Robert F. Putnam, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Senior Vice President of Research and Consultation

Robert F. Putnam, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is currently leading a systems-wide change initiative to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of behavior and clinical supports across May Institute. The Department of Developmental Services, which funds May Institute’s adult services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, has adopted positive behavior supports as its clinical framework. Dr. Putnam also participates in the development and implementation of data-based systems to increase the level of data-based decision making across all May.

Dr. Putnam also oversees a team of school consultants who provide behavioral consultation to over 100 public schools in New England and across the country. As head of May Institute’s research-based, school-wide behavior support program, Dr. Putnam has provided consultation to districts throughout the country relative to effective discipline interventions.

He also oversees consultation services at the National Autism Center (NAC) and served as an Expert Panelist on the National Standards Project of the NAC. His research interests are in the use of function-based interventions to improve prosocial skills as well as behavioral support strategies with individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

[Read “Adapting K-12 for Students with Autism” in District Administration magazine.] [See press release announcing Dr. Putnam’s election to the Board of Directors of the Association for Positive Behavior Support.]

Dr. Putnam received his Ph.D. from Boston College and is a licensed psychologist and a certified health service provider. He has served on the faculty of the Harvard Medical School and is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Northeastern University’s Bouve College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Dr. Putnam has given more than 100 presentations at schools, as well as at national and local conferences relative to development and implementation of effective discipline, functional behavior assessment, and positive behavior support practices.

He is widely published in this field, including recent articles in Behavior Modification, Child and Family Behavior Therapy, Journal of Positive Behavior Intervention, Behavior Analysis Today, Psychiatric Services, and Journal of Special Education Leadership. Dr. Putnam also wrote a chapter in the book, Behavior Psychology in the Schools.

Meet the National Autism Center’s Executive and Clinical Leadership

Cynthia M. Anderson, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Senior Vice President of Applied Behavior Analysis, May Institute
Director of the National Autism Center

Lauren C. Solotar, Ph.D., ABPP
President and CEO, May Institute

Karie DePaolo, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Assistant Director, National Autism Center at May Institute

Michael Tobin, CPA
Chief Financial Officer

Debra Blair, M.B.A., CMA, CPA
Chief Operating Officer

Robert F. Putnam, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Senior Vice President of Research and Consultation

Jennifer Zarcone, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Chief Clinical Officer

Eileen G. Pollack, M.A.
Senior Vice President of Communications and Philanthropy