President’s Annual State of the Academy Report

As President of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN), it is my privilege to share with AACN members, affiliates, and the readership of The Clinical Neuropsychologist the Annual State of the Academy Report. As I approach the end of the first year of my two-year term as AACN President, I continue to be amazed at our growth and professional accomplishments. On behalf of the AACN Board, I want to thank all those individuals who have dedicated their time and effort on behalf of the Academy. With the unwavering help of many members and affiliates, our Academy remains vibrant and strong, and has become a model for other psychology specialties. In this report, I will highlight the activities of the Academy over the past year, recognize some of the many individuals who have made contributions, and outline several critical goals for the future. Additionally, having served on the AACN Board since 2006, I have accumulated a bit of institutional memory. Accordingly, as I outline some of the year’s activities, I will also try to provide historical context to highlight our amazing growth, and to allow others to look back and smile, as I have.

AACN Organizational Leadership

This year, I have had the great fortune to work very closely with a knowledgeable and committed executive committee of Academy officers, including Karen Postal (President-elect), Rick Naugle (Treasurer), and Chris Morrison (Secretary), whose tireless work behind the scenes serves as an inspiration, and whose creativity has led to a number of exciting new initiatives. In addition, the Academy continues to be very well served by our extremely able Board of Directors, who are actively and continually involved in thoughtful discussions and votes throughout the year, and who served in a variety of diverse roles in support of Academy activities. The full 2014 Board of Directors is listed below:

• Dean Beebe (2010–2014)

• Linas Bieliauskas, Executive Officer (1996–present)

• Julie Bobholz (2014–2019)

• Michelle Braun (2013–2018)

• Alissa Butts, Student Member (2014–2015)

• Michael D. Chafetz (2012–2017)

• Daniel Drane (2013–2018)

• Kevin Greve (2010–2015)

• Doug Johnson-Greene (2014–2019)

• Dona Locke (2014–2019)

• E. Mark Mahone (2006–2016)

• Paul Mattis (2014–2019)

• Chris E. Morrison (2012–2017)

• Richard I. Naugle (2009–2016)

• Karen Postal (2011–2016)

• Lisa D. Ravdin (2012–2017)

• Michelle Reinlieb, Student Member (2013–2014)

• Joseph Ricker (2010–2015)

• Sara Swanson (2011–2016)

• Cheryl Weinstein (2014–2019)

In early 2015, we also say farewell and thank you to three members of the Board of Directors, whose terms expire at the conclusion of our mid-winter Board meeting in February 2015. Joe Ricker served the Board as Chair of the Bylaws Committee, and was instrumental in spearheading a major update for the Academy bylaws in 2013. Kevin Greve has been Forensic Chair for our Program Committee, and has been responsible for recruiting and arranging high-level courses on forensic topics at our annual meeting. Dean Beebe has been the Board’s Coordinator of the Pediatric Special Interest Group and the AACN-Ped listserv, and a major force in support of the BRAIN (Be Ready for ABPP in Neuropsychology) committee. The Board will miss their efforts and expertise. I would also like to extend a welcome to our newly elected Board of Directors members, whose terms run from 2015 to 2020: Nancy Hebben (2015–2020) and Tim Wynkoop (2015–2020). Both Nancy and Tim bring us a wealth of knowledge and our Board is sure to benefit from their experience.

Academy Finances

Given a steady rise in Academy membership, a highly successful annual conference, and careful expense control, AACN is in a position of financial stability as we come to the end of 2014. This year, Rick Naugle took over the reins as AACN Treasurer, after spending two years as Treasurer-elect, in which role he assisted former AACN Treasurer Susan McPherson. Rick brings considerable expertise to the role, and the finances of the Academy are in extremely good hands. This year, the income from a record-setting conference in 2014 was offset by substantially higher costs associated with the New York venue; nevertheless, the Academy finished the fiscal year with net revenue of $33,102, setting the stage for expanded Academy activities continued financial support for the AACN Foundation, and allowing the transition to a new and expanded website.

Academy Membership

Organized as a non-profit professional guild organization [501(c)(6,)], AACN is incorporated in Minnesota and managed by a Board of Directors, elected from the Academy membership. As AACN President, I am also a member of the Council of Presidents of Psychology Specialty Academies (CPPSA), whose goal is to share information between academies regarding recruitment and operations. This membership is critical, as CPPSA has a voting representative at the meetings of the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), which is the umbrella membership association of physicians who are board certified with the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the organization after which ABPP was fashioned.

AACN presently maintains four classes of membership, including Active (i.e., individuals board certified through ABCN), Senior (ABCN specialists retired from active practice), Affiliate (psychologists who have not yet attained ABCN certification), and Student (individuals enrolled in professional training programs). Academy membership has grown dramatically in the past ten years, following the expanded capacity of ABCN examinations, active promotion of board certification, and increased involvement of students and affiliates. At the close of 2014, AACN total membership is 1546, and includes 878 Active, 53 Senior, 361 Affiliate, and 254 Student members.

