People

Our Board of Directors

NiCole T. Buchanan

NiCole T. Buchanan, PhD

Interim Board Chair and CEO

NiCole T. Buchanan, PhD, is a professor at Michigan State University, Clinical Director and Founder of Alliance Psychological Associates, and Cochair of the APPA Board of Directors. She also serves on the Board of Directors and the Racial Equity and Access Committee of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicine. Dr. Buchanan has trained with MAPS’ MDMA-assisted therapy, the CIIS Certificate for Psychedelic Research and Therapy, and the Polaris Insight Center’s Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy training.

Dr. Buchanan is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, a member of four divisions of the American Psychological Association, and has received international awards for her contributions to the field. An accomplished consultant, speaker, writer, and scholar, she has over 120 publications focusing on equity and inclusion (in psychedelics, clinical training, and organizations), harassment, organizational climate, employee wellbeing, and professional development. Her work is highlighted in hundreds of media outlets and she is a featured international speaker, including at TEDx and on National Public Radio.

Dr. Buchanan currently serves as the Interim Board Chair and CEO with the Board of Psychedelic Medicine and Therapies (BPMT). Her time with BPMT is limited with specific goals to direct the reseating of the Board of Directors, ensure Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the Board governance, and direct the search of the new Executive Director. These goals are underway and are anticipated to be accomplished by the second quarter of 2023.

People

Our Staff

Gina Magaña

Gina Magaña

Program Manager

Gina Magaña has over 10 years of experience as a Project Manager leading cross-functional teams in diverse expertise spanning herbal medicine, environmental consulting, legal services, non-profit administration, and public service. She is well-versed in project management methodologies, clinical intake and assessments, and organizational development and leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley and is a recent graduate of the Holistic Pathway at Hill College. Mission driven, creative and a resourceful problem solver, she is known for cultivating strong relationships and partnerships. Gina supports the Board of Psychedelic Medicines and Therapies efforts in overseeing the development and achievement of the organization’s goals.

History

Founding Members

BPMT Founders

  • Lia Mix, LMFT
  • Janis Phelps, PhD
  • Amy Emerson
  • Robert Strayhan, MD
  • Bob Jesse
  • Scott Shannon, MD

Electors and Stakeholder Groups Represented

  • Nicole Buchanan, PhD, Licensed Practitioner
  • Susana Bustos, PhD, Traditional Practitioner
  • Shannon Clark-Carlin, MA, MAPS
  • Ricci Coddington & Patricia James, Traditional Practitioner
  • Mary Cosimano, LCSW, Researcher
  • Stan Grof, MD, Public Figure
  • Maria Mangini, PhD, FNP, California Institute of Integral Studies
  • Michael Mithoefer, MD & Annie Mithoefer, RN, Researchers
  • David Nichols, PhD, Researcher
  • Nicholas Powers, PhD, Public Figure
  • Sylver Quevedo, MD, MPH, Licensed Practitioner
  • Shawn Rubin, PsyD, Hefter
  • Gita Vaid, MD, Ketamine Practitioner
  • Andrew Weil, MD, Public Figure

Careers

Executive Director Job Description

The Board of Psychedelic Medicine and Therapies (BPMT) is a national certifying board for psychedelic practitioners working in a therapeutic setting and is sponsored by the Players Philanthropy Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization. With the increasing legalization and decriminalization of psychedelic medicine, there is a growing need to regulate such therapies to ensure safety and national accessibility. This Certification Board is a core component to provide licensed clinical practitioners with a legal pathway to administer and safely guide participants through psychedelic assisted therapy. Moreover, like its mission, the role of the BPMT is to ensure the competent, safe, and ethically delivered practice of psychedelic medicine, throughout its many multifaceted, culturally, and contemporaneously diverse applications, while assuring equitable access and availability for all.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director (ED) will be responsible for managing and directing the launch of this new, national certification entity and they will help guide BPMT's critical role in developing this emerging field in mental health care. They, in concert with the Board, will build the organization to ensure that the proper processes, procedures, and practices are in place to certify professionals in the practice of psychedelic therapy. The ED is responsible for overseeing all operations, strategic planning, and ensuring the growth and fiscal responsibility of the organization. It is the responsibility of the ED to further the mission and values of BPMT, and to hold strategic vision reflective of the roots of this work in collaboration with the Board of Directors.

