History of the Baltimore Psychological Association

The organization was established as the “Baltimore Association of Consulting Psychologists” in 1966 to represent and advance psychology as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. A secondary mission was its responsibility to perpetuate the professional training of its members and to seek means by which it could provide professional consultation services for the community. Besides the usual executive officers – President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, there were various standing committees – nominations, membership, professional ethics, program and community consultation, and service. In the mid 1980s, an additional effort was undertaken to create divisions to represent the special interests of members.

This format continued until the late 1990s, at which time the Association decided to change its formal name to the Baltimore Psychological Association. In concert with this effort were discussions among the group to establish a University of Baltimore – Lassen Scholarship Fund – on behalf of George Lassen, one of the original founders of BPA, cultivate a pro bono volunteer service, develop a BPA directory; explore a mentoring project concept; and to expand its outreach to other mental health providers, including professional clinical counselors and social workers. In addition, the Association has made public declarations relative to current events, such as the September 11 terrorist attack and same-sex marriages, to reflect the concerns and posture of the group.

The continuing education agenda over the years has been eclectic and responsive to current issues within the field of psychology and mental health. During the last few years, the subjects have included spirituality and career development, treating adult survivors of sexual abuse, rehabilitation memory, psychosocial approaches to anger management, using cognitive therapy with couples, clinical issues related to obesity and compulsive eating, current psychological issues facing lesbian/gay clients, ethics and risk management, etc. The current year’s agenda includes a variety of interesting and educational workshops.

Current and Past Officers of the Baltimore Psychological Association

2024 Barbara Baum David Roth Lynda Payne Ruth Klein
2023 Kenneth B. Morgen David Roth Cindy Hunter Sally Mays
2022 Maria Mouratidis David Roth Lois Meszaros Katie Bugbee
2021 Michael Adler David Roth Lois Meszaros Cindy Hunter
2020 Michael Adler Harvey Gewanter Lois Meszaros Cindy Hunter
2019 Susan Rockwell Campbell Jim Dasinger Lois Meszaros Cindy Hunter
2018 Susan Rockwell Campbell Deborah Cole Lois Meszaros Cindy Hunter
2017 Barbara Baum David Roth Lois Meszaros Cindy Hunter
2016 Barbara Baum David Roth Lois Meszaros Cindy Hunter
2015 Barbara Baum David Roth Lois Meszaros
2014 Jim Dasinger Lois Meszaros Beth Frederick
2013 James McTamney Trinitas Bochini Lois Meszaros Jacqueline Hutcheson
2012 James McTamney Trinitas Bochini Lois Meszaros Shawn Hales
2011 Susan Campbell Trinitas Bochini Lois Meszaros Christy Harnett
2010 Morris Lasson Trinitas Bochini Lois Meszaros Virginia N. Iannone
2009 James F. Dasinger David Roth Lois Meszaros Virginia N. Iannone
2008 Susan R. Campbell James F. Dasinger Carolyn Battle Harlan K. Zinn
2007 Susan R. Campbell James F. Dasinger Carolyn Battle Harlan K. Zinn
2006 Ken Morgen Susan R. Campbell Harlan K. Zinn Kathryn Neel
2004 Barbara Baum David Roth Ed Fahrmeier Frank Gunzburg
2003 Barbara Baum David Roth Ed Fahrmeier Shawn Hales
2002 Grady Dale, Jr. Shawn Hales Karen Cruise Kathryn Bugbee
2001 Grady Dale, Jr. Karen Cruise Henrietta Hestick
2000 Grady Dale, Jr. Paula Derry Karen Cruise Henrietta Hestick
1999 Bina Raval
1998 Lynn Collins Samual Stern Ed Fahrmeier Bina Raval
1997 Lois Meszaros Renata Wewerka Ken Morgen Lynn Collins
1996 Lois Meszaros Ken Morgan Louis Zinn Lynn Collins
1995 Harold Shinitzky David Roth Wayne Bohannon Roger Fink
1994 Peter Demuth Harold Shinitzky Louis Zinn George Lassen
1993 Nancy Funk George Lassen Louis Zinn Peter Demuth
1992 Barbara Baum Renate Weweika Ed Fahrmeier Harold Shinitzky
1991 Barbara Baum Renate Weweika Ed Fahrmeier Cindy Mendelson