ASPPB Chief Executive Officer Announces Retirement Following Distinguished Tenure
Tyrone, GA, August 17, 2026 – The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards® (ASPPB) today announced that Dr. Mariann Burnetti-Atwell will retire as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 30, 2027. Her retirement follows a distinguished tenure marked by significant growth, improved governance, and strengthened collaboration across the psychology regulatory community.
The Board of Directors accepted her decision with deep appreciation for her exceptional leadership and service to ASPPB, its members, and the broader psychology community. “Dr. Mariann Burnetti-Atwell has been a remarkable leader for ASPPB. She is a deeply respected and trusted colleague to so many within the psychology regulatory community,” said Dr. Jennifer Laforce, C.Psych., President of the ASPPB Board of Directors. “Her leadership has been characterized by integrity, sound judgment, an unwavering commitment to public protection, and a remarkable ability to bring people together around our shared purpose. The Board is profoundly grateful for all she has contributed to ASPPB and wishes her every happiness as she prepares for this next chapter.”
Dr. Burnetti-Atwell’s tenure has been defined by an active commitment to ASPPB’s membership and structural excellence. Under her leadership, the Association enacted key organizational enhancements, including refining governance processes on multiple levels and leading the successful adoption of new bylaws, ensuring ASPPB remains agile, transparent, and resilient. She personally visited jurisdictions, listening directly to local licensing boards, fostering open communication, and aligning ASPPB’s priorities with member needs, which furthered ASPPB’s role as a trusted resource and thought leader in psychology regulation across the United States and Canada.
“Serving ASPPB and working alongside our members, volunteers, Boards, staff, consultants, and partners has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional career,” said Dr. Burnetti-Atwell. “I am tremendously proud of what we have accomplished together and deeply grateful for the relationships and friendships that have grown from this work. I have great confidence in ASPPB’s future and in the people who will continue to advance its mission.”
Dr. Burnetti-Atwell will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer through April 30, 2027. The Board of Directors has begun planning the leadership succession process and is committed to a smooth, thoughtful transition that maintains ASPPB’s momentum and continuity of service to its members and stakeholders.
“ASPPB enters this transition from a position of strength,” Dr. Laforce said. “We have an experienced and dedicated staff, an engaged membership, a strong Board, and a clear commitment to our mission. Over the coming months, our focus will remain where it belongs: supporting the important work already underway, serving our members, and ensuring that ASPPB is exceptionally well positioned as we move forward.”
Additional information regarding the CEO succession process will be shared as appropriate.
About ASPPB
The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) is the alliance of state, provincial, and territorial regulatory bodies responsible for the licensure and registration of psychologists throughout the United States and Canada. Established in 1961, ASPPB is committed to public protection and ensuring consistent standards of competence in the practice of psychology. ASPPB supports its members and advances public protection by promoting excellence and consistency in psychology regulation, facilitating collaboration among jurisdictions, and providing programs, services, and resources to the psychology regulatory community. Stay informed on the latest ASPPB news and follow us on X and LinkedIn.
Contact: ASPPB Communications and Engagement Department | 678-216-1175 | media@asppb.org or newsroom@asppb.org