NASW-TN Candidate Biographical Information Summer 2019 ...

NASW-TN Candidate Biographical Information Summer 2019

NASW-TN Board of Directors and Branch Chair Candidates

CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT

Brian Williams, LAPSW

Nashville

nonprofit boards.

PLATFORM STATEMENT I am interested in leadership on the NASW-TN Board because I firmly believe in the work NASW does to advocate for and support our profession. With the new structure implemented by National NASW I believe we have opportunities to increase our service to our members across the state as well as continue to establish data supported benefits for membership. I believe the NASW-TN staff require Board level support now more than ever to be thought partners and actively engage in implementing new activities for membership. I have served in a variety of leadership roles as a professional, including 10 years as a CEO, and have served as Board Chair for 3 different

BACKGROUND INFORMATION I am currently working for Dismas House in Nashville. Dismas is a transitional living facility for men transitioning out of prison. I am providing direct service via client advocacy with our residents and am leading the program implementation in connection with a new 72 bed facility we are moving to in early 2020. I served on the NASW-TN Board in the early 2000's for 3 years and was active in Social Work Day on the Hill as well as other activities. I am a graduate of Leadership Nashville, was named CEO of the Year at the Center for Nonprofit Management's Salute to Excellence in 2012.

CANDIDATE ENDORSERS

Kristen Keely-Dinger, LAPSW President and CEO Healing Trust

Jennifer Williams, LAPSW Assistant Commissioner of Quality Control Tennessee Department of Children's Services

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CANDIDATE FOR SECOND VICE PRESIDENT FOR BUDGET AND FINANCE

Annie Farris, MSSW, CNP

McMinnville

PLATFORM STATEMENT I would love to rejoin the NASW-TN Board. I participated on the Board in 2014-15 as the MSW Student Representative and have been involved with the Chapter ever since. Being a part of my State and local Branch helps me feel connected to all my fellow social workers and is a big part of our Code of Ethics in terms of our Commitment to our Colleagues and our Profession. The Tennessee Chapter has done so much for social workers in our State, and I would be honored to use my skill set to assist in furthering that effort.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION I am currently the Program Director for Juvenile Justice Reform at Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System. I manage a large grant covering 22 counties in the Upper Cumberland and Tennessee Valley Regions and have an amazing staff that supports families with youth involved in the Juvenile Justice system. I am an all-encompassing social worker. I love macro, mezzo and micro social work and believe it takes all of us to do the important work in this world. I have been on the NASW-TN Board, the Chair of the Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification and have participated in the membership and legislative committees as well. In 2014, I was honored to be awarded NASW-TN MSW Student of the Year. I am also a founding member of the Tennessee Chapter of the Network for Social Work Managers. Prior to becoming a social worker, I spent several years in research, grants management, and building data sets. I also have a certification in Nonprofit Leadership (CNP) from the National Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. I believe all of this equips me with the skills necessary to serve on the Executive Committee and as the VP of Finance and Budget.

CANDIDATE FOR SECRETARY

Lutwan Rayford-Taylor

Memphis

PLATFORM STATEMENT Hello my name is Lutwan Rayford-Taylor and I am running for NASW Secretary. I have previous experience as a Secretary in a professional setting. I also served as the MSW field liaison at The University of Memphis where my duties were to work hand and hand with the MSW faculty and President of GO SW! while representing and speaking for the MSW student body. I am willing and ready to fulfill my role, duties, and responsibilities.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION

I am currently employed at Lakeside Behavioral Health as a Community Counselor and Accessor. I have also interned at Case Management Inc, Shelby County Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Center, and The Exchange Club Family Center. I have participated in Social Work Day on the Hill within the past 2 years. I have been inducted into several honor societies, and was voted Most Warmhearted by the MSW Faculty at The University of Memphis.

CANDIDATES FOR DIRECTOR AT LARGE Vote for Two

Georgia Alexander, LCSW

Madison

PLATFORM STATEMENT My reason for seeking Director at Large candidacy is to continue supporting the mission and vision of our Social Work profession. I know firsthand the commitment required to serve etc. NASW-TN's board addressed restructuring the Social Work Licensure policy process to include Administrative Social Workers Licensure. This goal was accomplished by board members with determination and collaboration statewide.

I believe my knowledge, skills, experiences and commitment has equipped me with abilities to discuss the depth of our profession on most platforms. I've had prior NASW Board experience, professional credentials are BSW, MSSW, LCSW, (Multiple leadership positions, Community Outreach Social worker, Medical Social Work, Psychotherapist/Academic Student Counseling Center, Psychiatric Social Worker, Adjunct Professor and private clinical practice services).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION I've enjoyed more than (35) yrs. practicing in various fields of Social Work. For me, Social Work is a "till you die" professional commitment...

I'm currently engaged in voluntary community work with two women's shelters and one long term physical rehabilitation center.

I've been an NASW member for more than 20 yrs., Certified Forensic Social, EMDR Certification, previously member of Social Work Licensure Board, Co-Founder AAbacus Counseling & Resource Center Inc. College Park GA..

