Ottawa
June 19, 2023
The Board of Directors of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Lisa Votta-Bleeker to the role of Chief Executive Officer.
“The Board of Directors is extremely excited to announce that we have named Dr. Lisa Votta-Bleeker as the next Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Psychological Association,” said President, Board Chair, and Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Kerri Ritchie. “In the many years I have known and worked with Lisa, and throughout the recruiting process, she has continually demonstrated that she has the right energy, experience, and approach to lead the CPA as the national voice for the science, practice, and education of psychology in Canada. We welcome the opportunity to work with her as she leads the Association through its next chapter.”
Dr. Lisa Votta-Bleeker holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, which she obtained from Carleton University. With more than 20 years of health and health-research experience working in a professional association, health research institutes, hospitals, and universities, her areas of research have included youth homelessness, injury prevention, chronic illness, end of life decision-making, mental health, and the social determinants of health. She joined the CPA in March 2009 as its Associate Executive Director and Science Director. She has been a respected leader and champion at the Association as its Deputy CEO for the past 14 years, leading and overseeing multiple portfolios, and playing an integral role in the CPA’s ability to successfully navigate significant organizational challenges including the pandemic. She has been responsible for overseeing the CPA’s scientific activities, representation, and advocacy; growing the CPA’s annual national convention; managing the CPA’s three peer-reviewed publications and research funding envelopes; and growing its published offerings, among other successes.
Dr. Votta-Bleeker is poised to leverage her well-established relationships with key partners and external stakeholders, and extensive knowledge of the organization and its trajectory, to lead the CPA through a critical time in Canadian mental health care and psychological research, and its continued implementation of the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to take on this role and to continue serving my professional home in this capacity,” said Dr. Votta-Bleeker. “The clarity and direction provided by the Board, the support of our partners and membership, the changing face of mental health care, funding for research, and an ever-evolving education system create opportunities for the CPA to demonstrate the vastness of psychology’s breadth, depth, and contributions to the overall health and well-being of Canadians and society writ large.”
Dr. Votta-Bleeker will build on the exceptional work of her predecessor, Dr. Karen Cohen, who served as CPA’s Executive Director and CEO for 15 years. The Board wishes Dr. Cohen well in her retirement. Former Interim CEO, Mr. Glenn Brimacombe, will stay on with the Association in his previous role as Director, Policy and Public Affairs. The CPA Board of Directors thanks Mr. Brimacombe for his knowledge and expertise during this transition period.