NASW 2023 National Election Slate

The National Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification (NCNLI) is pleased to present the slate of candidates for the NASW 2023 national election, which begins on May 2nd.  Meet the candidates at a Facebook and YouTube live event on May 1 starting at 7 p.m. ET.

Board Member-at-Large

Lee E. King

Lee King

Biography: Lee King, DCC, MSW, LCSW, is chief executive officer of Nava Behavioral Health. He received a BA in individualized studies with a minor in business and counseling from New Mexico State University. He obtained a master’s in social work with honors from Western New Mexico University and earned a graduate minor in women’s studies. King completed doctoral work at Walden University in public administration and transferred to receive a doctorate in Christian counseling. He is a member of NASW’s Social Work and the Courts Specialty Practice Section committee. He also serves as a member of the Substance Use Disorders committee of the American Correctional Association. In 2013, the National Frontier & Rural Addiction Center recognized King as a Telehealth Pioneer. He has served as a panel member who reviewed “Promising Practices” with the State Association of Addiction Services and Advocates for Human Potential.

Platform Statement: I’m committed to serving as Member-at-Large of the NASW Board of Directors. I have been instrumental in implementing systems of care for underserved populations in New Mexico for over twenty years. Throughout my career, I’ve administered therapeutic services to neglected groups and reached into rural communities to ensure they were not overlooked. I’ve provided treatment to adults dealing with mental health issues and given care to those convicted of sexual offenses. As a behavioral health leader, I’ve managed treatment programs within correctional institutions across the country and directed community treatment programs to help families struggling with substance use. For several years I’ve been an active member of the behavioral health council and assisted in guiding behavioral health planning and services in New Mexico. It is important for me to invest my time in strengthening the association by sharing my experience and knowledge with others in the field.


Mavis Major

Mavis Major

Biography: Mavis Major, PhD, MSW, LCSW, is a practitioner/academician who has been a social worker for more than 30 years. She is a licensed clinical social worker who holds a bachelor of art degree in social work/psychology from Oakwood College (Now Oakwood University). She also has a master’s degree in social work, specializing in children, youth and families from San Diego State University, and a PhD in human services, specializing in policy and planning analysis from Walden University. She is a practicing psychotherapist for the Department of Psychiatry/ Behavioral Health Department for Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada. Major serves as a contributing faculty for Walden University and the University of Massachusetts Global. She is the North Region District chair for NASW-Nevada board of directors and a member of the Council on Social Work Education board of directors and executive committee. The governor of Nevada appointed Major to the Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Board, and she also chairs the Promotions subcommittee.

Platform Statement: It is my honor to share with you my passion which influenced my quest to seek the NASW Member at Large Board position. I believe my years of experience in social work practice and in academia have prepared me to serve in this position. Being a contributor to the development of the next generation of social work practitioners and scholars is a role I do not take lightly. It is my desire to promote the mission of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) to enhance the professional growth and development of our members, to create and maintain professional standards for social workers, and to advance sound social policies such as social justice, health equity, bias mitigation, and racial justice. I plan to share my love, passion, and scholarship for the profession of social work to current NASW members and to the next generation of social workers.


BSW Student Member

Hana Kisswani

Hana Kisswani

Biography:  Hana Kisswani is a BSW-JD student at Seton Hall University and an intern at Newark Community Solutions, who has the privilege of learning the importance of social work practice with marginalized communities. She is a first-generation college student who is affiliated with numerous organizations such as America Needs You and the Resilience, Integrity, Scholarship, and Excellence programs. She was recently inducted as a member of the first-generation college student honor society known as Tri-Alpha.  As an active member of these organizations, Kisswani has learned professional competencies that are essential to her financial, academic, and personal growth. She has also excelled academically and has made the Dean’s List award every semester, achieving a 4.0 GPA in Fall 2022

Platform Statement: If elected as the NASW Board BSW student member, I will work as a member of the governing body, to implement the Association’s main goals of advocacy against injustice and a commitment to professional policies, such as those in Social Work Speaks. I will dedicate my time and talents to be an active board member, ensuring that the views of undergraduate students are represented in decision-making. While I hold leadership positions with other organizations, they will not interfere with my responsibilities on the NASW Board and will be complementary. For example, as an E-board member for the Middle East North African Club, I am called upon to advocate for adequate representation on campus. I am keenly aware of the importance of ensuring the voices of all are heard. I will work to strengthen the engagement of students in NASW and help them see the Association as an important part of their professional development.


