2025 Board of Directors Slate
CAPCSD Announces the Slate of Candidates for 2025
CAPCSD is pleased to announce the slate of candidates for the 2025 elections. Program directors will receive the slate on Saturday, April 26th, and vote on behalf of their programs; they are encouraged to solicit input from their faculty, clinic directors, and staff before voting. Elections close on Monday, May 12th, and results will be announced the week of May 19th.
Christie Needham, President-Elect
Baldwin Wallace University
Director of Clinical Education
Three (3) years of service
July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 President-Elect
July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 President
July 1, 2027 - June 30, 2028 Past-President
Biographical Information
I received my B.A. and M.A. from the University of Akron in Speech-Language Pathology and hold my CCC in Speech-Language Pathology. Upon graduation in 1999, I began working in a school where I served as the University Liaison for the school district. After my time there I was employed in a hospital system where I worked with graduate student externs until I accepted the position at Baldwin Wallace University in 2006. Currently, I am a tenured clinical practitioner full professor and the Director of Clinical Education for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Qualifications and Plans
My first leadership experience was with a group in Ohio called the Inter-University Council of Speech and Hearing Supervisors. I served as President (and Secretary) of this group that connected supervisors across the state of Ohio. During my time, we actively recruited new supervisors, provided mentorship, and advocated for education on clinical instruction in our state organizations.
These connections led me to serve as Treasurer twice for the Ohio Speech-Language-Hearing Association. I was tasked with the financial well-being of our organization. This challenged me to work with the members of the executive board to inspire council members to find innovative solutions while meeting our strategic plan.
Simultaneously, I had the privilege of participating in the Lisa Scott Leadership Academy. This supported me in developing a leadership philosophy and an understanding of the difference between leadership and management. I then was able to develop tools to successfully promote the needs of my department, faculty, and students.
I have also served as chair of the University’s promotion and tenure committee (twice), the University’s grievance committee, and a member of the University’s faculty senate restructuring committee. These opportunities helped me to learn more about the intricacies of higher education and how to best advocate for faculty (academic and clinical), and programs.
About 15 months ago, I started serving as CAPCSD Secretary. During this time, I was able to see all the skills I had developed over the past years come together. I use strategies from engaged listening during our CAPCSD board meetings to take accurate minutes. These notes then serve as the connection between the Board and the member programs. As Secretary, I have also been responsible for the strategic plan. This has allowed me to help elevate critical areas where CAPCSD can serve member programs.
All these leadership experiences have brought me to this nomination for President-Elect. I have a keen understanding of CAPCSD’s governance model and strategic plan. I will strive to create a Board environment where everyone feels supported in sharing their thoughts and ideas. It is my hope that CAPCSD will support leadership at all stages of development (beginning and advanced), serve as the go-to for resources on competency-based education, and help programs navigate the challenges facing higher education. Careful planning and excellent time management skills will allow me to do this successfully. I plan to schedule time in my week dedicated to CAPCSD tasks. Finally, I will work to build strong connections with other members of the Board to create an environment where ideas and innovation can thrive.
Current and Previous CAPCSD Activities
Secretary, Council for Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders. July 2023-present.
Peer Reviewer for 2022 Convention Call for Papers
Peer Reviewer for 2023 Convention Call for Papers
Other Professional Association Activities
Service to Ohio Speech-Language and Hearing Association
- Treasurer, Ohio Speech-Language and Hearing Association. July 2017-June 2020.
- LC Convention Program Co-Chair, Ohio Speech-Language and Hearing Association. July 2014-June 2017.
- Treasurer, Ohio Speech-Language and Hearing Association. July 2011-June 2014.
- Student Poster Session Judge, Ohio Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Every March 2009-2019.
- Consumer Liaison Chair, Ohio Speech-Language and Hearing Association. January 2009-July 2011.
Service to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Convention Program Committee, Topic Area: Supervision and Precepting. 2024
- Convention Program Committee, Topic Area: Supervision and Precepting. 2023
- Convention Program Committee, Topic Area: Supervision and Precepting. 2022
- Consultation with Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) on International Telepractice. 2021
Service to Midwest Clinic Directors Group
- Assisted with the creation, dissemination, and monitoring the completion of a free continuing education program available to all therapists that are interested in supervision. November 2020
Kelly Rutherford, Secreatary
Three (3) years of service
July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028
Biographical Information
Kelly Rutherford Ed.D., CCC-SLP is an associate professor at Marshall University in Huntington, WV. She earned her M.S. in Communication Disorders and Ed.D. in Leadership Studies from Marshall University as well. Dr. Rutherford teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in anatomy and physiology, neurology, aphasia, and dysphagia. She also serves as a clinical educator facilitating the clinic’s aphasia group and serving individual clients. Dr. Rutherford is active on many committees at Marshall University including the College of Health Professions Policy and Procedure Committee for which she serves as chair and the university Budget and Academic Policy Committee for which she serves as secretary, has sat on multiple appeal boards, and serves as a university hearing officer. Additionally, she is a current member of the CAPCSD DEI committee (term ending 2025).
Qualifications and Plans
With over 20 years’ experience as a speech-language pathologist and a decade of experience in higher education, I believe I can contribute an exceptional blend of organizational expertise and strategic oversight to the role of Secretary on the CAPCSD board. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a commitment to advancing communication sciences, particularly through roles that required meticulous attention to detail, governance acumen, and a proactive approach to committee obligations across my university.
As an experienced chair and secretary for numerous departmental, college, and university committees, I successfully managed large-scale projects, streamlined communication workflows, and ensured consistent alignment with organizational goals. These roles included organizing complex schedules, maintaining accurate records, and liaising with key stakeholders across departments, equipping me with the skills to support high-level board/committee initiatives effectively.
Beyond administrative skill, I hold an advanced degree in Leadership Studies with an emphasis on Higher Education Administration and am knowledgeable in higher education policies, trends, and best practices. This academic foundation, coupled with my hands-on experience, enables me to understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing the field of communication sciences and disorders.
I am known for my professionalism, discretion, and dedication to supporting the mission of advancing my university and believe this will translate smoothly to the position of Secretary on the CAPCSD board. For these reasons, I believe I am qualified to ensure that board operations run smoothly and that documentation and procedural integrity are upheld to the highest standard.
Current and Previous CAPCSD Activities
I am currently a member of the CAPCSD DEI committee (term July 2023-June 2025).
Other Professional Association Activities
Since beginning in higher education in 2014, I have sought to find ways to be involved. I have applied for positions on committees and boards a number of times, and I am honored to currently serve on the CAPCSD DEI committee. To advance my skill both as an SLP and as a faculty member, I regularly participate in continuing education opportunities and have received many ACE awards (2017, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2024). I participated in the 2021 Teaching Symposium on Foundational CSD Science Courses and the 2021 Faculty Development Institute both hosted by ASHA. I have attended and presented at multiple ASHA conferences (2015, 2017, 2021, 2023), as well as presented at local and state conferences most years. If selected for this position, I will do my best in the role of Secretary to help the boards initiatives become reality.