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His Majesty Steps Down:
Jon Raskin's Success as CPN President
By Caroline Stanley
Vol. 10, Issue 2 (Fall 2006)
Photo of "His Majesty"

Nicknamed "his majesty" for his extraordinary "reign" over the CPN organization for the past six years, Jonathan Raskin recently completed his term as president. Coincidentally, this very act of “completing a term” exemplifies what may be one of Jon’s greatest presidential achievements: the creation of bylaws. When Jon came into office six years ago, the organization (then called NAPCN) did not have specified terms for officer positions. This meant that officers usually held their titles indefinitely and stepped down at odd times. It also meant that the process of holding elections and designating new appointments could be somewhat overwhelming.

However, Jon’s mission to create bylaws has changed the structure of CPN. Officer terms, duties, and the election process are now clearly delineated and well-documented. The bylaws, posted on CPN’s website, also provide guidelines for finances, membership, conferences, and the Steering Committee.

When Jon was first elected president, he wanted to "better market [the organization]…to include more people and to allow them to expand their horizons." During his six-year reign, Jon has been committed to this goal. His accomplishments include an on-line payment system for membership dues, a CPN hospitality suite (shared with Division 32) at each year’s national APA convention, and a book series (Studies in Meaning, Pace University Press) that contains the proceedings from CPN conferences. Another triumphant feat for Jon includes obtaining non-profit status for the group, paving the way for lots of financial and structural benefits. As best summed up by long-time Steering Committee member Jay Efran, "his majesty" is an apt title for Jon because "his enlightened leadership rescued the group from the organizational dark ages."

Although some may wish to see the king reign just a little longer, we can feel certain that Jon’s commitment to CPN will not be fading anytime soon. Although Jon officially stepped down from the throne at the San Marcos banquet, he appeased his subjects with one final decree: to continue serving CPN in his new role as the first Past President.

Back in the Era of Kings, "His Majesty" Jonathan Raskin