This year marked another milestone in membership for AACN. During the April 2014 oral exams, ABCN awarded board certification to its thousandth specialist, and following the November 2014 oral exams, an additional 36 members were awarded diplomate status, bringing the total number of ABPP/ABCN diplomas awarded to 1042. The rapid growth we have witnessed in recent years can be attributed to multiple factors, as noted above; however, the tireless work of the ABCN Board and their examination committees set the stage for this progress. My sincere thanks go out to the ABCN Board and examiners for continuing to facilitate our sustained growth. I especially wish to thank and congratulate our friend and colleague John Lucas, as he concludes his term as ABCN President. The relationship between ABCN and AACN has never been stronger, and strong collaboration sets the stage for a thriving membership. Under John’s leadership, the goal of board certification for all appropriately trained clinical neuropsychologists has become more attainable, and the overall process more transparent and sustainable. I look forward to continuing this collaborative work with incoming ABCN President Tony Stringer. Our thanks go out to the entire ABCN Board, listed below:

• Linas A. Bieliauskas, Executive Director

• Heather G. Belanger (2013–2018)

• Corwin Boake (2012–2015)

• Jacobus Donders (2014–2019)

• Laura A. Flashman, Secretary (2010–2015)

• Marsha Gragert (2014–2019)

• Christopher Grote (2013–2018)

• Laura Janzen (2011–2016)

• Deborah Koltai Attix, Rep. to ABPP

• Joseph Kulas, Treasurer (2013–2018)

• John A. Lucas, President (2005–2015)

• Bernice A. Marcopulos, Exam Chair

• Nathaniel Nelson (2013–2018)

• Nancy L. Nussbaum (2012–2017)

• Mike R. Schoenberg (2012–2017)

• Beth Slomine (2012–2017)

• Jack Spector (2011–2016)

• Anthony Y. Stringer, Vice–President (2008–2015)

• Rodney D. Vanderploeg (2009–2019)

Annual Meeting and Workshops

Since 2003, AACN has held an annual membership conference and workshop series. Since its inception, the annual event has grown dramatically in size and recognition, while maintaining workshops emphasizing the axiom of the Academy, “‘Excellence in Clinical Practice’. From its humble beginnings (with conference materials stored in Greg Lamberty’s garage), through the tireless leadership of Greg Lamberty, Sandra Koffler, and Lisa Ravdin, the annual meeting has become a model for other ABPP specialty academies. For some historical perspective, the annual meeting sites (past and future) are listed below. While initially held annually in Minneapolis, the Academy now shifts sites annually from the east coast, to the Midwest, and west coast.

• 2003 Minneapolis

• 2004 Minneapolis

• 2005 Minneapolis

• 2006 Philadelphia

• 2007 Denver

• 2008 Boston

• 2009 San Diego

• 2010 Chicago

• 2011 Washington, DC

• 2012 Seattle

• 2013 Chicago

• 2014 New York

• 2015 San Francisco

• 2016 Chicago

• 2017 Boston

To illustrate the level of growth of our meetings, the first meeting in Minneapolis attracted 115 attendees for the workshops, and had no scientific poster session. By comparison, in 2014, AACN held its 12th Annual Conference and Workshops at the Grand Hyatt in New York City. The event was the Academy’s largest conference ever, with attendance over 1000, featuring 22 workshops in adult, pediatric, and forensic neuropsychology tracks, which emphasized training to support increased knowledge and competence in diversity issues within clinical practice. Additionally, the 2014 conference produced a record number of 251 scientific posters—195 of which were submitted by neuropsychology students in training. The success of our annual meeting is the product of countless hours of work behind the scenes, with efforts typically beginning at least three years prior to the actual event. The 2014 Annual Conference Planning Committee Members included:

• Sandra Koffler, Conference Co-Chair

• Lisa Ravdin, Conference Co-Chair

• E. Mark Mahone, President

• Aaron Nelson, Past President

• Julie Bobholz, Program Chair

• Mary-Ellen Meadows, Continuing Education Committee Chair

• Karen Wills, Pediatric Program Coordinator

• Kevin Greve, Forensic Program Coordinator

• Andrew Zabel, Scientific Program Coordinator

• Pamela McMurray, Scientific Program Coordinator

• Lisa Ravdin, Site Coordinator

• Debbie Green, Student Coordinator

Under the guidance of Program Chair, Julie Bobholz, the meeting once again offered 22 intensive, high-quality workshops in adult, pediatric, and forensic neuropsychology, from a group of internationally recognized experts. Faculty for the workshops included:

• Rus Bauer, Ph.D.

• Kevin J. Bianchini, Ph.D.

• Linas Bieliauskas, Ph.D.

• Corwin Boake, Ph.D.

• Douglas Bodin, Ph.D.

• Michael J. Boivin, Ph.D., MPH

• Mark Bondi, Ph.D.

• Adam M. Brickman, Ph.D.

• Bruno Giordani, Ph.D.

• James A. Holdnack, Ph.D.

• Grant L. Iverson, Ph.D.

