Dear PCA Members,

Earlier this year, I wrote about the changing seasons and how counselors are uniquely equipped to navigate uncertainty with resilience and purpose. At the time, our association was experiencing an unexpected leadership transition, and I shared my commitment to providing continuity while we continued moving our work forward. As I begin my second term as your President, I find myself reflecting less on transition and more on momentum.

The past year has reminded me that PCA's greatest strength is not found in any one initiative or leader, but in the members, committees, divisions, and volunteers who continue to invest their time, talents, and passion into advancing our profession.

One of the greatest privileges of serving as President is recognizing the extraordinary people who make PCA such a vibrant organization. Congratulations to Dr. Kathy Richardson as she officially begins her role as President-Elect. Congratulations as well to our newly elected division leaders, committee chairs, Emerging Leaders, and volunteers stepping into leadership roles this year. I also want to recognize the many leaders who have chosen to continue serving for another year. PCA thrives because of volunteers like all of you who generously share your time, expertise, and passion in service to our profession.

Among this year's many accomplishments, I would especially like to recognize the work of Dr. Maddie Stevens and the Government Relations Committee. The successful passage of the Counseling Compact Legislation (Act 23 of 2026) is a tremendous achievement for PCA and, more importantly, for the clients and communities who will benefit from increased access to mental health care. To everyone who played a role in getting this legislation to the governor's desk, we thank you for your service and dedication.

I would also like to recognize the incredible work of the Emerging Leaders Committee in developing a comprehensive leadership development program. Thank you to Ryan Gruber, Alexa Biddle, and Dr. Tish Weikel for creating a strong foundation that will ensure PCA continues to develop thoughtful, prepared leaders for years to come.

Whether you served on a committee, advocated for legislation, attended a conference, renewed your membership, mentored a colleague, or simply encouraged another counselor to become involved, thank you. Each of you has played a part in the momentum we continue to build together.

Counseling and leadership have taught me that meaningful change is built one step at a time. 

Every thoughtful decision, every volunteer, every committee conversation, and every act of service contribute to something greater than itself. While these moments may seem small individually, together they become the milestones that shape the future of PCA. That perspective was reinforced during our most recent Board meeting, where we reflected on just how much PCA has accomplished over the past year, including: 

• Website Modernization: Our redesigned website will launch in November 2026 with a more modern, accessible, and member-focused experience.
• Committee Restructuring: We approved a new committee framework to strengthen member engagement and leadership development.
• Advocacy & Partnerships: We continued advancing the counseling profession through advocacy and strategic partnerships.
• Professional Development: We are expanding opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration across counseling settings.

These accomplishments represent more than organizational improvements. They are investments in the future of our association and the counselors we serve. While I am proud of what we have achieved, I am even more excited about what lies ahead. As we begin this new year, I remain grounded in one simple belief: PCA is strongest when every member sees themselves as part of its future. With that in mind, I am excited to share four new initiatives for the 2026-2027 year:

• Monthly Presidential Office Hours: Join me at the end of each month for informal conversations about PCA. I'll also partner with committees and divisions to highlight their work and connect members directly with PCA leaders.
• Register for July: PCA President x PASGW
• Register for August: PCA President x Emerging Leaders Program
• Quarterly Virtual Ethics Roundtables: Join the Ethics Committee each quarter for timely Ethics discussion open to members and non-members. Look out for details in early Fall for our first one.
• PCA Webinar Series (Launching in January 2027): The new Member Services Committee will launch a year-round webinar series featuring professional development and continuing education opportunities. A call for presenters will be announced this fall. 
• CARIA Membership Scholarship: Breaking Barriers: Voices For Change - Presented by the Committee for Anti-Racism and Inclusive Action Co-Sponsored by PCA, PS-SAIGE, and PASERVIC. 
• Click here for application information

As PCA begins its 58th year, I am filled with optimism about what lies ahead. Not because the road will always be easy, but because I have seen what this community can accomplish when we work together. Thank you for your trust, your leadership, and your commitment to our profession. It remains an honor to serve as your President, and I look forward to another year of learning, leading, celebrating our successes, and, most importantly, looking ahead together.

Here's to Year 58, and to the many milestones, both large and small, that we will achieve together.

Joseph Charette II, PhD, LPC, NCC
Pronouns: He/Him/His (Why Pronouns Matter)
58th President of PCA