Washington DC - November 8, 2023: The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is elated to announce Tami Benton, MD, Psychiatrist-in-Chief and Executive Director of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), as its 36th president for the 2023-2025 term. Dr. Benton is a beacon of commitment and passion in the field of children's mental health, and her presidency promises to usher in an era of transformation and focus on “Bringing the Village to the Children.

Dr. Benton remarked on her new position, "I am profoundly honored to serve as AACAP's president. My theme, informed by more than 30 years of practice, AACAP membership, and the insights shared by our community, will be centered on enriching children's mental health. I look forward to collaborating closely with each member of AACAP to realize our shared vision.”

Her dedication to children's mental health is evidenced by her extensive involvement and accomplishments within AACAP. Dr. Benton has held numerous pivotal roles, including AACAP’s president-elect, councilor-at-large, secretary, and co-chair of the HIV Issues committee, among others. She was also the recipient of AACAP’s Virginia Q. Anthony Outstanding Woman Leader Award and the Jeanne Spurlock Award for Leadership in Diversity and Culture.

Dr. Benton is not only recognized for her work within AACAP but also for her exemplary leadership and guidance at CHOP in the behavioral and mental health space. Her career resonates with her mission of nurturing diverse physician leaders and the next generation of experts in pediatric and mental health care. This has laid the foundation for partnerships between communities and academic centers – essential in eliminating disparities in the field.

Dr. Benton succeeds the 35th President, Warren Ng, MD, and wishes to express gratitude for his mentorship, support, and pioneering AACAP’s “Capturing Belonging” initiative. As she embarks on her presidential term, she anticipates building on the momentum of AACAP and forging a brighter future for children's mental health.

AACAP remains devoted to its mission of bolstering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the field of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Children’s Mental Health. With Dr. Benton at the helm, the organization is poised to further elevate its objectives and bring transformative change to children's mental health care.

For more information about AACAP and its initiatives, please visit www.aacap.org or contact Rob Grant, rgrant@aacap.org.

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The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is a national professional medical association dedicated to promoting the healthy development of children, adolescents, and families. With a membership of over 10,000 professionals, AACAP provides valuable resources, expertise, and advocacy to advance the field of child and adolescent psychiatry and improve mental health care for young people. For more information, please visit www.aacap.org