Hello,

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as president of the Iowa Psychological Association. The w

ork you do every day matters—to your clients, your communities, and to the profession—and I appreciate the trust you’ve placed in me to step into this role. IPA’s commitment to advancing the science and practice of psychology in Iowa is something I care deeply about, and I’m honored to work alongside you in that effort.

My path into psychology began at Indiana State University, where I earned my Ph.D. That period of my life shaped me professionally and personally—I met my wife there, who is a clinical psychologist and has been a constant source of support ever since. I completed my predoctoral internship in clinical child psychology in Canton, Ohio. After internship, I moved to Iowa, my wife’s state of birth, and began my career as a school psychologist, working closely with students, families, and educators. Over time, that work grew into leadership roles within Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs), where I spent many years focused on building systems that better support children with diverse needs. I retired from the AEA system in 2021 and currently serve as an Associate Professor of Practice in the School Psychology program at the University of Northern Iowa, where I also direct a Grow Your Own School Psychology grant project. In addition, I started a small practice in the Des Moines area in 2023. While my roles have changed over the years, the underlying purpose has stayed the same—helping people, particularly those with the greatest needs, have access to meaningful support and opportunity.

My family life is a source of pride and inspiration. Some of the most meaningful times of my life are those times I have gotten to spend with my wife and children, all of whom are adults now. They are all finding their own paths. Two have moved out of state and three remain in the Des Moines area.

One of the reasons I value IPA so much is its vital role in supporting psychologists across Iowa through continuing education, professional connections, advocacy, and leadership opportunities. IPA’s efforts at the state and federal levels help ensure that psychologists have a seat at the table when decisions are made about access to care, reimbursement, and professional practice. At the same time, our committees and member-driven initiatives create opportunities to learn from one another and contribute in meaningful ways, whether through public education, disaster response, or advancing diversity and social justice.

As president, my goal is to help support our welcoming, relevant, and responsive organization. I want to encourage continued open conversation, support professional growth, and advocate for the work we do and those we serve. Most importantly, I want IPA to be a place where members continue to feel heard, supported, and proud of the work they do.

I look forward to learning from you, working alongside you, and seeing what we can accomplish together. Thank you again for all that you do—and for the opportunity to serve.

Warmly,

David