Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me as Incoming President of ATSA. It’s a tremendous honor and a responsibility I take seriously. I’m genuinely looking forward to working across the Association and our Chapters over the next two years: getting to know members from near and far, and learning from the collective knowledge, practice wisdom, and commitment that make ATSA such a distinctive professional community.

I want to begin by recognizing our outgoing President, Ainslie Heasman, for her wisdom and leadership over the last two years. Under Ainslie’s presidency, ATSA has strengthened its strategic focus and momentum, and I have seen first-hand the thoughtful and focused work she has done to keep us anchored to our mission while also helping the organization adapt and grow. We are in a strong position because of her leadership, and I’m grateful for the foundations she leaves in place.

I’d also like to acknowledge the wider Board, our committees and communities of practice, and of course ATSA staff. ATSA runs on the collective care, commitment, and expertise of all of us, and I’m grateful for the contributions that have brought us to this point.

What continues to energize me about ATSA is our shared purpose: working toward a world where ending sexual violence is a shared responsibility, and an achievable goal, by championing research and effective intervention, informing public policy, and advocating for best practice.

So, as I step into this role, I want to offer a few simple commitments for the two years ahead.

First: we’ll keep evidence and ethics at the center. In a field where the stakes are always high, ATSA should continue to be rigorous and balanced- clear about what works, what’s promising, and what still needs to be tested- while staying grounded in dignity, proportionality, and safety.

Second: we’ll keep strengthening the bridge between research, practice, and policy. So much outstanding work is happening across our membership, and our impact grows when that knowledge is translated into practical guidance, real implementation support, and policy conversations that are accurate and accessible. Two current priorities- our Public Policy Agenda and Strategic Research Initiative- will help us drive forward this goal.

Third: we’ll stay connected to the full prevention spectrum. Work with those who have caused harm, or are at risk of causing harm, remains vital. Prevention also means earlier, system-wide efforts: strengthening protective environments, supporting healthy development, and improving responses so they’re timely, coordinated, and developmentally informed.

And finally: we’ll invest in our professional community. Our work is demanding. ATSA should continue to be a home for learning, high standards, thoughtful debate- and real mutual support- so members at every career stage feel connected and equipped. And I’m genuinely excited about the work happening in, and with, our Chapters, and what we’re learning through the Chapters Project, because that’s where our community becomes real.

So, I feel privileged to be taking on the role of President at a time of real strength for ATSA. And my invitation, as I move into the role, is simple: stay engaged. Bring your ideas, your questions, your critiques. Join a community of practice. Mentor someone newer. Share your work. And help us keep ATSA a place where collaboration is real and where our mission stays tangible.

I’m proud to serve, and I’m looking forward to what we can do together.