Chief of Speech-Language Pathology at ASHA To Retire
February 27, 2024
(Rockville, MD) The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) announced today that Chief Staff Officer for Speech-Language Pathology Lemmietta (Lemmie) McNeilly, PhD, CCC-SLP, FASAE, CAE, FNAP, ASHA Fellow, plans to retire on June 1 of this year.
“I have enjoyed serving in my position for 20 years, collaborating with wonderful professionals in the United States and internationally,” McNeilly said. “I hope my contributions have helped advance ASHA’s vision of making effective communication, a human right, accessible and achievable for all.”
More than 200,000 speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are ASHA members. During her tenure at ASHA, McNeilly has been active in many ways as an advocate, educator, and mentor. Her work enhanced the delivery of speech-language pathology services; amplified the role of SLPs in rehabilitation with national and international entities like the National Academy of Sciences and the World Health Organization; and guided both speech-language pathology and association colleagues. One of her most recent achievements was leading the revision of ASHA’s developmental milestones for communication and adding milestones for feeding and swallowing—both key resources for parents and caregivers of children ages 0–5.
As an active volunteer, McNeilly has served on several boards and committees in the areas of both communication sciences and disorders and association leadership. Her contributions have earned her numerous honors, including Diversity Executive Leadership Scholar; Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives; National Academies of Practice Distinguished Scholar and Fellow; Howard University Department of Sciences and Disorders Distinguished Alumna; and ASHA Fellow.
“The breadth of Lemmie’s leadership has been vital in advancing and promoting the interests, achievements, and challenges facing thousands of ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists,” said ASHA Chief Executive Officer Vicki R. Deal Williams, MA, CCC-SLP, FASAE, CAE. “Her many accomplishments have benefited not only ASHA members but also the profession of speech-language pathology itself. We thank Lemmie for all that she has done and wish her well.”
A search for McNeilly’s successor will commence in the coming months.
About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 228,000 members and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology assistants; and students. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment, including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) identify, assess, and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
