2026 PTCMW Fall Event
Wednesday, November 11th, 2026 | 4:00–9:00 PM
George Mason University – Mason Square Campus
3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201
What is the PTCMW Fall Event?
The Personnel Testing Council of Metropolitan Washington’s annual Fall Event is the D.C. area’s largest gathering of Industrial-Organizational Psychology professionals and students. Each year, the event brings together I-O psychologists, academicians, practitioners from the public and private sectors, government professionals, and graduate students for an evening of professional development, networking, and community.
Join us for an evening featuring awards and announcements, a featured panel discussion, food and drinks, networking, sponsor booths, and raffle prizes.
Featured Panel: Perspectives from I/O Psychologists in the Military
This year’s featured program will be a fireside-chat-style panel featuring I/O psychologists who serve or support the military. Panelists will share perspectives from their careers and experiences applying I/O psychology in military and military-supporting environments.
The conversation will explore topics such as:
- Career paths into military and military-supporting I/O roles
- How I/O psychologists apply their training and skillsets in these environments
- The connection between graduate education and real-world practice
- Experiences and lessons learned throughout their careers
- Advice for graduate students seeking relevant experience
- Challenges and opportunities associated with military I/O work
- What panelists enjoy most about their work
- Pathways to serve the country through I/O psychology, including military, civilian, and government roles
We’re excited to welcome four accomplished professionals whose experience spans military service, personnel research, leadership development, and applied I/O psychology.
Laura Severance, Ph.D.: Vice President, Military Research and Advisory Services, Fors Marsh
- Dr. Severance leads research on perceptions of the U.S. military in support of recruiting. Her expertise includes military recruiting, organizational culture, harmful behaviors, and gender dynamics.
Jacob Westerberg, Ph.D.: Research Psychologist, U.S. Navy
- Dr. Westerberg is an active-duty Navy research psychologist who leads employee listening efforts to inform senior leaders’ decisions. His experience also includes leadership research, private-sector consulting, and graduate-level I/O psychology instruction.
Peter Reiley, Ph.D.: Founder and Principal Consultant, Leadership Arts & Sciences
- Dr. Reiley is an I/O psychologist and retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel with more than two decades of experience across military, corporate, nonprofit, and academic settings. His work has included global operations, behavioral science research, leadership, and veteran employment. (Participating virtually.)
AJ Thurston, Ph.D.: Personnel Research Psychologist, Defense Testing and Assessment Center, Department of War
- Dr. Thurston specializes in measurement and psychometrics, supporting assessments used for military eligibility, job placement, and career exploration. He also teaches at George Mason University and is a Marine infantry combat veteran.
Agenda
- 4:00–4:30 PM: Event Sign-In
- 4:30–5:00 PM: Program and Announcements
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- PTCMW Service Award
- Graduate Student Consulting Challenge Winners
- 5:00–6:00 PM: Featured Panel
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- Perspectives from I/O Psychologists in the Military
- 6:00–9:00 PM: Networking, Hors d’Oeuvres, Drinks, Sponsor Booths, and Raffle Prizes
Registration Pricing
- Professional
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- Non-Member: $80
- Member – Event Only: $50
- Bundle – Event + Membership: $90
- Student
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- Non-Member: $40
- Member – Event Only: $30
- Bundle – Event + Membership: $50
The Student Non-Member registration category is new for 2026.
Registration closes at 11:00 PM EST on Tuesday, November 10th.
Register now and join us for an evening of I/O psychology, professional development, networking, and community!
Questions? Email vp@ptcmw.org or president@ptcmw.org. We look forward to seeing you there!