Emilee Dykeman

Emilee Dykeman

Biography: Emilee Dykeman works for Partners for Serving, Hyflex, and Tutoring Resources at Nazareth College. At Partners for Serving, she works within the Rochester community, tutoring children at Saint’s Place as well as motivating kids to run a 5k at Monroe Milers. At Hyfelx, she is a technology assistant for professors of the master’s Social Work Program who are using the hybrid teaching model. For Tutoring Resources, Dykeman tutors her peers in social work and psychology classes.  She attends Nazareth College as a Junior BSW student and has made the Dean’s List every semester.  Through social work, she has gained opportunities to expand her knowledge of advocacy, empowerment, and self-determination. She has also been able to build close connections with professors, peers, and the Rochester community.

Platform Statement: As a BSW student at Nazareth College, I have a deep interest in the representation of future social workers in the NASW. Students play an important role in the future of the profession because they come in with new perspectives and experiences. The current student members are living in the middle of major social justice movements, some even have experience advocating for those social justice platforms. Their experiences should be considered in the NASW since they are directly affected by social issues. It is paramount to me that they are represented in the Association. I am dedicated to having the voices of fellow BSW students heard. The jobs I have at Nazareth have provided me with the skills of connecting with people, communicating issues, concerns, and ideas, building relationships, and advocating. These skills will aid in my ability to represent the interests of student members of the Association.


Board Region I Director

Bisrat Abebe

Bisrat Abebe

Biography: An Ethiopian immigrant, Abebe completed dual master’s degrees in social work and theology at Boston College in 2005. He is the service director for Community Health Resources, managing the adult mobile crisis response programs and medication for addiction treatment programs in six Connecticut Department of Correction facilities. Abebe has more than 17 years of clinical, supervisory, and administrative experience as a licensed clinical social worker in Massachusetts and Connecticut. He is a former Dean of Student Support Services at MIT and has been teaching as an adjunct in several MSW programs since 2012. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded efforts to improve access to care for young adults and incarcerated individuals, as well as recruiting and retaining diverse staff. Abebe served on the Boston College School of Social Work Alumni board from 2015 to 2018. He was selected to join the town of Longmeadow Coalition for Racial Justice Task Force in 2021. Abebe is an active member of NASW. He was appointed to the NASW board to complete an unfinished term as the Region I director and serves on the national Finance and International committees and Foundation Governance Committee.

Platform Statement: As a Black immigrant, I am proud to be part of NASW and the community of social workers who positively impact people’s lives across the globe daily. I have spent my career providing high quality care for incarcerated men and women, young adults, and individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders. I view my role as part of the important work of racial justice and I approach my work from an intersectional lens, striving to understand how clients’ identities are influenced by their experiences, social structures, and relationships. I am a strong advocate for recruiting and retaining diverse social workers who are passionate about working with marginalized populations. I have been an active member of NASW’s governance, contributing my unique perspective on a variety of decisions. If elected, I will continue to use the relationships cultivated and the knowledge gained to represent the needs of our profession. I will continue to advocate for state chapters and will actively listen to and respect the perspectives of others while challenging our Association to be more responsive to members’ needs such as better pay and more student loan forgiveness programs.


Deborah Lisansky Beck

Deborah Lisansky Beck

Biography: Deborah Lisansky Beck, MSW, LICSW, received a BA in psychology from Smith College and an MSW from Simmons University. She retired in 2017 as chair of the BSW program at Wheelock College. She previously taught at Simmons and worked for several years in perinatal mental health, child guidance, and parent education. Her current clinical work and writing focuses on stress reduction and mindfulness-based self-care. As an active member of the NASW Massachusetts Chapter, Beck serves as delegate to the NASW Delegate Assembly and as a member of the Legislative Advocacy (LAC), Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE), and Ethics committees. Her accomplishments include the Wheelock College Cynthia Longfellow Award for Teaching and the NASW-Massachusetts award for Greatest Contribution to Social Work Education.

