161. Nathan Victoria, ED of SPA, on Clinical Personality Assessments, International Partnerships, and Being Filipino-American

How do you redefine a field that’s widely misunderstood, even among its own professionals? And how can associations become essential hubs for interdisciplinary collaboration in such a space?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Nathan Victoria, Executive Director of the Society for Personality Assessment (SPA) and Vice President at NextGen Association Management. Nathan discusses:Why “personality assessment” doesn’t mean pop personality tests like Myers-Briggs or StrengthsFinder, but instead refers to integrated and multi-method clinical assessments used by psychologists.The clinical and legal applications of personality assessment, including for law enforcement, immigration, air traffic controllers, and reality TV casting.SPA’s historical roots as the Rorschach Institute, Inc., and how it’s evolving to reclaim and redefine personality assessment.The effort to define personality assessment within the organization and clarify its public perception.SPA’s reinvestment in infrastructure: website, branding, database, and strategic plan.The organization’s shift to AMC management through NextGen, and the benefits of a more efficient staffing model.How SPA supports international engagement with its first-ever conference outside the U.S., despite visa and travel challenges.SPA’s unique conference partnerships with smaller psychology organizations to share resources and cross-pollinate ideas.Nathan’s broader role in managing multiple associations simultaneously through NextGen and how technology and transparency enable success.References:SPA WebsiteNextGen AMC Website2025 Expert Insights on Personality Assessment Virtual Conference2026 SPA Convention