Gerald L. Shook
Dr. Gerald Shook was the founder of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, and principal of Shook & Associates. The most important professional development in the field of behavior analysis has been the creation of an international certification program, and the person most responsible for this achievement was Dr. Shook. During the 1980s, he spearheaded the certification of behavior analysts in the state of Florida. He then fostered adoption of the Florida model in state after state and subsequently established this model as the blueprint for an international program. As the only formal program of credentialing in behavior analysis, it has had profound effects on both service delivery and university training throughout the world. In many ways, the program has created the profession of applied behavior analysis.