NASW Kentucky Chapter Update
NASW Kentucky is currently undergoing a transition following recent staffing changes at the national and chapter levels. National NASW has appointed Danielle Smith, MSW, MA, LSW, CAE, Executive Director of NASW Ohio, to also serve as Executive Director of NASW Kentucky.
This transition period is focused on maintaining continuity of services, rebuilding infrastructure, and ensuring that Kentucky social workers continue to have access to professional support, advocacy, and continuing education opportunities.
Continuing Education Opportunities
As systems are being established, NASW Ohio is temporarily hosting continuing education opportunities accessible to NASW Kentucky members. As part of this transition support, NASW Kentucky members will have access to 17 free CEU webinars in 2026. These offerings are intended to support licensure requirements and professional development, with additional Kentucky-specific content currently in development, including ethics, supervision, suicide prevention, and pediatric abusive head trauma trainings.
Registration links are shared through the weekly Monday e-newsletter, and links will be added to the NASW Kentucky website in the future.
Member Engagement
Member input is essential as NASW Kentucky moves forward. An open member forum will be held on January 7 from 6:00–7:00 pm EST to provide space for questions, feedback, and discussion. This forum is designed as a conversation rather than a presentation.
In addition, members are encouraged to complete a short survey to help guide future staffing, programming, and advocacy priorities. Feedback from members will directly inform the next phase of chapter development. Both links can be obtained from the Monday e-newsletter.
Looking Ahead
NASW Kentucky is committed to rebuilding strong, Kentucky-centered infrastructure. Plans include hiring Kentucky-based staff and contracting with a Kentucky lobbyist to support legislative advocacy. The goal is to ensure local leadership, meaningful engagement, and a chapter that reflects the needs and values of social workers across the Commonwealth.
More updates will be shared as additional plans are finalized. Thank you for your patience and continued commitment to the social work profession.
For questions or to share feedback, please contact
Danielle Smith, MSW, MA, LSW, CAE
Executive Director, NASW Kentucky
dsmith.naswky@socialworkers.org