Dr. Alfred Wellner’s Legacy as the First Executive Officer of the National Register

Reflecting on 50 Years | NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHT

As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, we want to take the opportunity to honor the individuals who have shaped our organization’s history. Among them, Dr. Alfred Wellner, our founding Executive Director, played an instrumental role in establishing and guiding the National Register from 1974 until his passing in 1989.

Dr. Wellner led a remarkable life shaped by resilience and dedication. Born in Antwerp, Belgium, his family fled the Nazi invasion to New York in 1940. He excelled academically at City College of New York, earning memberships in Psi Chi and Phi Beta Kappa before obtaining his BA in 1954. Following service in the U.S. Army, he pursued a doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Wisconsin.

Wellner’s career spanned impactful roles, including positions at Veterans Administration hospitals and leadership in Maryland’s mental health services. His pioneering work included establishing psychological programs in Hawaii and advocating for enhanced standards and training in state services. Today, his legacy lives on through the Al Wellner Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honors bestowed by the National Register. They commemorate numerous, significant contributions to psychology during a distinguished career of a National Register credentialed psychologist.

Reflections From Dr. Wellner’s Colleagues

“Al Weller was a powerful inspirational and organizational force during his long tenure leading the National Register. He fought for its independence, while also forging collaborative relationships with other psychology organizations. He guided the National Register to success in fending off a nationwide antitrust suit that would have prevented accurate recognition of professional standards. He helped the National Register become far more widely known as a resource for consumers and the profession, and as a provider of insurance and added services for psychologists. On a personal level, Al was as fine a human being as you could find. He was always a warm and decent gentleman –but a feisty, honest, direct gentleman. He had a strong sense of ‘justice’ and the backbone to insist on it. He always listened and made people feel special in one-on-one meetings.” – Clifford Stromberg | Partner, Hogan Lovells

“Al was a man of absolute honesty and integrity, He fought for what he believed was right. He never compromised his principles or buckled under pressure” – Carl Zimet, PhD

“I’ll remember the successes of the National Register under his remarkable leadership. I’ll remember some of the funny things: the gag gifts that he got me, like the musical ringing telephone and the microphone that talked. I’ll remember the time he framed doodles I made at a meeting and mailed them to me. I’ll remember his skill and pleasure at organizing a dinner and serving as the master of ceremonies.” – Samuel H. Osipow, PhD