Committees and Task Forces

More than an information and networking resource, AGPA offers a window of opportunity for professional growth and recognition. Through active participation in AGPA, members can help shape policy that affects their careers. AGPA offers mentorship and leadership opportunities through involvement on its many committees and task forces.

If you are interested in joining a committee or task force, contact AGPA at info@agpa.org.

Standing Committees

Annual Meeting Committee
The Annual Meeting Committee is responsible for planning and bringing to fruition the scientific programs of the Annual Meeting. The committee plans Institute sections, workshops, and open session events, such as panels, papers, and demonstrations.

Co-Chairs:
Barry Helfmann, Psy.D., CGP, FAGPA

Paul Kaye, Ph.D., CGP, FAGPA

Editorial Committee
This Committee is comprised of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, which is selected by the Editor of the Journal and is subject to the approval of the AGPA Board of Directors. This Committee conducts the editorial affairs of the Journal.

Chair:
Les Greene, Ph.D., FAGPA 

Fellowship and Awards Committee
Members of the Fellowship and Awards Committee review candidates for fellowship in order to recognize members who have made meritorious contributions to group psychotherapy. The Committee also recommends the presentation of awards and honors to individuals or groups who may have made a significant contribution to the mental health field. Committee members must be Fellows of AGPA.

Co-Chairs:

Elaine Jean Cooper, M.S.W., Ph.D., CGP, FAGPA

Jerome S. Gans, M.D., CGP, DFAGPA
 

Membership Committee 
The Membership Committee consists of two subcommittees: (1) Standards Review and Credentials and (2) Recruitment and Retention. The Standards Review and Credentials Subcommittee’s members review candidates for different categories of membership. Members from various geographic locations are assigned to review applications in their areas. The Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee is charged with the task of both retaining current members and finding new ones. 

Chair: 
Barbara Ilfeld, MSN, RNCS, CGP

 

Nominating Committee
Four members are elected every two years by the membership to the Nominating Committee. These individuals, along with the Immediate Past President, prepare the slate of candidates for officers and the Board of Directors.

Chair: 
Connie Concannon, L.C.S.W. CGP, FAGPA

Public Affairs Committee 
The Public Affairs Committee advocates health care issues in relevant public and social policy arenas by disseminating information about group psychotherapy theory and practice and the Association itself. The Committee also maintains relationships and communicates with other professional organizations that address such issues as standards setting, service delivery systems, legal rights, ethics, privileges and responsibilities, third-party coverage, and other mental health issues that may be of concern to AGPA members. 

Co-Chairs: 
Connie Concannon, L.C.S.W. CGP, FAGPA

Kathleen H. Ulman, Ph.D., CGP, FAGPA

Task Forces 

Community Outreach Task Force

This group is charged with establishing and executing community outreach programs to provide professional assistance to diverse group populations in the aftermath of traumatic events.

Co-Chairs:

Suzanne Phillips, Psy.D., ABPP, CGP, FAGPA

Cecil Rice, Ph.D., CGP, LFAGPA

Distance Learning Task Force

Responsible for the planning and development of alternative continuing educational opportunities apart from the AGPA Annual Meeting such as audio tapes, on-line courses and home study materials.

Co-Chairs:

Barbara Dazzo, L.C.S.W., Ph.D., CGP, FAGPA

Esther G. Stone, M.S.S.W., CGP, FAGPA

Newsletter Task Force
This Task Force is responsible for overseeing the publication of AGPA’s bi-monthly newsletter, The Group Circle. Its members include the Editorial Staff of The Group Circle, who are selected by the Editor of the Circle. 

Chair:
Steven Van Wagoner, Ph.D., CGP, FAGPA

Science to Service Task Force

This group works to integrate research and clinical practice, to formulate practice guidelines for group psychotherapy, to study the feasibility of a group therapy practiceresearch network, to identify/develop evidence-based group therapy practices/treatments and to recommend educational programs that support the teaching/dissemination of evidence-based group therapy methods.

        Co-Chairs:

Robert H. Klein, Ph.D. ABPP, CGP, DLFAGPA

Anne McEneaney, Ph.D. CGP

Special Interest Group (SIG) Task Force
The SIG Task Force promotes the development of Special Interest Groups and provides a forum for supporting SIG activities. 

Co-Chairs:

Margaret Postlewaite, Ph.D., CGP, FAGPA

Sharan Schwartzberg, Ed.D.