AAS Announces Departure of Chief Operating Officer Amy Kulp
Washington, D.C. (September 21, 2021): After 26 years of service in various capacities, Amy Kulp has announced her plans to depart the American Association of Suicidology (AAS). During her tenure with AAS, Amy’s leadership has been instrumental to projects. Over the years, Amy has been helpful and supportive of AAS Presidents, Conference Chairs and Planning Committees which helped the attendance grow from 300 people in 1995 to the AAS 2021 conference with record attendance of 2140 professionals from across the suicide prevention community. A mainstay of the AAS team, Amy has provided consistent leadership and administrative oversight for Central Office for the past two decades. AAS has benefited from her commitment and compassion serving the suicide prevention community and she will be deeply missed.
“With bittersweet emotions, I have decided to step down as the Chief Operating Officer of AAS. AAS saw me through so many milestones in life both personally and professionally and I will treasure those memories. I am grateful for the experiences to learn and develop as a person and professionally,” said Kulp. When asked for one of her best memories about AAS, Amy shared that, “looking back, seeing the development of the first National Strategy and how that work propelled the new funding and new opportunities for the field to include an emphasis on loss survivors and those with lived experience has been incredible.”
“I leave knowing that the critical AAS mission will continue in capable hands. I am thankful for the support and friendship of so many of colleagues at AAS and across the suicide prevention community.”
During this period, we know the continuity of AAS operations is critical. AAS has leveraged a transition team to help guide the organization and lead the executive search. The AAS programs, trainings, accreditations, and communications continue to move forward. The board and AAS Conference Planning Committee have engaged an external event strategy and production team to assist with the annual conference.
We recognize that Amy has done much to support the suicide prevention community. Please feel free to leave a personal note of gratitude or sharing a memory for or about Amy on our Facebook page. Please email leadership@suicidology.org with any questions or concerns.
For the Media: Responsible reporting on suicide, including stories of hope and resilience, can prevent more suicides. Please visit the Suicide Reporting Recommendations for more information. For additional information, please visit SuicideReportingToolkit.com.
About AAS: The American Association of Suicidology is the world’s largest membership-based suicide prevention organization. Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. The membership of AAS includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center professionals, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, and a variety of laypersons who have in interest in suicide prevention. You can learn more about AAS at www.suicidology.org.