• Doug Johnson-Greene, Ph.D.

• Paul M. Kaufmann, JD, Ph.D.

• Joel Kramer, Psy.D.

• Greg Lee, Ph.D.

• Jennifer Manly, Ph.D.

• Michael McCrea, Ph.D.

• Susan McManus, Ph.D.

• Bernice Marcopulos, Ph.D.

• Jonathan Miller, Ph.D.

• Scott R Millis, Ph.D.

• Katherine Nordal, Ph.D.

• Noa Ofen, Ph.D.

• Kathleen O’Toole, Ph.D.

• Karen Postal, Ph.D.

• Eric Racine, Ph.D.

• Celiane Rey-Casserley, Ph.D.

• Christine M. Salinas, Psy.D.

• Mike R. Schoenberg, Ph.D.

• Beth Slomine, Ph.D.

• Glenn Smith, Ph.D.

• Clemente Vega, Psy.D.

• Seth Warschausky, Ph.D.

• Karen Wills, Ph.D.

• T. Andrew Zabel, Ph.D.

Each year, a highlight of the conference is the scientific poster session. Since 2006, with financial support provided by Academy member Manfred Greiffenstein, AACN has presented the Edith Kaplan Student Award for most the outstanding poster presentation at its annual meeting. This year, given the large increase in student submissions, the Academy also recognized two additional posters with Merit Awards. The 2014 awardees (with student winners in bold) were:

Merit awards

• Bean Jaworski, J., Cassidy, A. R., Newburger, J. W., & Bellinger, D. C. (2014). A comparison of Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure trial performance across subgroups of children and adolescents with severe congenital heart disease.

• Gillis, M. M. & Hampstead, B. M. (2014). Hyperactivation in the prefrontal cortex persists with repeated trial learning in patients with TBI.

Edith Kaplan Award

• Kuhn, T. P. (2014). Temporal lobe epilepsy affects spatial organization of entorhinal cortex connectivity.

The 2014 annual meeting also saw the continuation of several longstanding traditions and the growth of important new ones. Each year since 2003, Linas Bieliauskas, Diane Howieson, and Bernice Marcopulos have offered the three-part, 9-hour workshop entitled, Preparing for Examination for ABPP Board Certification in Clinical Neuropsychology: ABCN Policies and Procedures, which familiarizes potential candidates with procedures of the ABCN examination and provides advice on study preparation. Since 2004, Rus Bauer’s workshop on Clinically Relevant Functional Neuroanatomy has been a highlight of the conference. Those organizing the annual meeting know that they must find the largest room possible to accommodate the huge annual turnout, often with standing-room-only conditions. Rus’s workshops truly attained rock star status in 2009, when concert-style T-shirts commemorating his annual ‘tour’ were introduced at the AACN Foundation’s first fundraiser. Rus Bauer’s complete neuroanatomy tour (past and future) is detailed below:

• 2004 Clinically Relevant Functional Neuroanatomy

• 2005 Memory and Executive Skills

• 2006 Vision and Language

• 2007 Anatomy of Memory

• 2008 Attention and Executive Skills

• 2009 Visual Cognition

• 2010 New Developments in the Functional Neuroanatomy of Cognition

• 2011 Basic Organizational Principles

• 2012 Functional Neuroanatomy of Memory

• 2013 Visuoperceptual and Visuospatial Disorders

• 2014 Cortical–Subcortical Interactions

• 2015 Disconnection Syndromes at 50, a Functional–Anatomic Tribute to Norman Geschwind

Beginning in 2013, the Academy experimented with a new meeting format, producing a debate-style ‘point–counterpoint’ program entitled Current Controversies in Neuropsychology. In this inaugural event, which was expertly moderated by Aaron Nelson, neuropsychologists Chris Randolph and Bob Stern engaged in a lively exchange on the topic of chronic traumatic encephalopathy to a standing-room-only crowd of 525 guests. The event was even covered by the local Chicago media. The success of the program led the Academy to include this format as an annual event. In 2014, the well-attended event featured a debate on The Nature of ‘I’ in mTBI, with presentations by Erin Bigler and Grant Iverson. This event now appears to have a permanent place in our annual meeting and the debate is already scheduled for 2015.

Distinguished Neuropsychologist Award

Since 2004, AACN has presented its annual Distinguished Neuropsychologist Award. This award honors AACN members who have made a distinguished contribution to the Academy and/or Board (ABCN), as well as to the greater field of neuropsychology through teaching, research, clinical, and/or leadership efforts, and who have also shown commitment through exemplary service to the AACN organization and to the profession. The previous ten recipients (listed below) included some of the most outstanding leaders in our field, upon whose shoulders the Academy has grown and flourished.

