Last year, ISSTD welcomed Tim Shaw as Executive Director. Earlier in October, his time with the Society came to an end, and we are fortunate to welcome back Mary Pat Hanlin, who has agreed to serve as interim Executive Director while we complete the year’s priorities and prepare for our next search. She joins Casey Richman, who continues in her role as Director of Programs & Marketing, in ensuring the Society’s work moves forward.
Many of you will remember Mary Pat from her decade with ISSTD, during which she played an instrumental role in guiding the Society through significant periods of change, including our transition to self-management and the challenges of the pandemic. Her deep understanding of ISSTD’s programs, operations, and community is matched by her longstanding dedication to the Society and its mission. We are incredibly grateful for her willingness to return and for the experience and perspective she brings to this role.
This was ISSTD’s first experience hiring an Executive Director since transitioning away from an association management firm in 2020 and taking on the responsibility of managing the Society independently. It has been a learning experience for us as a Board, both in understanding what we need from this position and how best to support the person in it. We’ll carry what we’ve learned into our next search, with a better understanding of the role and how to support a successful transition.
I also want to recognize the tremendous work of Casey Richman, our Director of Programs and Marketing. While many members know Casey through our educational programming, conferences, and communications, her contributions to ISSTD extend well beyond these areas. She brings an impressive understanding of the Society’s operations, a remarkable ability to manage competing priorities, and thoughtful judgment to the many decisions that keep our work moving forward. Particularly during this period of transition, her flexibility, resourcefulness, and willingness to take on new challenges have been invaluable. We are incredibly lucky to have her.
As we move through this transition, members can expect ISSTD’s work to continue, though we are operating with a lean staff team. Responses to some questions and requests may take longer than usual, and I appreciate your patience and understanding as staff manage their many responsibilities. We expect this reduced capacity to be temporary and hope response times will improve before too long.
ISSTD has navigated considerable change over the years, and we have learned a great deal along the way. We have experienced leadership in place, important work underway, and the continued dedication of our staff, Board, volunteers, and members. I am grateful for the many ways you contribute to the Society and look forward to continuing our work together.
Warmly,
Abigail Percifield, PsyD
President, ISSTD