The Association of Administrators provides a forum for the exchange of administrative information and ideas that can improve the operations of psychoanalytic institutes, societies and — more recently — foundations, and affiliate organizations around the country. Through shared communication and problem solving, the association seeks to increase administrators' ability to coordinate their vastly detailed work.
Administrators are key players in the overall functioning of their organizations. They work closely with officers and committee chairs, ensuring the smooth functioning of the committees that make up these psychoanalytic organizations. Administrators often attend and actively participate in important meetings of the Board of Directors, Education Committee, Candidate Progression Committee, Finance Committee, Admissions Committee, and Executive Committee. Administrative offices are channels through which communication flows to all members of psychoanalytic organizations, regardless of how active the members are in their organizations. Administrators provide continuity in organizations where officers and committee members change regularly as terms of service expire.
At the local level, each administrator serves as a point person for the dissemination of information and coordination of administrative activities. Such activities include, but are not limited to, human resources functions, management operations, educational programs, fiscal operations, communications and development, and facilities maintenance. Administrators hire, train, and manage office personnel; conduct performance evaluations; and make staff compensation recommendations. They also research, recommend, and administer employee benefits packages. Administrators oversee the administrative aspects of their organizations' financial operations, including bookkeeping, expenditures, and budgetary recommendations. Administrators coordinate and oversee the production and mailing of correspondence, meeting notices, invitations to upcoming programs, fliers, brochures, and newsletters. Such publications serve as bridges between officers, committee chairs, and members; between faculty and candidates; and between the organizations and the communities they serve.
Administrators oversee the many details of record keeping for psychoanalytic and other training programs offered by their institutes. They coordinate meeting planning both on-site and at outside locations. They also manage the physical plants in which their organizations reside; this includes maintenance of both the facilities themselves and the equipment in them.
Administrators bring to their jobs a wide and rich variety of professional backgrounds and experience, including business, education, administration, fund raising, management, health care, mental health, communications, and theater. By sharing their professional histories and their experiences, administrators are better able to serve the members of their societies, institutes, and community.
Membership in the Association of Administrators is automatically open to any administrative director or equivalent manager of any affiliate society and/or accredited institute of The American. The Association of Administrators elects a chairperson, secretary, and treasurer, each of whom may serve two consecutive two-year terms if re-elected.
The association meets biannually at the meetings of the American Psychoanalytic Association. Marvin Margolis, President of The American, strongly encourages all institutes, societies, and foundations of The American to support the attendance of their administrator at all of the national organization's meetings. Administrators who attend the biannual meetings will gain invaluable assistance and information, a source of ongoing collaboration, and a greater understanding of the issues and environment surrounding psychoanalysis.
Elizabeth Manne chairs the Association of Administrators. She also serves as administrator of the Baltimore-Washington Institute for Psychoanalysis, Inc., and the Baltimore-Washington Society for Psychoanalysis, Inc.