• 2004 Stephen M. Rao

• 2005 Linas A. Bieliauskas

• 2006 Russell M. Bauer

• 2007 Ida Sue Baron

• 2008 Kerry de S. Hamsher

• 2009 Sandra Koffler

• 2010 Robert Ivnik

• 2011 Jerry Sweet

• 2012 Greg Lamberty

• 2013 Thomas Hammeke

In 2014, the Distinguished Neuropsychologist Award was presented to Academy member Diane Howieson, Ph.D. Dr. Howieson has truly been an ‘unsung hero’ for AACN and ABCN, and has dedicated many years of service and volunteerism to the organization and to the profession. Awarded ABCN board certification in 1984, she served on the ABCN Board of Directors from 1993 to 1996, and has presented countless workshops at numerous scientific meetings to introduce and de-mystify the ABCN examination procedure. She was on the ABCN Examination committee from 1998, and in 2014, retired as the Oral Examiner Coordinator. Dr. Howieson has held senior positions for Division 40, APA, INS, ABPP, NIH, and NIMH, and is well known for her elegant studies of normal aging. Congratulations to Dr. Howieson on this well-deserved honor.

Student Affairs

AACN continues to actively support and nurture the future of neuropsychology via its efforts to support students in training. Through its Student Affairs Committee (the largest of all AACN committees), chaired by Doug Whiteside, the Academy provides training and networking activities specifically geared toward the professional development of graduate students, doctoral interns, and postdoctoral residents in clinical neuropsychology, including a Student Forum and Training Director’s Hour each year at the AACN annual conference. Beginning in 2010, the Academy also provides scholarships to graduate students and residents to offset the costs of attending the annual AACN conference. In 2014, a record ten scholarships were awarded, with six of the scholarships presented to students from under-represented minorities. Our congratulations go out to the 2014 scholarship recipients, listed below:

• Carmen Carrion (Graduate Student, Roosevelt University)

• Amanda Hahn-Ketter (Graduate Student, Adler School of Professional Psychology)

• Alice A. Holland (Postdoctoral Resident, Children’s Medical Center Dallas)

• Sharee Light (Postdoctoral Resident, University of Michigan)

• Andrew E. Molnar (Postdoctoral Resident, Washington University School of Medicine)

• Lauren E. Piper (Graduate Student, Illinois Institute of Technology)

• Octavio Santos (Graduate Student, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee)

• Aliyah R. Snyder (Graduate Student, University of Florida)

• Hiroko Tanaka (Postdoctoral Resident, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory)

• Joyce W. Tam (Graduate Student, Washington State University

In 2010, AACN amended its bylaws to include a student representative on its Board of Directors to represent the interests of individuals in training. The inclusion of student members on the AACN Board has been a resounding success. To date, five student representatives (listed below) have served one-year terms on the AACN Board. Additionally, as of 2014, two of the five representatives (*) have already attained ABCN Board Certification after completion of their training.

• Jackie Micklewright (2010–2011)*

• Leslie Guidotti–Breting (2011–2012)*

• Amanda Gooding (2012–2013)

• Michelle Reinleib (2013–2014)

• Alissa Butts (2014–2015)

Aacn and Social Media

It has been just over a year since AACN joined the social media world. In 2014, AACN launched its own Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanAcademyofClinicalNeuropsychology. Several times each week, a group led by the Public and Professional Information Committee (PPIC) chair, Chris Morrison, reviews recent popular media and scientific publications in order to post commentary designed to bring to the public a wider understanding of brain–behavior relationships and the role of the neuropsychologist in health care. At the time of press, the AACN Facebook page had 1951 ‘likes.’ The followers of the AACN Facebook page include individuals from more than 45 countries around the world, who speak more than 28 different languages. Through our Facebook page, AACN seeks to communicate with not just neuropsychologists but also consumers of neuropsychology services (e.g., patients, consumer groups, members of other professions). Followers of the Facebook page include professionals, patients, patient advocacy groups, other professional organizations, and media representatives, to name a few. To promote even more rapid access to the social media world, AACN officially launched the AACN Twitter feed (@TheAACN) in October 2014. In this venue, AACN seeks to highlight current research and other discoveries relevant to our field. I would like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of Chris Morrison and her active social media subcommittee, including Michelle Braun, Robb Mapou, Michelle Reinlieb, Mike Schoenberg, and Stephanie Towns.

Academy Communications

Under the watchful eye of Rob Davis, Technology Integration Committee Chair, and with assistance from Dean Beebe, AACN is proud to continue to provide its members and affiliates with four email listservs forums for ongoing communication: (1) The AACN listserv, open to ABPP/ABCN board certified specialists, serves as the main forum for communication of Academy business; (2) The AACN Community listserv, open to all AACN members and affiliates, is used for discussions of clinical issues in neuropsychology; (3) The Pediatric Special Interest Group listserv, open to AACN members and affiliates with interest in pediatric and lifespan neuropsychology; and, (4) Be Ready for ABPP in Neuropsychology—BRAIN, an AACN-sponsored listserv that assists candidates who are preparing for the ABCN examination process. As an example of our growth, in 2014, a total of 724 individuals were subscribed to the BRAIN listserv.

