Leadership
NCPEID’s governing body consists of two leadership groups: the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. Members are elected by the membership or appointed by the President with the Board's approval.
NCPEID Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is responsible for providing leadership and operational oversight for NCPEID between meetings of the Board of Directors, implementing Board policies and directives, overseeing organizational operations and finances, and ensuring that NCPEID’s mission, bylaws, and strategic priorities are carried out effectively.
Chih-Chia (JJ) Chen, PhD, CAPE, ACSM-EP CIFT
Vice President (2025-2027)
Assistant Professor
University of Iowa
Andrea Taliaferro, PhD, CAPE
President-Elect (2025-2026)
Professor
University of South Carolina
Cora J. Firkin, PhD, CAPE
Secretary (2025-2028)
Assistant Professor
Lincoln University of Pennsylvania
Adam Pennell, PhD, CAPE
Treasurer (2022-2026)
Associate Professor
Pepperdine University
The Board of Directors serves as the primary governing and policy-making body of the NCPEID, as defined by the NCPEID Bylaws. The Board is responsible for providing strategic direction; overseeing organizational operations and standing committees; approving policies and initiatives; and ensuring that NCPEID’s activities align with its mission, values, and legal obligations.
Leah Ketchenson, PhD, CAPE
APENS Committee Chair (2024-2028)
Associate Professor
Wayne State University
Melissa Bittner, PhD
Policy & Advocacy Committee Chair (2025-2027)
Associate Professor
California State University, Long Beach
Ali Brian, PhD, CAPE
Research Committee Chair (2025-2027)
Associate Dean for Research and Professor
University of South Carolina
Deborah Shapiro, PhD
Awards Committee Chair (2023-2026)
Professor
Georgia State University
Tara McCarthy, MS, CAPE
Nominations Committee Chair (2024-2026)
Adapted PE Team Leader, Teacher, Trainer, and Presenter
Cooperative Association for Special Education Districts
Lindsay Ball, PhD
Membership Committee Chair (2025-2026)
Assistant Professor
State University of New York Cortland
Danielle Musser, MS, CAPE
Member-at-Large (2025-2027)
Adaptive and Inclusion Programming Leader
Montrose Recreation District
Allison Tsuchida, PhD
Member-at-Large (2025-2027)
Assistant Professor
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
Lorena Gonzalez Espitia, MA
Student Representative (2025-2027)
Doctoral Student
University of Georgia
Sylvester L. Maduna
Student Representative (2025-2027)
Doctoral Student
University of South Carolina
Lauren Bean, PhD
Communications Manager (2024-2026)
Assistant Professor
SUNY Brockport
Adam Forbes, PhD, CAPE
Website Manager (2025-2028)
Assistant Professor
Norfolk State University
Past Presidents
Numerous distinguished leaders in adapted physical education, adapted physical activity, and therapeutic recreation have served as President of NCPEID. Many past presidents are widely recognized for their scholarly contributions, including foundational textbooks, influential research, and innovative demonstration projects that have shaped the field nationally.