Dear Network for Social Work Management Members,

Eight months ago, we launched an exploration period for new organizational structure models for the Network. We have been exploring the feasibility of several models, including collaborating with university partners. However, we’ve found that rapid changes in social work education, and the challenges of a syndemic-altered environment for higher education, have made potential university partners reluctant to embark on new endeavors at this time. As a result, because we know that the mission of the Network is more important than ever, we are moving ahead to define a path forward for the organization. For this reason, we decided to hire a part-time Interim Chief Executive Officer to manage key operations with existing partners and to develop a plan to move the Network forward. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Goutham Menon has agreed to assume this key role. Finally, it should be noted that Dr. Menon, who had been serving President of the Network, recused himself from the executive committee and board meetings where these decisions were made, and he resigned from the board prior to signing as contract to function as our Interim CEO. Due to his resignation, Nancy Smyth—formerly President-Elect—is now assuming the role of President of the NSWM Board.

Dr. Menon is an experienced, innovative leader and we are excited about the opportunity to work with him in this new role. Dr. Menon earned his Ph.D in Social Work from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from the University of Nevada Reno. Over the years, he has held leadership positions with the National Association of Deans & Directors (NADD); Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD) and Human Service Information Technology Applications (husITa).

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Menon to the Network as our Interim CEO!

NSWM Executive Committee

Nancy J. Smyth, PhD, LCSW
President, The Network for Social Work Management
Professor & Interim Associate Dean for Faculty Development
University at Buffalo School of Social Work

Karen Dixon, LMSW
Vice President, Network for Social Work Management
Executive Director, Harlem Dowling-West Side Center

Gary Bess, PhD, MSW
Secretary, The Network for Social Work Management
Principal, Gary Bess Associates

Bruce Friedman PhD, ACSW, CSWM, LCSW
Treasurer, The Network for Social Work Management
Orville Edward Egbert Endowed Professor of Health Sciences
Department of Social Work, The University of Texas at El Paso