New expanded leadership role for the NASW-Illinois Chapter

NASW National has embraced a three-state chapter model designed to strengthen the collective impact of our chapters and expand what we are able to deliver to members. As many of you are aware, the NASW-Illinois Chapter has managed two other chapters: Nevada since 2018, and North Dakota from 2021 to 2025. As this model has evolved, the Illinois Chapter has been asked by our national office to oversee the NASW-Wisconsin and NASW-Missouri Chapters who will join under unified executive leadership. Effective June 1, 2026, I will be serving as executive director of the NASW-Illinois Chapter as well as the Wisconsin and Missouri Chapters. The NASW-Nevada Chapter will be moved to the auspices of the California Chapter.

With a unified staff team working across all three chapters, we gain greater capacity for advocacy, member engagement and services, and programmatic depth. Our strong Illinois professional staff will be working with Wisconsin and Missouri staff, lending their expertise and strong track record.

The NASW-Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri Chapter Board of Directors (soon to be rebranded as Leadership Councils by the national office) will remain fully independent, continuing to advise on the direction and priorities that reflect the unique needs of those states. I will be overseeing the governance of these leadership councils.

This new configuration is an additional example of how Illinois continues to lead and strengthen the social work profession. We are very excited about this new expanded opportunity.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at jrubin.naswil@socialworkers.org.

With gratitude and resolve,

Joel L. Rubin, MSW, LSW, ACSW, CAE

Executive Director

NASW-Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin Chapters