Diversity Initiative

As AACN President, I have set a primary goal for increasing diversity within our membership and leadership. With strong support from the AACN Board (especially President-elect Karen Postal), we have begun taking steps to prioritize this commitment. In 2014, AACN launched a formal Diversity Initiative, recognizing that greater emphasis must be placed on research, training, and ongoing professional development, furthering our understanding of the role of culture and diversity in neuropsychological assessment and cognitive function if neuropsychology is to remain relevant as a profession in our rapidly diversifying society. As a first step, the AACN board formed the AACN Diversity Committee, with its core membership formally defined as the Executive Committee of the AACN Board of Directors. This was a specific structural step to ensure that the work of the Diversity Committee was not ‘siloed’ from the leadership structure of AACN. Members of the larger AACN community (including student representatives) with an expertise or interest in diversity issues were recruited to join the committee. Current committee members include: Veronica Burton, Desiree Byrd, Mark Mahone, Rick Naugle, Chris Morrison, June Paltzer, Karen Postal, Christine Salinas, Octavio Santos, Anthony Stringer, and Karen Wills.

The Diversity Committee developed a proposal for a broad diversity initiative that was presented to the Board of Directors at the June 2014 meeting, which is currently in the process of being ratified, section-by-section. To date, the AACN Board has ratified the following definition of diversity:

For the purposes of the AACN Diversity Initiative, AACN defines diversity in its broadest sense, including, but not limited to: race, ethnicity, culture, linguistic background, sexual orientation, sensory status (hearing, vision), disability status, socioeconomic status.

This definition is offered with the understanding that AACN may wish to create different initiatives dedicated to specific populations, e.g., ethnic diversity. Goals of the initiative include recruiting individuals from diverse backgrounds to the field of neuropsychology and to the Academy, increasing diversity in the leadership of the organization, and improving the knowledge and clinical competence of neuropsychologists to serve our country’s diverse population. The AACN Board of Directors and Diversity Committee will continue to update the Academy on the progress of the Diversity Initiative and actively seeks input on the process.

Pediatric Neuropsychology Subspecialty

After some eight years of planning, 2014 saw the launch and official recognition of Pediatric Subspecialty Board Certification in Clinical Neuropsychology. Subspecialty certification involves a three-step process: credential review, written examination, and practice sample review. Beginning in January 2014, ABCN accepted applications for subspecialty certification from current ABCN specialists. A 13-member committee of ABCN specialists comprised of senior pediatric neuropsychologists under the leadership of Ida Sue Baron, underwent credential review and submitted Practice Samples for peer review in spring 2014. These specialists became the first to be awarded the subspecialty credential and subsequently formed the initial cadre of ABCN subspecialty examiners. This initial group of subspecialists included the following Academy members:

• Kira Armstrong

• Ida Sue Baron

• Dean Beebe

• Jacobus Donders

• Laura Janzen

• Michael Kirkwood

• Mark Mahone

• Joel Morgan

• Nancy Nussbaum

• Celiane Rey-Casserly

• Beth Slomine

• Brenda Speigler

• Michael Westerveld

In May 2014, a total of 127 current ABCN specialists completed credential review for subspecialty certification and were advanced to candidacy. At the annual AACN meeting in June 2014, these specialists participated in a calibration study of potential items for a subspecialty written expression. This exam is currently under development with a planned implementation in 2015.

The American Board of Professional Psychology Board of Trustees recently completed its monitoring of ABCN’s subspecialty implementation process and officially approved Pediatric Neuropsychology as the first subspecialty of ABPP, granting full affiliation status on December 5, 2014. This acknowledgment of the contributions made by pediatric neuropsychologists is the result of many years of preparation and planning, all with the full support and encouragement of the ABCN and AACN Boards, and of the many Academy members (both pediatric and adult) who volunteered their time and effort to serve on the ABCN Committee on Subspecialization in Clinical Neuropsychology, the Pediatric Neuropsychology Subspecialty Examination Item-writing Task Force, and the Initial Examination Cadre. I would especially like to acknowledge Academy members Ida Sue Baron (who spearheaded this effort that began eight years ago), subcommittee chairs Laura Janzen (subspecialty Credential Committee), Michael Westerveld (subspecialty Written Examination Committee), and Brenda Spiegler (subspecialty Practice Sample Committee), and all the members of the subspecialty item writing and examination teams for the tremendous amount of work that made implementation of the subspecialty credential possible.

Practice and Public Policy

Under the guidance of President-elect Karen Postal, the AACN Practice and Public Policy Committee has continued to take the lead in developing and sustaining the Inter-Organizational Practice Committee (IOPC). This is an alliance of liaisons from national neuropsychology organization practice committees, including AACN, ABCN, the National Academy of Neuropsychology, the Society for Clinical Neuropsychology, the American Psychological Association Practice Organization, and the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology. The IOPC has been highly effective in improving advocacy efforts on behalf of the profession of neuropsychology by coordination and proactive initiatives.