Platform Statement: As a longtime clinician, educator, and member of NASW, I have worked with enthusiasm and commitment to raise public awareness of and appreciation for the social work profession, to provide optimal student-centered education and training to the next generation of social workers, and to promote legislation and policies that increase human rights and social justice on the local, state, and federal levels, particularly for underserved and exploited communities and individuals. I am deeply committed to combatting toxic discrimination in all areas of society, to eliminating systemic inequities, and to providing ongoing support to social workers who will promote their health and wellbeing and prevent occupational burnout. Serving as Region I Director of the NASW Board will provide me the opportunity to enact these important goals so I’m asking for your vote.


Board Region II Director

Yvette Tyndale

Yvette Tyndale

Biography: Yvette Tyndale, LCSW, ACSW, ICAADC, is a licensed clinical social worker who works at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide community-based intensive case management and psychotherapy services to veterans who experience challenges related to psychiatric or co-occurring disorders. Tyndale completed an MSW degree at USC Columbia and a postgraduate clinical fellowship at Yale Child Study Center. As a member of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), she was selected to serve as a Proposal Reviewer for the 2023 CSWE Annual Program Meeting. Tyndale demonstrates commitment to the social work profession by serving as a guest lecturer for MSW students at Southern Connecticut State University. As a member of the Yale Fellowship advisory board, she prioritizes fellowship accreditation through CSWE and provides education and training to postgraduate social work fellows.

Platform Statement: I am grateful for the opportunity to be a candidate for the Region II Director position. Early in my social work career, I recognized the importance of NASW membership. I’m honored to serve in a capacity that represents my commitment to the populations we serve, colleagues with whom we serve, and the social work profession. As chair of the NASW/CT Ethics Committee, our focus involves membership recruitment, innovative offerings to include a newly launched Peer Ethics Support Group, collaboration with other chapter ethics committees, and serving as liaison between Office of Ethics and Professional Review (OEPR) and local chapters. In addition, I serve as a reviewer for CEU applications and Board Member at Large at NASW/CT. If elected, I will continue efforts to facilitate communication between local chapters and national, promote active membership, serve in additional areas when needed, and engage in opportunities to elevate the profession.


Karen McLean

Karen McLean

Biography: Karen McLean, PhD, MSW, LMSW, is the department chair and associate professor of social work at Western Connecticut State University. She has a “trifecta”—earning her PhD, MSW, and BA in Psychology from the University of Connecticut. McLean is an active member of the NASW Connecticut Chapter, where she is completing her second term as a member-at-large on the board of directors and serves on the executive committee. She has served on the chapter’s Diversity Committee and as a conference workshop reviewer. McLean is a licensed master social worker with more than 30 years of experience in public welfare administration and social welfare policy. Her research interests include diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in social work practice, and self-care practices of undergraduate social work students. Her organizational affiliations include The Connecticut Innocence Fund and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

Platform Statement: I am in the best place to serve and empower others and create policy change – as a social worker. Fighting for racial and social justice is what I do. Social workers are at the forefront of critical issues from passing federal legislation to protecting voting rights to equity in licensing across states. The state of the current sociopolitical climate requires that social workers continue to respond to the clarion call to lead efforts to dismantle oppressive systems. NASW continues to forge ahead to advocate for policy change and support the profession, whose strength lies in its members. If elected, I will work collaboratively with the NASW leadership and members to further foster membership needs and opportunities, address our grand challenges, and work to effect positive change. Thank you for your vote.


Board Region X Director

Shawntelle L. Fisher

Shawntelle L. Fisher

Biography: Shawntelle L. Fisher, LCSW, CRAADC, is founder and CEO of The SoulFisher Ministries, a nonprofit that empowers youth and formerly incarcerated people to be positive, productive and socially responsible citizens. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees from UMSL, and dual master’s degrees from Washington University in St. Louis and Eden Theological Seminary. After becoming a mother at age 15, a convicted felon at age 17, and going to prison seven times, caring community members guided her to a path of hope and restoration. Fisher serves on the St. Louis County Diversion Committee, Spirit of St. Louis Women’s Fund board, and NASW board (alternate). She also is the recipient of many honors, including the 2021 Connections to Success Change Maker award, 2021 FOCUS St. Louis’ What’s Right with the Region award, 2020 Ethics of Service award, and St. Louis Business Journal’s 2020 Most Influential Businesswoman award.

