Association of American Geriatric Psychiatrists (AAGP)
Dear AAGP Members,
Every one of us confronted challenges during the pandemic. Unsurprisingly, our professional organizations, including the AAGP, faced new challenges. We were in uncharted waters, communicating via Zoom, establishing an online COVID curriculum for trainees, holding our first virtual conference and hybrid conference, and experiencing leadership transitions within the management organization, all while implementing a strategic plan and meeting members’ evolving needs.
As the COVID crisis subsided, the AAGP Board of Directors took a reflective and strategic look at the organization’s current state and future direction. Drawing on lessons learned, we carefully reviewed our strategic and financial plans, programmatic goals, and the evolving needs of our field. Through this process, we identified key opportunities for growth and enhancement, leading us to determine that a new management approach would be beneficial for AAGP.
After months of careful deliberation, the Board of Directors voted in January 2024 to pursue a new direction. A transition task force was established to develop a request for proposals and to identify an association management company that is best positioned to support AAGP’s growth and financial stability, particularly as the nation’s focus on late-life mental health continues to expand.
The Board of Directors voted to approve a contract with the Parthenon Management Group (PMG) and subsequently confirmed Valerie Okrend’s appointment as the AAGP Executive Director in June 2024. PMG works with over 30 associations (primarily neuroscience groups, including the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP)) and has a depth and breadth of talent and expertise that supports its clients in reaching their goals. Our new Executive Director, Valerie Okrend, has over 20 years of medical association management experience and professional development and training expertise. She previously worked for the Society for Neuroscience and the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (AMDA).
In her first 30 days, Ms. Okrend and PMG associates met with the Board of Directors, the leadership of the Annual Meeting Committee, the 2024 Board Review Committee, the leadership of the Geriatric Psychiatry Certificate Program, and the Chairs of the Membership, Teaching and Training, Scholars, Continuing Medical Education, Public Policy, Clinical Practice, and Research Committees. PMG, including Ms. Okrend and PMG staff, will drive AAGP operations using best practices to grow in alignment with our mission, vision, and strategic plan.
As we transition to PMG management, I am confident in our organization’s resilience. Our members have shown unwavering engagement and passion for AAGP and geriatric psychiatry. We have much to do. The call for submissions for the 2025 Annual Meeting and nominations for the 2025 elections will be announced soon. Fundraising for the 2025 AAGP Scholars is also underway.
The change in management adds needed support that will reinforce and extend our collective strength and determination to accomplish these tasks and forge ahead in growing the AAGP, expanding its presence, and serving our members and patients.
Sincerely,
Sandra Swantek, M.D. President
American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP)
Valerie Okrend, AAGP Sandra Swantek, M.D