Dear Members, Affiliates and Associates,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the CPA, we are writing to let you know that Dr. Karen Cohen, CPA’s CEO, will be retiring on April 28th, 2023. Dr. Cohen has a long history with the CPA, having held several roles within the association, inclusive of Registrar of Accreditation, Associate Executive Director and since, 2008, its Executive Director and CEO.
The contributions and accomplishments Karen has helped to achieve span CPA’s activities across practice, science and education. She has been a key CPA spokesperson, voice, and advocate for the discipline and profession with colleagues outside of psychology, stakeholders, media and government. She has contributed to and led several of Canada’s health and science initiatives and alliances, and her work has helped psychology impact public policy and programming across the country. Those who know her well, can speak to how responsive she has been to members, organizations, and the community, consistently helping to elevate their views and support their needs.
In notifying the Board of her retirement, Dr. Cohen said, “I want to thank the CPA Board, staff, and its membership for the opportunity to do this important work with you for Canadian psychology. I hope my contributions will be a good foundation upon which new management can help move the association, the discipline, and the profession further still.”
The Board of Directors extends Karen their sincere thanks for her outstanding work and contributions. As a leader, a mentor, and a person, she will be deeply missed. We wish Dr. Cohen health and happiness as she takes her next steps.
The CPA Board has struck a committee charged with recruiting a new CEO for CPA and information will be forthcoming to the membership and public shortly. Any questions can be directed to cpapresident@cpa.ca.
Kerri Ritchie Ph.D., C. Psych.
President, CPA 2022/23