NASW Chief Executive Officer
Angelo McClain, PhD, LICSW
On March 7, 2013, the National Association of Social Workers named Angelo McClain, PhD, LICSW its new Chief Executive Officer to lead efforts that grow and support the social work profession in the United States. He succeeded Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, who led the organization since 2001.
Dr. McClain joins NASW after serving six years as Commissioner for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, a position appointed by Governor Deval Patrick. While there, he oversaw a budget of $850 million and a workforce of 3,500 employees to address reports of abuse and neglect for the state’s most vulnerable children, partnering with families to help them better nurture and protect their children.
Prior to that position, Dr. McClain was Vice President and Executive Director of Value Options New Jersey where he built and oversaw administrative, clinical and quality management program infrastructures that increased access to behavioral health services for children and youth, including those in the juvenile justice system.
As Vice President of Network Management and Regional Operations for the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership, Dr. McClain developed and maintained a provider network capable of delivering high quality, responsive services to 450,000 Mass Health members.
Dr. McClain grew up in Texas, and is a distinguished alumnus of Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from West Texas State University, a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a PhD in Social Work from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. He was an adjunct faculty member in the Urban Leadership Program at Simmons College Graduate School of Social Work.