ASPPB’s 2024 Fellows Award Honorees

The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) recognizes outstanding service to the Association and the field of professional psychology regulation and licensing/certification. The award, which can only be presented to three individuals annually, was bestowed upon Mrs. Pamela Groose, Dr. Paul D. Kolstoe, and Dr. Ronald R. Ross.

This is an honorific category. The first class of Fellows was recognized in 1990. An individual may only receive this award once.

Pamela Groose 

The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards proudly recognizes Pamela (Pam) Groose as the 2024 ASPPB Fellow Award recipient in honor of her outstanding service and lasting contributions to psychology regulation and licensure. With an impressive 27-year tenure as Executive Director of the Missouri State Committee of Psychologists, Pam has been a steadfast leader and advocate for the profession. She also serves as Executive Director for the Behavior Analyst Advisory Board and oversees four additional professional boards within the state. Pam’s dedication is evident as she actively contributes through committee participation, conference engagement, and leadership within ASPPB initiatives.

Pam volunteers on ASPPB’s Finance and Audit Committee and as a Member-at-Large on the PSYPACT Executive Committee. Her past leadership roles include vice chair of the PSYPACT executive committee and member of the nominating committee, the Task Force on Workforce Analysis and Professional Development, and the Committee for Disciplinary Issues. Under her leadership, Missouri was among the first seven states to enact PSYPACT legislation. Pam has played a pivotal role in modernizing Missouri’s psychology regulation, including transitioning licensure standards and expanding the oversight of behavior analysts under the State Committee of Psychologists (SCOP). Her vision, dedication, and years of service have profoundly impacted the regulatory landscape, and ASPPB is honored to celebrate her achievements.

Paul D. Kolstoe, PhD 

ASPPB honors Dr. Paul D. Kolstoe with the 2024 ASPPB Fellow Award for his long-standing dedication and impactful contributions to psychology regulation in North Dakota and beyond. With a career that began in the field of developmental disabilities, Paul has consistently worked to improve psychological practice and access to services in his state. Through his leadership roles within the North Dakota Psychological Association (NDPA)—serving as President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past-President—he shaped legislative discussions, advocated for improved psychological services, and explored initiatives such as prescribing privileges.

Beyond his work with the NDPA, Paul has made a meaningful impact through his involvement with the North Dakota Department of Human Services. Notably, he was appointed by the State Senate Human Services Committee to revise and author the state’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) licensure law, which was successfully passed in 2011, expanding access to critical behavioral health services. His engagement with ASPPB includes participation on various committees and consistent representation of North Dakota at membership meetings, where his insights continue to shape the future of psychology regulation. Paul’s commitment to policy and practice has elevated care for individuals with developmental disabilities and strengthened regulatory standards.

Ronald R. Ross, PhD 

ASPPB proudly recognizes Dr. Ronald (Ron) R. Ross with the 2024 ASPPB Fellow Award for his outstanding service, leadership, and lasting contributions to psychology regulation. For over 23 years, Ron has served as the Executive Director of the Ohio Board of Psychology, where his leadership has been defined by integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to public protection and the advancement of psychological practice.

Ron has contributed his expertise as a presenter and panelist at numerous meetings. He has served on several critical committees, including the Board Administrators and Registrars Committee (as Chair), the Model Act and Regulations Committee, the Practicum Guidelines Task Force, and the Applied Behavior Analysis Task Force. Notably, in 2009, Ron collaborated with the Ohio Psychological Association on legislation that restructured the licensure training sequence in Ohio—a milestone achievement that earned him the prestigious Karl F. Heiser APA Presidential Award for Advocacy. His dedication to psychology regulation and enduring impact on both state and national levels make Ron deserving of this honor.