The IOPC has developed a model of 360 Degree Advocacy that strengthens our capacity to engage in high-impact, efficient advocacy, by coordinating state, regional, and national neuro/psychological association resources. This year, a paper describing the 360 Degree model was published in The Clinical Neuropsychologist (Postal et al., 2014). One example of IOPC advocacy this year is a multi-state 360 Degree Advocacy team addressing the National Governmental Services Medicare Local Coverage Determination. This effort successfully coordinated the presidents and executive directors of nine state psychological associations and two regional neuropsychological societies along with national advocacy experts to successfully increase access to neuropsychological services for Medicare patients.

The IOPC has also launched an initiative to create a national network of neuropsychologists and psychologists who participate as members on the Medicare Administrative Contractors’ (MACs’) Carrier Advisory Committees (CACs). Most other medical specialties have similar national networks (e.g., orthopedic surgeons and ophthalmologists). The CACs are the committees who advise the creation of LCDs/local coverage determinations that regulate what Medicare services get covered. Forming a National Psychology CAC Network will enhance access to neuropsychological services for Medicare patients. Given that private insurers use the LCDs as coverage benchmarks, the network will improve access for patients in the private sector as well.

Healthcare reform, in both private and public sectors, is resulting in significant changes in the practice climate for neuropsychologists. Private insurers have continued to move rapidly to adopt these structures. The AACN practice committee has continued its education program through support of Healthcare Advocacy workshops at the AACN convention, as well as support and development of the IOPC Healthcare Reform and Neuropsychology Online Toolkit (neuropsychologytoolkit.com), which has had over 15,000 unique visits since its launch in 2013.

The Aacn Foundation

Beginning in 2007, the Academy took steps to establish a charitable [501(c)(3)] organization separate from AACN, which was organized as professional or guild organization. In 2009, the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology Foundation (AACNF) was established as a charitable foundation, with incorporation in the State of Minnesota retroactive to December, 2008. AACNF is able to raise funds, solicit and accept grant proposals, and fund research projects. In 2011, AACNF awarded the first of its outcomes grant awards. In 2014, three more grants were awarded, bringing the total to nine grant awards made by the AACN Foundation. The grants made by the Foundation, listed below, total over $100,000 in awards. To date, two publications have emerged from AACNF grants, and have both been published in The Clinical Neuropsychologist (Pritchard, Koriakin, Jacobson, & Mahone, 2014; VanKirk et al., 2013).

• 2010: Utility of Neuropsychological Services in Reducing Medical Resource Utilization (Kathryn Van Kirk, PI)

• 2011: Incremental Validity of Neuropsychological Assessment in Identification and Treatment of ADHD (Mark Mahone, PI)

• 2011: Cost and Clinical Benefit of Neuropsychological Consultation in Concussion Management (Arthur Maerlender, PI)

• 2012: Predictors of Outcome After Treatment for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (Jacobus Donders, PI)

• 2013: Effect of Neuropsychology Input on Length of Hospital Stay and 30-Day Readmissions (Rachael Zombor, PI)

• 2013: Determining Increased Risk of Healthcare System Use by Older Patients with Measured Cognitive Decline Following Orthopedic Surgery (Teresa M. Deer, PI)

• 2014: Impact of Neuropsychological Evaluation on Healthcare Utilization in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease (Julie K Janacek, Ph.D., Robert Molokie, M.D., PIs)

• 2014: Predictive Utility of Neurocognitive Assessment in Treatment Decision-Making in Elderly Brain Cancer Patients (Priya Banerjee, Ph.D., Susan Y. Bookheimer, Ph.D., Linda M. Ercoli, Ph.D., Timothy F. Cloughesy, M.D., Leia Nghiemphu, M.D.)

• 2014: Evaluating the Utility of Neuropsychological Assessment for Brain-Injured ICU Survivors (Sarah Schaeffer, Paul Mattis, PIs).

Beginning in 2011, AACNF sponsored an ‘Opening Night’ benefit for the Foundation, held in conjunction with the annual AACN Conference. The initial event featured a roast of former ABCN President Mike Westerveld. Since 2012, the Opening Night celebration has also included a karaoke fundraiser, with Academy members and affiliates showcasing their inner rock star to the highest bidder. From 2011 to 2014, the Opening Night fundraisers have netted over $40,000 in donations to the Foundation. This year the reception was again well attended with over 130 registrants, and the Foundation generated $20,000 in donations over the course of a single night, and over $27,000 in total contributions since the beginning of the calendar year. The Academy acknowledges the efforts of the AACN Foundation Board members who continue to shepherd the Foundation’s growth, in order to support of critical outcomes studies in clinical neuropsychology. Current AACN Foundation Board members and officers are:

• Mark Barisa

• Franklin Brown

• Laura Flashman

• Sandra Koffler

• Joseph Kulas (President)

• Greg Lamberty

• Wendy Marlowe

• William McAllister

• Pamela McMurray

• Susan McPherson (Treasurer)

• Maura Mitrushina

• Chris Morrison

• Brett Parmenter (Secretary)

