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Two Classes of Social Work Pioneers Welcomed at Special Reception

Foundation

By Paul R. Pace

Being named an NASW Social Work Pioneer® is one of the highest honors in the profession.

This year, the annual Pioneer welcome program was moved from its typical fall ceremony to coincide with the NASW national conference in June. Because of this change, the NASW Foundation, which administrates the Pioneer program, honored two classes of Pioneer inductees: one from 2025 and one from 2026.

The Pioneer program recognizes social workers who have contributed to the evolution and enrichment of the profession. It identifies and recognizes individuals whose unique dedication, commitment and determination have improved social and human conditions.

NASW Social Work Pioneers 2025

“Once again, these moments of recognition are among the most meaningful of my professional career because they gather together a community that represents the very best of what social work is and what it can be,” said Kathryn Wehrmann, PhD, MSW, LCSW, a former NASW president and current chair of the Pioneer Steering Committee. “I also want to recognize my colleagues on the Pioneer Steering Committee. It is a genuine honor to work alongside people who give so freely of their time, their wisdom, and their commitment to making sure this recognition remains worthy of the people we honor.”

One of the most important things the Steering Committee does is review the nominations for new Pioneers, said Wehrmann, who also is an NASW Pioneer.

To her fellow Pioneers, Wehrmann noted, “It’s always a privilege and inspiration to be in their presence. You have shaped the profession in ways both visible and unseen. Your legacy is alive in the practitioners you’ve mentored, policies you have influenced, the research you have advanced, and the students you set out into the world, who are prepared to lead because of you.”

NASW Foundation Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships Darrel Gibson also spoke at the reception.

“It’s a true honor to be here because of your impact and the way that you’ve led, and the persistence you’ve led with does not go unnoticed,” he said. “To the newly elected pioneers of 2025 and 2026, congratulations on receiving this distinguished honor.”

“Our gratitude is also extended to the NASW Foundation board and to the NASW national board for their continued leadership and support,” Gibson said. “And finally, to the social work deans: Thank you for being here this evening and for your support.”

“This evening would not be possible without the generous support of event sponsors who you will see all around the room as well as on our screens,” he said. “And we’ve also highlighted them in our recognition in our souvenir booklet for you.”

Honoring the Legacy

NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, also spoke at the Pioneer reception.

“This evening, we celebrate something extraordinary: The legacy, the leadership and the lasting impact of the NASW Social Work Pioneers,” he said. “To our generous supporters, donors, partners and friends, thank you for your continued investment in the profession of social work. I also want to recognize the members of the Pioneer Steering Committee whose dedication and thoughtful stewardship ensure that we honor excellence in a meaningful and enduring way. Your commitment to lifting up the stories, the contributions of our professional leaders is invaluable.”

“The NASW Social Work Pioneers are more than a distinguished group,” Estreet said. “They are the living history of our profession. They are the architects of change, the champions of justice, and the mentors who have shaped generations of social workers.”

Their careers tell a story of social work itself by advancing equity, strengthening communities, and improving the lives of individuals and families across the nation and beyond, he noted.

“This evening is about you,” Estreet said. “Your leadership, your compassion, your unwavering commitment to this profession and to the people and communities you have served. Across diverse fields of practice, whether in clinical settings, academia, public policy, community organizing, or leadership, they have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to service.”

NASW Social Work Pioneers 2026

The NASW Social Work Pioneers for 2025 are:

Keith A. Alford; George Appleby (1942-2024); Maurice C. Daniels; Patricia Littlefield Ewalt (1934-2022); Johnnie Hamilton-Mason; Samuel A. Hickman; Dawn Hobdy; David Sterling Hogan; Jane Edna Hunter (1882-1971); D. Lynn Jackson; John Saunders McNeil (1927-2023); Lori Popp Moss (1959-2025); Gilbert A. Ramirez; David William Springer; Saundra Starks; Stephan Viehweg; and James Herbert Williams.

The NASW Social Work Pioneers for 2026 are:

Freddie L. Avant; Allan Barsky; Beverly Jo Buckles; Kathryn Coumanis; Stephen Wanczyk-Karp; Gwendolyn Spencer Prater; Jacob Terpstra (1927-2021); Bruce A. Thyer; Kirk von Sternberg; and Brad Yoder.

Complete profiles of these and other NASW Social Work Pioneers can be found at naswfoundation.org/Our-Work/NASW-Social-Work-Pioneers.

Nominations for the Social Work Pioneer Class of 2027 are due by Nov. 14, 2026, at naswfoundation.org/Our-Work/NASW-Social-Work-Pioneers. A donation link is also available at this website.

If you are interested in partnering with the NASW Foundation on the 2027 Welcome Ceremony, contact the Foundation at naswfoundation@socialworkers.org.

Foundation Donations

The NASW Foundation extends its thanks to all NASW members and friends who lend their financial support, with special thanks to the following for their contributions of $100 or more, from April 18 to July 17, 2026. All donors are listed at naswfoundation.org.

We appreciate all donations, including those donated through a donor advised fund or a retirement fund.