Platform Statement: As a candidate for the NASW Board Region X Director position, I need your vote! I’m a natural leader with lived experiences, as a justice-impacted woman with a child, and more than a decade of experience working with justice-impacted youth and women. I believe everyone has a right to participate equitably in society and that it is our responsibility, as a community, to ensure this can be the reality for all people. I’m passionate, bold, strategic, and collaborative, with an impeccable track record of designing, developing, and implementing programs and services that are evidence-based and empowering. I’m also seasoned at building and leading teams that promote success and meaningful outcomes for those in need. I’m excited for the opportunity to receive your vote of confidence by electing me to be the Director for Region X.


Deborah Johnson

Deborah Johnson

Biography: Deborah Johnson PhD, MSW, LCSW-Okla., LCSW-Fla., is a trainer for SRT Inc., a nonprofit crisis/disaster behavioral health services organization. She is a volunteer for the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps Stress Response Team, co-leading the Tulsa SRT, and focuses on children in her part-time therapy practice. She holds an MSW degree from the University of Oklahoma and a PhD in Psychology from Iowa State University. Johnson was on the NASW-Oklahoma board from 2017 to 2022, starting as a graduate representative and finally serving as president. She also served as president of the NASW National Council of Chapter Presidents (COCP) and as a board member of the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers. She was honored for her work with the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, has worked for two Fortune 100 companies, and has consulted with many others. Johnson is a board member for SRT Inc.

Platform Statement: My interests in serving on the NASW National Board is first and foremost to listen and serve the membership. My vantage point of serving NASW in local, State, and a National role as the Chair of the COCP (Chapter Presidents) has allowed me to build relationships throughout the country, giving me a perspective of the issues we face and a network upon which to begin listening to our members. I am a connector. I believe my varied experiences such as clinical practice in schools, adjunct teaching, and organizational consulting can help me to connect with our members as well as integrate the complex issues before us. Representing the membership on the board would be an honor and I am willing to put in the time to build relationships and listen in order to bring all of our voices forward to be heard. Guiding the profession forward will take all of us working together.


Board Region XIII Director

Natasha Paddock

Natasha Paddock

Biography: Natasha Paddock, MSW, is a professional social worker with nearly 20 years in local government and nonprofit management. In 2021, Paddock was appointed Deputy Director of Housing and Community Development in Alameda County, working closely with HUD, CDSS, and local partners on policy, programming and funding matters related to ending homelessness. Paddock served 16 years in local government, overseeing major programs and initiatives like Health Care Reform and integrated service delivery social services. She has served in NASW-California leadership since 2011, holding positions on the board of directors, Region C Director, and Unit Chair. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and chairs the board of directors for C.O.P.E. Family Support Center, which serves children and families. Paddock holds a BA degree in Psychology from the University of the Pacific and a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, East Bay.

Platform Statement: I am a social work professional and longtime member of NASW CA Chapter, seeking the opportunity to serve my state chapter on a national level. Since 2007, I have served in leadership positions in local government overseeing programs and policy initiatives that disrupt cycles of poverty for children, youth, and families. Currently, I am the Deputy Director of the local Housing and Community Development Department working closely with HUD, CDSS, and local partners on policy and funding related to the fight to end homelessness. My passion stems from lived experience holding a deep understanding of cycles of poverty and the important role that macro social work and policy reform plays in breaking these cycles for self-sufficiency. If elected, my commitment is to continue to elevate matters of social change and policy reform with integrity and professional courage to address real issues affecting our state and local communities.


Rosemary Alamo

Rosemary Alamo

Biography: Rosemary Alamo, PhD, MSW, LCSW, is an associate professor at USC Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work. She has a Doctor of Behavioral Health degree from Arizona State University and a Master of Social Work degree from USC Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work. She has been an active member with NASW for the past 23 years, and also is a member of the Council on Social Work Education. Alamo is the former director for NASW-California Region I and serves as the faculty co-advisor for the USC NASW Unit and as a member of the Region I steering committee. She has been a social work practitioner, educator and leader for more than 25 years.

Platform Statement: I have been a social work practitioner, educator, and leader for over 25 years. I am very much humbled and honored to have been nominated to run for the position of Region XIII Director. As a long-standing member of NASW-CA I have had the pleasure of serving as Interim Region I Director, Region I Director, and currently as a member of Region I’s Steering Committee. My professional and leadership experience provide me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully serve as Region XIII Director. If elected, I commit to doing my utmost to fulfill this role in a manner that will uplift our profession and further advance NASW’s mission.