researchers. By fostering partnerships with state and territorial associations, the President expands the reach of psychological knowledge and its application in various community settings. This role involves championing the importance of psychological science in addressing complex societal issues and improving individual well-being. Through strategic leadership, Dorothy Tucker ensures that the association remains responsive to the evolving demands of the profession. The President works to strengthen the connection between research and practice, providing members with the tools and resources necessary to excel. By guiding the association's long-term vision, Tucker secures the continued relevance and influence of psychology in the modern world.

    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 technological systems that support the organization's global operations. Habash oversees the integration of data platforms that connect the 121,000 members with essential psychological resources and research tools. By directing the implementation of secure information systems, the Business Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer ensures that the association remains at the forefront of digital communication in the scientific community. This role involves managing the technological roadmap to enhance member engagement and streamline internal business processes. Through strategic investment in IT infrastructure, Tony Habash enables the organization to disseminate psychological knowledge more effectively across North American and international networks. The Business Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer ensures that all technological initiatives align with the association's mission to improve lives through the application 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 outreach strategies that amplify the impact of psychological science. Furuta manages the messaging and brand identity for the organization, ensuring that the contributions of the 121,000 members are recognized by the public and policymakers. By overseeing media relations and digital content distribution, the Chief Communications Officer promotes the advancement of psychological knowledge to a broad audience. This role involves crafting narratives that highlight the importance of psychology in improving lives and addressing societal challenges. Through strategic communication campaigns, Alicia Furuta fosters greater awareness of the association's mission and its role in the professional development of clinicians and researchers. The Chief Communications Officer works to ensure that the voice of the association remains influential in the national discourse, effectively communicating the value of psychological science to diverse stakeholders across the United States.

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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 Arthur Evans (Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President), along with executives such as Jaime Diaz-Granados (Deputy Chief Executive Officer) 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 Arthur Evans (Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President), Jaime Diaz-Granados (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), 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 Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Accounting.