Welcome to 2025 from NAN's President
Dear Members,
As we step into 2025, we celebrate the National Academy of Neuropsychology’s 50th anniversary—a milestone that reflects five decades of advancing neuropsychology, promoting brain health, and supporting our professional community. While this year is an exciting opportunity to honor our rich history, it is also a time to look forward, embracing new challenges and opportunities to strengthen our field.
A Vision for Growth and Innovation
NAN’s strategic priorities for 2025 are rooted in enhancing member value, broadening our impact, and advancing the field of neuropsychology. We are committed to supporting you—our members—through exceptional educational offerings, exclusive benefits, and resources designed to promote professional growth. This includes new continuing education programs, targeted research initiatives, and advocacy efforts promoting equitable access to neuropsychological services.
Our focus extends beyond our membership to the broader healthcare community. By forging collaborations with international organizations, industry leaders, and advocacy groups, NAN is working to position neuropsychology as an essential contributor to global health initiatives. These partnerships will allow us to lead conversations on brain-related conditions, clinical outcomes, and the integration of neuropsychology into healthcare innovation.
New Resources for Pediatric Specialists
It is an honor to serve as President of NAN and guide these exciting efforts during this landmark 50th year. Many of you know that my clinical and research work is in pediatric neuropsychology. This year, we are excited to launch a Pediatric Neuropsychology Special Interest Group (SIG) that will provide community and offer resources to NAN members interested in topics specific to this population. We also are beginning work on an education paper exploring the important issue of the effects of screen time on the developing brain, reflecting NAN’s commitment to advancing research and education in emerging areas of our field.
Advocating for Transparency and Inclusion
In addition to these forward-looking initiatives, NAN remains steadfast in ensuring the integrity of processes that impact our field. Since 2022, NAN has worked to contribute to the Minnesota Guidelines, which aim to modernize training competencies in clinical neuropsychology by incorporating advancements in technology and cultural neuropsychology, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. NAN supported this initiative through financial contributions and active participation in the Minnesota Conference, represented by our delegates, Drs. Laura Lacritz and Karin McCoy.
Despite NAN’s advocacy for a transparent and inclusive process, significant deviations from the agreed-upon procedures raised concerns. Parliamentary procedure was not followed, and certain elements of the document—which was largely drafted by a small group of individuals—were not voted on by delegates. In November 2024, delegates were asked to vote whether to endorse the competency document without changes and were informed that regardless of the vote's outcome, the document would be published. The delegates also were informed that an implementation document, critical for assessing the aspirational elements of the competency guidelines, would be developed later.
In response, in November 2024, the NAN Board of Directors submitted a formal statement urging a pause in the voting process and a postponement of publication until all delegates’ voices were heard and an implementation document was completed. Unfortunately, NAN’s request was not met with agreement from the Steering Committee. However, NAN remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding integrity in this process. We strongly believe that any document that aims to establish a new perspective on training should be firmly grounded in equitable procedures, including a fair and meaningful voting process that reflects the collective input of the neuropsychology community.
Celebrating the Future Together
As we reflect on 50 years of NAN’s impact, we are energized by the opportunities that lie ahead. NAN’s success depends on your engagement, and we encourage you to participate in the many initiatives planned for this year. In particular, mark your calendars for our annual conference—Nov. 5-8 in Los Angeles—where we will wrap up this commemorative year with an incredible lineup of speakers and special celebrations.
Thank you for being an essential part of NAN’s journey. I look forward to celebrating this milestone anniversary with you, reflecting on our past and shaping an even brighter future for neuropsychology together.
Sincerely,
Alice Ann Holland, Ph.D., ABPP
President
National Academy of Neuropsychology