• Leslie Rosenstein

• Dave Sabsevitz

• Michael Santa Maria

AACN Publications

The Clinical Neuropsychologist

The Clinical Neuropsychologist (TCN) has been the official journal of AACN since 2003, and is provided to all Academy members and affiliates. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief, Jerry Sweet, TCN continued to see a rise in submissions and status. The 2013 Impact Factor was listed at 1.583, and the 5-year Impact Factor at 2.097. Associate Editors for TCN include Academy members Bill Barr, Robin Hanks, John Lucas, and Mike Schoenberg. TCN now publishes eight issues a year, including the AACN conference abstracts and the Society for Clinical Neuropsychology abstracts. Beginning in 2014, TCN also began publishing an online supplement in addition to the usual eight issues. The purpose of this new online supplement is to provide an additional forum for the broader community of international neuropsychologists on matters germane to the practice of evidence-based clinical neuropsychology, spanning the age range from pediatric through adulthood. Additional TCN publication highlights in 2014 included a special issue, guest edited by Michael Schoenberg, on ‘Improving Neuropsychological Research Through Use of Reporting Guidelines.’

By far, the most read and downloaded articles in The Clinical Neuropsychologist continue to be the Academy-supported position papers and surveys. In 2014, the top three articles were 2010 salary survey (Sweet, Meyer, Nelson, & Moberg, 2011), the position paper on assessment of response bias and malingering (Heilbronner et al., 2009), and the AACN practice guidelines (Board of Directors, 2007). Given the importance and timeliness of such publications to the profession, the AACN Board and its Publications Committee (chaired by Doug Johnson-Greene), in collaboration with the editors of our official journals, continue to seek out new opportunities to be at the forefront in defining and advocating excellence in clinical practice. At present, AACN is developing at least four new projects, including a position paper on ‘Guidelines for Practicum Training in Clinical Neuropsychology’ (coordinated by Aaron Nelson), another on ‘A Uniform Approach to Test Score Nomenclature’ (coordinated by Manfred Grieffenstein and Tom Guilmette), and a third on ‘Supplying Guidance to the Social Security Administration for Validity Assessment’ (coordinated by Michael Chafetz). In addition, this year AACN is partnering with APA Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (Division 40) in supporting the development and implantation of an expanded salary and practice survey (coordinated by Jerry Sweet and Paul Moberg), targeted for publication in early 2016.

Changes in TCN Leadership

In 2014, AACN and journal publisher Routledge (Taylor & Francis) announced the appointment of Yana Suchy, Ph.D., of the University of Utah as Editor-in-Chief-elect for The Clinical Neuropsychologist. Dr. Suchy will begin work for the journal in 2015 as Editor-in-Chief-elect, handling all new submissions to the journal beginning January 1, 2015. The AACN Board is delighted that Dr. Suchy has agreed to take on this position and is confident that with her experience, leadership ability, and energy, she will be able to build on the journal’s existing reputation and continue to develop TCN as one of the leading clinical neuropsychology journals in the world. The current Editor-in-Chief, Jerry Sweet, will continue to work with the current Associate Editors on manuscripts submitted in 2014, and throughout 2015 will work with Dr. Suchy to facilitate the transition of the Editor-in-Chief position. Dr. Sweet will officially leave the position at the end of 2015 and Dr. Suchy will fully assume her new role as Editor-in-Chief of TCN on January 1, 2016. By the time of his departure, Dr. Sweet will have had a leadership role with TCN for 13 years. On behalf of the Academy, I would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to him for his guidance and dedication to the journal. During his tenure as Co-Editor for eight years and then as TCN’s first Editor-in-Chief for an additional five years, the journal has grown in size and stature, and its success today is, in part, testament to his diligence and efforts.

Child Neuropsychology

In 2011, Child Neuropsychology was formally adopted as the official journal of the AACN Pediatric Special Interest Group, and electronic copy is provided to Academy members and affiliates. Michael Westerveld serves as Editor-in-Chief of Child Neuropsychology and Jacobus Donders is Associate Editor. Due to the increasing number of high-quality submissions, Child Neuropsychology will have a 12.5% increase in the number of pages published per volume beginning in 2015.

AACN/Oxford book series

The AACN and Oxford University Press workshop book series continues to thrive, with Susan McPherson as current Editor-in-Chief. These focused and informative books, based on our conference workshops, serve as a means for professionals to earn continuing education credit. To date, eight books have been published in the series, with additional books currently under contract:

• Ethical Decision-Making in Clinical Neuropsychology (2007) by Shane Bush

• Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Postconcussion Syndrome (2007) by Michael McCrea

• Understanding Somatization in the Practice of Clinical Neuropsychology (2007) by Greg Lamberty

• Board Certification in Clinical Neuropsychology (2008) by Kira Armstrong, Dean Beebe, Robin Hilsabeck, & Michael Kirkwood

• Adult Learning Disabilities and ADHD (2008) by Robert Mapou

• The Business of Neuropsychology (2010) by Mark Barisa

• Neuropsychological Aspects of Epilepsy and Epilepsy Surgery (2010) by Gregory Lee

• Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (2013) by Glenn Smith & Mark Bondi

Outside of the Workshop Series, AACN and Oxford University Press have also partnered to produce three additional outstanding volumes:

• The Neuropsychology of Autism (2011), edited by Deborah Fein

• Feedback that Sticks: The Art of Communicating Neuropsychological Assessment Results (2013) by Karen Postal and Kira Armstrong

• The Clinical Neuropsychology Study Guide and Board Review (2013), edited by Kirk Stucky, Michael Kirkwood, & Jacobus Donders, with Christine Liff as managing editor.