Kendria Driver, MSSW

Brentwood

PLATFORM STATEMENT I have served on the board as the MSW student representative while in graduate school and feel that the role of Director at Large is a great next step for me to continue to learn more about the board and the NASW as a professional organization.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION I am currently employed at the Behavioral Health Group as an opioid treatment counselor. I have attended a number of NASW trainings hosted by the Middle TN Branch.

Samantha Dutton, PhD, LCSW

South Pittsburg

PLATFORM STATEMENT I have been a social worker for 25 years. I spent 20 of those years as an active duty social worker with the United States Air Force. I served in a variety of roles during my service, from clinical work to administrative work. After retiring several years ago, I started working in the world of academia. I am an Associate Dean in Social Sciences for the University of Phoenix with oversight of the Bachelor of Science Social Work program. I have previously served on the NASW-TN Chapter as Director-At-Large as well as co-chair of the Continuing Education Committee. I have enjoyed my time and would like to continue serving as Director-At-Large. I am committed to furthering the NASW agenda and making the organization the go-to spot for information, advocacy and educational resources.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION Dr. Samantha Dutton is currently an Associate Dean and the Director of the Social Work Program in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Phoenix. She holds a Master of Social Work degree as well as a PhD in Social Work and Social Research. She has also held a full-time faculty position with Walden University where her area of expertise was military social work. Previous to these positions she held positions of Deputy Commander of Medical Operations at Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center as well as the Medical Squadron at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. She also commanded the Mental Health Clinic at Nellis Air Force Base. Her military experience spans 27 years with increasing levels of leadership. She has been the recipient of numerous Air Force level awards and was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom where she was the lone mental health practitioner for 2500 personnel. Dr. Dutton's passions include military transition, single parents serving in the military and ensuring veterans have access to services. She has presented in different forums surrounding these passions as well as publishing an article on single parents in the Air Force. Dr. Dutton created the military social work curriculum for another online institution where she brought real world experience and research to the program. Dr. Dutton is married and has 4 children and a granddaughter.

Belinda Gardner, MSW

Memphis

PLATFORM STATEMENT I have a strong desire to help diverse populations throughout the state of Tennessee. I want to help strengthen individuals, families, and communities by collaborating with other organizations and businesses to enhance the quality of life for those in poverty. I am a proud member of NASW, and I am eager to utilize my twenty-five years of leadership experience.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION Belinda Gardner is a native Memphian whose skills set consists of over twenty-five years of business administration, case management and client service, supervision and organization leadership, risk assessment, crisis intervention, group counseling, behavioral intervention, admission

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processes, referral and intake processes, client empowerment and motivation, event planning, and interorganizational liaison. She received her MSW in Social Work from Union University prior to her anticipated Doctor of Behavioral Health at Freed-Hardeman University expected in 2020.

Mary Hock, LCSW

Nashville

PLATFORM STATEMENT I am running for Director-at-Large because, having recently retired after 22 years in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, I want to continue to use my energy and passion for advocacy through NASW. I believe advocacy and education effect positive changes; NASW is an invaluable resource for social workers because it consolidates both powers! Yet many of my colleagues are not members because they don't recognize NASW's voice in important policy changes that directly affect us and clients with whom we work. To remain a strong policy force in our state and federal legislatures, NASW needs a robust membership. Therefore, one of the things I will do, if elected, is seek input from social workers across the state (members and non-members) as to what factors inhibit joining, and how to make NASW more compelling and relevant to their needs. We can then work to implement changes that will foster membership growth and empower NASW for the future.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION I am beginning my 23rd year as a part-time therapist in a private practice. I also supervise aspiring LCSWs. I have been a member of NASW since graduate school, when I served as the 1994-95 MSW student representative. I also belong to the Tennessee Association of School Social Workers, Mid-Cumberland Council on Children and Youth, and the Metro Nashville Retired Teachers Association. Prior to my recent retirement from MNPS, I belonged to Metro Nashville Education Association, and served as the school social workers' representative for many years. Because of my history of advocacy, a tongue-in-cheek award was presented to me at my retirement for "Most Likely to Organize a March on the Capitol," which I accepted with pride!

Judy King, LCSW

Bartlett

PLATFORM STATEMENT It is imperative that we continue to fight for salaries that reflect both our educational accomplishments, the lives we impact and change and the risks that we take while performing our jobs as professional social workers. I have been a long-time supporter of NASW and feel that too many social workers are failing in their support of our Professional organization yet continue to practice under the guidance of our professional standards and Ethics. It is my hope that I may be both a reminder of some of the values that the social workers who fought for licensure that others now enjoy are still represented in the future for individuals who wish to devote their lives to the practice of social work in whatever realm they choose and with the hope that they will be able to practice and be able to support themselves and their families in the process.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION I have been a NASW member and supporter since my years as an undergraduate social work student in the late 1970's. I have served in the past early on in my career at the State level when we focused on getting licensure in all states. Historically the goal was to allow states to develop their own forms of licensure to both legitimize the profession and to regulate it. We believed early on that eventually we could increase social work salaries to be more in line with that of a Master's level professional. Unfortunately, we now have such vast differences at the

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