Angelo McClain, PhD, LICSW

Dr. Angelo McClain: opening keynote speaker

Our opening keynote will be delivered by Angelo McClain, PhD, LICSW, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Social Workers.

Dr. McClain leads efforts that grow and support the social work profession in the United States from NASW’s national headquarters in Washington DC.

He became NASW’s CEO after serving six years as Commissioner for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. While there, he oversaw a budget of $850 million and a workforce of 3,500 employees to address reports of abuse and neglect for the state’s most vulnerable children, partnering with families to help them better nurture and protect their children.

Prior to that position, Dr. McClain was Vice President and Executive Director of Value Options New Jersey where he built and oversaw administrative, clinical and quality management program infrastructures that increased access to behavioral health services for children and youth, including those in the juvenile justice system.

As Vice President of Network Management and Regional Operations for the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership, Dr. McClain developed and maintained a provider network capable of delivering high quality, responsive services to 450,000 Mass Health members.

Dr. McClain grew up in Texas, and is a distinguished alumnus of Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from West Texas State University, a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a PhD in Social Work from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. He was an adjunct faculty member in the Urban Leadership Program at Simmons College Graduate School of Social Work.

Recent Honors:
2013—Betsey R. Rosenbaum Award for Excellence in Public Child Welfare, NAPCWA
2012—Fatherhood Engagement Leadership Award
2012—Co-Chair, State of Massachusetts White Ribbon Day to End Domestic Violence
2011—YMCA Domestic Violence Prevention “Great Guys” Award
2010—Massachusetts Department of Corrections Innovations in Public Safety Award
2010—Riverside Community Care Leadership Award

Recent Presentations:
Boston College Graduate School of Social Work Immigration Colloquium (2012)
Finding Common Ground: Foster Care, Adoption and Permanency for Children Conference (2012)
Harvard Law School Child Advocacy Program, The Art of Social Change (2011)
National Governors Association Best Practice Center, Child Welfare Financing Strategies Webcast (2010)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Building Bridges Summit (2010)