By Jolene Bostwick, AAPP President
I am thrilled and honored to address you for the first time as the President of our association. The chance to serve in this capacity is both an honor and a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly. I am privileged to step into this role with a background deeply rooted in our field with over 20 years of experience and a passion for advancing psychiatric pharmacy. AAPP has provided me with countless experiences, insights, mentorship, and opportunities that have been a critical component of my professional journey. This was never clearer than during the gavel passing ceremony at our 2025 Annual Meeting. I was truly inspired by the passing of the gavel from so many individuals who have guided and supported my career, and who have significantly shaped the organization I am proud to be a part of.
As we embark on the year ahead, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing board members whose dedication and hard work have left an indelible mark on our organization. While their achievements have been numerous over several years, Past President, Amy Werremeyer has been instrumental in developing our Fellow program, Krissy Reinstatler has worked to oversee our association finances, while the leadership of Andy Williams in strategic planning helped to set new benchmarks. Amy, Krissy, and Andy have contributed to organizational growth and success and each has led with kindness, respect, and commitment and are incredible colleagues.
We are pleased to welcome new Board members, Kelly Gable, Suzie Harris, and Danielle Stutzman. They bring fresh perspectives and a wealth of experience that will undoubtedly enrich our board. New members will join me, Michelle Geier (Past President), Julie Cunningham (Treasurer) and Jennifer Dress (Member-at-Large) in the year ahead.
Continued growth and impact are continued themes as we begin our new fiscal year. Here are just a few of the initiatives launching this summer that we encourage you to explore.
- Recognizing and rewarding members advancing patient care and our profession. Applications are now open through 10/1 for the AAPP Fellow program and several NEW awards including the Advancing Patient Care Award, Psychiatric Pharmacy Advocacy Award, and the Early Practitioner Award.
- Advancing research and demonstrating impact. Considerable opportunities are now available to you in partnership with the AAPP Foundation:
- Practice Expansion Grants (2) at $25,000 (supported by a gift from founding member Joni Fowler)
- 2025 Outcomes Research Grant up to $250,000. Informational session will be offered on July 23 at 1 PM central
- Defining the Future Research Grants awarding up to $15,000 to students, residents, and new practitioners
- Advocating for you and psychiatric pharmacy. It is a volatile, rapidly evolving government affairs environment. AAPP is rallying around issues important to you and our profession via numerous coalitions and evolving our government affairs efforts to ensure rapid action and inclusion of you as our grassroots team.
We are a community driven by collaboration and open communication with you, our members, is vital to our success. I invite you to share your ideas, feedback, or any concerns you might have with us at board@aapp.org. Your feedback and ideas are invaluable as we navigate this journey together.
Finally, as we step into this new year, I am filled with optimism and a profound sense of commitment to work alongside all of you. Together, let’s harness our collective passion and expertise to make an indelible impact in our field. I am excited to journey through the upcoming year with you all.