The American Psychological Association (APA) announced that Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, will retire as chief executive officer of APA and APA Services, Inc., effective January 3, 2028. His tenure has been marked by record membership growth and an expanded role for psychology in addressing societal challenges.
At the request of the Board of Directors, Evans extended his service beyond his original contract to allow time for a comprehensive national search and a smooth transition. He will continue to lead both organizations until his successor is appointed.
Evans began his tenure in March 2017. Under his leadership, APA modernized operations, expanded advocacy capacity, and advanced the strategic direction set by the Council of Representatives in 2019. He emphasized that psychological science could contribute more significantly to solving societal challenges and credited members, leaders, and staff for enabling progress.
During his tenure, Evans guided APA through the Covid‑19 pandemic and changes in scholarly publishing while maintaining financial stability. He oversaw the creation of the Center for Behavioral Science and AI, strengthened support for psychological research, expanded open science practices, and helped defend scientific integrity and federal research funding. APA also published its six millionth record in PsycInfo®.
Advocacy efforts under his leadership included expanded telehealth coverage, improved reimbursement for psychological services, protections for federal training opportunities, and continued access to higher federal student loan limits for psychology doctoral programs. Membership grew from approximately 114,000 in 2017 to more than 190,000, with notable increases among students and early‑career psychologists. Media coverage of APA’s work rose significantly, and the organization received multiple workplace awards.
An APA CEO Search Committee will conduct a national search, with further details to be announced.
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