Innovative leadership + coaching skills earns top award for Dr. Ramsel

Dr. Dee Ramsel, PhD, Executive Director of VHA’s National Center for Organization Development, was honored during the Society of Consulting Psychology Mid-Winter Conference in San Diego, CA earlier this month.

Dr. Ramsel received the Leadership Worth Following Award for Excellence in Developing Consulting Psychologists in recognition of her distinguished career and for her tangible and consistent investment in the development of students, early career practitioners, and/or other consultants who are making the transition into consulting psychology.

Her philosophy considers the Veteran first: “As I told my staff [in my early career], ‘We are saving lives every day. Not dramatically, like in an emergency department, but over the long-term, by helping Veterans deal with mental health and substance abuse issues,’” she says.

Known as an innovative leader and educator, Dr. Ramsel has developed a unique postdoctoral training program that targets clinical psychologists transitioning into the field of consulting psychology.

As a leader and educator, Dr. Ramsel directly impacts training through her faculty role at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and professional activities of the Society of Consulting Psychology, American Psychological Association, and the Society of Psychologists in Management. Her generosity is demonstrated by the countless students and early career practitioners she graciously shares her time and expertise with.

And while she regularly mentors Psychology students and professionals in her field, she has a point of view and advice that extends to all health care professionals.

“For those who crave variety in their career, VA offers unparalleled opportunity; I personally have been able to provide direct patient care, conduct research, engage in administrative leadership, teach at the local medical college, and consult to leaders and employees across the system,” she says.

This is not the first time Dr. Ramsel has been recognized for her work and leadership. Other awards include: Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mental Health and Behavioral Science’s Service Director’s Award and the Outstanding VA Administrator’s Award from the Public Service Division of the American Psychological Association.

Dr. Ramsel attended Valparaiso University for her undergraduate training and then received her doctorate in clinical psychology in 1985 from the University of North Dakota. She earned her MBA from Marquette University in 1999.

And while her awards are many, she considers it a reward to serve those who have served. “There is very little more fulfilling work anywhere,” she says.

Thank you, Dr. Ramsel, for your commitment to serving our Nation’s Veterans and for your innovative work at VA.