This year also marked the launch of an exciting new partnership between AACN and Oxford University Press. Under the leadership of Academy member Sandra Koffler, and with support by the Doug Johnson-Greene and the AACN Publications Committee, the Academy agreed to a new partnership that will edit and produce an Annual Review Series in Neuropsychology. I truly look forward to the development and production of these outstanding volumes, which should be produced as early as 2016. Stay tuned for more details.

AACN/Psychology Press book series

In 2008, AACN and Psychology Press partnered to create a new series of books also offered for online continuing education credit. Under the leadership of series editors Joel Morgan and Jerry Sweet, the collaboration has produced two outstanding edited texts:

• Neuropsychology of Malingering Casebook (2009), edited by Joel Morgan and Jerry Sweet

• Clinical Neuropsychological Foundations of Schizophrenia (2012), edited by Bernice Marcopulos & Matthew Kurtz.

Looking Back

In this annual report, I have taken some time to reflect back on the growth of the Academy over the past ten years. So far, it has been an inspiring journey. As I have told countless colleagues, the time I have spent on the AACN Board has been the most professionally rewarding part of my career. I have had the opportunity to meet and work closely with some amazing people (many of whom I had otherwise known by name only). I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as AACN President, and I must especially acknowledge my most recent predecessors, Greg Lamberty, Mike McCrea, and Aaron Nelson, for encouraging me, and for helping prepare me for this challenging, yet exciting, role.

The growth and success of our thriving Academy depends on its membership (including affiliate members), and many Academy colleagues, without whom our day-to-day operations would cease. I would like to recognize several individuals in particular, for their efforts dating back as long as I can remember. First, on behalf of the Academy, I would like to thank Angie Spearman of Hospitality Performance Network (HPN) Global, whose team of professionals manages and runs our annual meetings. The work that goes into our annual June conference begins several years before the actual event, and I have learned a tremendous amount from Angie about the implementation of a three-day professional conference for over 1000 participants. Second, I must acknowledge the efforts and tenacity of our longstanding Conference Chair, Sandra Koffler, who, along with Co-Chair Lisa Ravdin, seeks out and negotiates with hotels in order to secure the best venues (and best values) for our annual meetings. Those who have attended our conferences have seen first-hand the elegance of these hotels, and their fit to our needs for our growing membership, and we owe many thanks to Sandi and Lisa for their efforts. Finally, I need to give a warm shout-out to Annunciata Porterfield, who manages the daily operations of the AACN and ABCN Administrative Offices. Annunciata is certainly well known to most Academy members, who have gotten to know her through the application process, dues payments, or at our annual meeting. As our membership has grown, so have Annunciata’s responsibilities, and we have come to depend on her expertise on a daily basis. As we look forward to changes in our website management, Annuciata will play an even bigger role in our electronic interactions with the world. ‘Nunce’ is truly a treasure, and we are fortunate to have her on our team.

Looking Forward

As I conclude this annual report, I will highlight several goals and anticipated changes for the Academy in the near future. First, our annual conference has seen a ten-fold increase in attendance over the past 12 years. Yet, apart from a few changes, the format has remained the same. This year, the AACN Board is examining several changes to the structure of our annual meeting, including potentially adding more short courses, symposia, and topical debates, including pre-conference consensus development meetings and expanding student-focused programming activities, to name a few. The Board is also exploring mechanisms to record (and potentially market) our workshops and courses in order for our materials to reach a wider (potentially international) audience.

Second, the AACN Board is committed to leading the way toward greater diversity within our Academy and throughout the specialty of clinical neuropsychology. These efforts cannot be directed solely at professionals already in the field, but must also examine more ways to reach out to a wider set of students who have not yet begun training in neuropsychology. Be on the lookout for more communication about the Academy’s efforts in support of this critical goal.

Finally, our membership can expect the Academy leadership to embrace the reality of technology in our future. At present, we sit squarely in the era of electronic medical records, test administration on tablets, and remote implementation of services via tele-neuropsychology. We are fortunate to have Academy members who represent some of the world’s experts in these new technologies, which will ultimately become the mainstay of our ever-changing practice. AACN must be at the forefront of these changes. By doing so, we will capture the eyes and ears of hospital administrators, third-party insurers, test companies, and policy makers. By embracing new technologies within our specialty, we can drive our own destiny.

Thank you to all who contribute to the Academy’s growth and prosperity. Remember to save the date! The 13th Annual AACN Conference will be held on June 17–20, 2015 at the beautiful Hilton San Francisco Union Square. Check out the AACN website (www.theaacn.org) and listservs for conference updates and register early.