Episode 161 • 10/30/2025

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

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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 serious clinical and forensic 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 National Rorschach Society 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:

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About Associations Thrive

Associations Thrive podcast is hosted by Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International. Joanna’s personal mission and the mission of Matrix Group is to help associations and nonprofits increase membership, generate revenue and thrive in the digital space. 

We believe that every association has a unique mission and unique story that demonstrates how they’re serving their members, impacting their industry, and ultimately changing the world. Every guest is an association Chief Executive, Executive Director or President. We’re here to help amplify their stories so all associations can learn and thrive, together.

If you and your organization have a great story,  apply to be on Associations Thrive!