The American Psychological Association (APA) appointed Maysa Akbar, Ph.D. as their new chief diversity officer. As chief diversity officer, Dr. Akbar will be responsible for upholding inclusion, diversity, and equity within the APA and advocating for these values both within the organization and the field of psychology. She has experience founding a clinical practice focused on race-based trauma and a consulting firm aimed at improving organizational culture. In her new role, Dr. Akbar will work with APA staff to develop an EDI plan and establish accountability to operationalize the organization's diversity and inclusion goals.

1. APA Appoints New Chief Diversity
Officer
Mark Chae

2. Introduction
With degrees in psychology from Columbia University and Seton Hall
University, Mark Chae, Ph.D. has experience as a researcher, professor, and
clinician. Upon the completion of his Ph.D., he taught both graduate and
undergraduate courses at Seton Hall University, William Paterson University,
and Rutgers University. Mark Chae also belongs to multiple professional
organizations, including the American Counseling Association and the
American Psychological Association.

3. The American Psychological Association (APA) is the leading professional
organization of its kind, with a membership of more than 121,000 students,
researchers, clinicians, and consultants working in the field of psychology. On
December 2, 2020, the APA announced the appointment of Maysa Akbar,
Ph.D. as chief diversity officer. The chief diversity officer is charged with
upholding inclusion, diversity, and equity in the organization’s work.

4. A leader in equity, diversity, and inclusion (often abbreviated as EDI), Maysa
Akbar’s work has included founding a clinical practice in New Haven,
Connecticut specializing in race-based trauma and a consulting firm and
educational organization that aims to improve and transform organizational
culture, a key focus of the APA position. In her new role, Maysa Akbar will
work with APA staff to develop a plan, establish accountability, and
operationalize the goals of the organization in line with evolving EDI
frameworks. Inside and outside of the organization, the chief diversity officer
advocates for equity, diversity, and inclusion within the field of psychology.