The Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) Board of Directors announces that Rachel Puffer has been selected to be the next Executive Director. Puffer starts with SPSP July 7, 2020.
Rachel is currently Vice President for Membership & Meetings of The Gerontological Society of America (GSA). She has been with GSA since 2014; her major successes included planning the largest conference on aging ever held and implementing a major governance overhaul for the organization.
“Her record demonstrates a steady upward trajectory of increasing responsibility and leadership in association and meeting management, and it is a pleasure to welcome her to SPSP,” says SPSP President Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton.
Brian Riddleberger, SPSP’s Interim Executive Director during the search, will return to his role as Chief Operating Officer. “I would like to thank and recognize Brian for his exceptional leadership during this time as well,” says Mendoza-Denton.
Puffer was selected after a search led by Monica Biernat, President-Elect of SPSP, along with Linda Skitka, Past-President, Cynthia Pickett, Member at Large for Education, and SPSP member Nicholas Rule. “We saw many fine candidates, but Rachel stood out because of her experience, energy, and vision for the Society. We are thrilled she is joining SPSP and excited to begin working with her.”
Starting her career working in meetings for U.S. and international associations, Puffer brings skills managing multiple aspects of the member experience. Her proven track record of success with meetings, governance, and members brings a bright future to SPSP.
“I am honored to join the dedicated team at SPSP. This is an exciting opportunity to work with the members and staff to further advance the science, teaching and application of social and personality psychology,” says Puffer.
Rachel Puffer starts at SPSP July 7, 2020. For any questions, please email director@spsp.org.