POSITION DUTIES

Management
  • Lead a nimble team staffed to deliver a best-in-class, nationally respected and recognizedcertification program
  • Guide all organizational activities and operations with a commitment to social justice, aligned with the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI)
  • Ensure that the organization is grounded in the sacred history of this work by Indigenous peoples and lineage holders of the field
  • Implement policies & procedures that are preparatory for sustained growth
  • Oversee key operational functions including human resources, finance, development, marketing, media relations, communications, board accreditation and certification processes
  • Ensure organizational and certification records are properly maintained
Financial
  • Manage business model development in accordance with Board and committees that will lead to being self-sustainable by 2025
  • Guide fundraising activities by Board of Directors and industry partners
  • Provide sound fiscal planning, prepare budgets, and monitor budget compliance
Marketing and Communications
  • Develop and Implement marketing, communication, and collaboration strategies
  • Cultivate and sustain long-term strategic relationships and partnerships with a variety of organizations including academic programs, agencies, professional associations, etc.
Board of Directors Support
  • Support the Board in strategic planning
  • Provide regular Board updates and necessary reporting
  • Provide orientation and training for new Board of Directors
  • Ensure Board nomination and selection process in compliance with established policies
Board Accreditation Activities
  • Foster and implement policies required for the Board accreditation process
  • Ensure the integrity of certification in maintaining ethical relationships within the industry andperceptive of conflict-of-interest issues
Certification Activities
  • Ensure effective certification program administration
  • Provide oversight and continual monitoring for the certification program including administrativeand examination development and deliverables

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Minimum Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, Masters preferred
  2. Self-starter with a broad range of skills and an entrepreneurial spirit
  3. Demonstrate the ability of full range managerial, logistical, and supervisorial responsibilities
  4. Strong and artful communication and uncompromised integrity
  5. Demonstrate a firm understanding of intersectional social justice issues and implementation in organizational operations both internally and externally with a commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion
  6. Six years minimum of progressive management, administrative, and/or leadership experience with a non-profit organization

With a demonstrated ability to:

  • develop and implement organizational budget
  • work effectively with board of directors
  • develop new relationships with new donors and raise significant funds
  • develop and manage strategic partnerships
  • lead strategic planning process and implement successfully
  • develop and implement organizational policies and procedures
  • execute fundraising initiatives to help the organization meet financial goals
  • craft and manage grant applications and fundraising proposals

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with professional credentialing or developing high-stakes assessments
  • Knowledge of psychedelic-assisted therapies
  • Experience in writing grant proposals, fundraising appeals, and press materials

LOCATION

This is a remote position for the chosen applicant who is in the United States.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a full-time exempt position. Annual salary range starts from $140,000 to $175,000, plus benefits and will be negotiated commensurate with experience. Changes in compensation package would be tied to organizational growth.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a resume and cover letter as a single attachment to jobs@pmtboard.org. Subject: [Your First and Last Name] - Exec Dir Application.

In the body of the email, please answer the following questions:

  1. Did you review the compensation and are you comfortable with the range?
  2. When would you be able to start?
  3. What makes you uniquely qualified for this position?
  4. Do you have any experience working in or educating the public about misunderstood fields, ideas or emerging science? If so, give a specific example on how you handled criticism or misinformation.
  5. What inspired you to apply for this role?
  6. What is a recent article, book or movie you have seen that was thought provoking and why?
  7. How did you hear about this position?

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY

The Board of Psychedelic Medicine and Therapies values diverse perspectives and life experiences. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, ethnicity, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or protected veteran status.