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Bethesda, MD—The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is pleased to announce the hiring of Kathleen Minke, PhD, NCSP, as its new executive director, starting July 1, 2018. Dr. Minke comes to NASP from her previous position as professor in the School Psychology Program at the University of Delaware. She will be replacing outgoing executive director Susan Gorin, who is retiring after 25 years in the position.

“We are very excited to engage Kathy’s extensive skills and vision in this important role helping to guide the association’s future growth,” said NASP President John Kelly. “We underwent a thorough and thoughtful search with the guidance of executive search firm Vetted Solutions and are confident that she brings the leadership and collaborative spirit to help NASP continue to serve our members and advocate for children with excellence.”

“Kathy’s combination of financial and human resources and program management experience; comprehensive, long-standing knowledge as a leader across multiple areas of the association; and deep understanding of the challenges facing the profession of school psychology make her an ideal candidate to fill this role,” added President-Elect Lisa Kelly-Vance.

Dr. Minke began her career as a practitioner and has been a graduate educator since 1991, including 2 years as the Director of the School of Education at the University of Delaware. She has served in the NASP leadership since 1996. Among her roles have been an elected delegate, President, Chair of the Convention Committee, and a member of the Board of Directors.

“I am so honored to be offered the opportunity to serve as the executive director of NASP,” said Dr. Minke. “I have always been proud to be an active member and count my volunteer experiences with the association as among the most rewarding parts of my career. This will be a new and interesting challenge, and I believe that my experiences as a practitioner, educator, and leader prepare me well for the responsibility.”

Dr. Minke takes on this new role at an exciting time. The association has a robust membership of 25,000 school psychologists here in the United States and abroad, as well as the solid capacity to provide programs and services that support our members and advance the mental health and learning needs of the children they serve. She will oversee the day-to-day operations of the NASP 30-person staff and $8 million budget. She will partner with the NASP Board of Directors and Leadership Assembly to further implement NASP’s strategic plan, which she helped develop.

NASP’s vision is that all children and youth access the learning, behavior, and mental health support needed to thrive in school, at home, and throughout life. The association has identified five strategic goals to advance this work. They are to ensure:

1. All children and youth are valued and that their rights and opportunities are protected in schools and communities.
2. A high-quality and diverse school psychology workforce is available to meet an increasing demand for school psychological services.
3. School psychologists possess the leadership skills to effect change at the local, state, and national levels.
4. School psychologists, state education agencies, and local education agencies implement the NASP Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services (NASP Practice Model).
5. All school psychologists provide culturally competent and comprehensive mental and behavioral health services.

“The association is extremely healthy and well-positioned to adapt and grow to meet the evolving needs of our members,” noted Dr. Minke. “NASP’s work in supporting school psychologists in their roles is essential to children’s success, which is our ultimate priority. I am looking forward to working with our members, leaders, and staff in continuing this important work.” 

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For further information, contact: Katherine Cowan, Director of Communications, 301-347-1665, kcowan@naspweb.org.