2000  Hugh Pates, Ph.D.

The annual SDPA banquet in the new century was held at the Mission Bay Hotel in San Diego.  The presidential address was entitled "Fostering and Promoting Happiness in our Patients, Association and Ourselves."

 The members of the Board of Directors were: Patricia Rose, Past President, Sharon Weld, President Elect, Joel Lazar, Secretary, Sharon Colgan, Treasurer, Steven Tess and Ann Carson, CPA Representatives, Arlene Young and Mary Sheets, Members at Large.  Jacqueline Landis was Office Manager.  Stacy Johnston was the Editor of the newsletter.

 There were twelve committees and three task forces that covered a multiplicity of interests. The Past President’s Council moved into its second year of existence and was most helpful to the President and the Association under the leadership of David DiCicco. Psychology 2000, a program initiated by Ain Roost, was organized to bring 2000 hours of pro bono therapy to the neediest and least affluent members of the San Diego community.  A significant number of members contributed their time and talent to this very compassionate and successful program.

 This year was also the second of monthly luncheons for members, held on the last Friday of each month, with a featured speaker and usually offering continuing education units for those attending the session. Patricia Heras as Membership Chairperson initiated the practice of inviting new members gratis to these gatherings, as a means of introducing these folks to other members of the association. Along with John Grabel, she also started the "New Members Reception" held at the Bernardo Heights Country Club.

 The Association grew by 25% during the year, and increased to over 600 members for the first time in its existence. This increase, along with a favorable stock market, allowed the association to conclude the year with $150,000 in liquid assets.

 In April of 2000, the association held its first annual Spring Conference with 82 members in attendance at the Radisson Hotel, La Jolla. The Annual Fall conference attracted 120 members to the Hilton Mission Valley Hotel. Also, during the year there were 15 CEU presentations given at various locations around San Diego, allowing members to accumulate all of their required units for relicensure at the cost of $10 per unit.

 Throughout the year, the Association made a determined effort to connect with other mental health associations and organizations. The President attended eight such gatherings, with the highlight being the annual Mental Health Awards Banquet, where SDPA Member Jon Nachison received the prestigious "Practitioner of the Year" award for his many and varied contributions to the mental health community of San Diego.

 The year 2000 was both a statewide and national election year. The GAC Committee, chaired by Sallie Hildebrandt, organized three meet-and-greet gatherings and one open forum for candidates. These events were very successful and helpful to our membership.

 The annual Holiday Party closed out the year at the home of the President with 75 joyful members attending the event. It was a fitting and festive ending to the year. This was a vibrant, energetic and expansive year for the Association. As a result, the San Diego Psychological Association was designated "Chapter of the Year" by the California Psychological Association.