2026 NASW-OK Elections
Self-nominations for the 2026 NASW-OK Chapter elections are now open! This is your opportunity to help shape the future of the NASW Oklahoma Chapter and the social work profession in Oklahoma by stepping into a leadership role. Serving in an elected position builds your resume, strengthens your leadership skills, and connects you with social work leaders across the state. Your voice and perspective truly matter in guiding the direction of NASW-OK. Nominations due: May 1, 2026.
Open positions are listed below. Click the links to review each position description and eligibility requirements. If you have questions about the nomination process or roles, please contact us at info.naswok@socialworkers.org.
Submit your nomination here!
Open Positions
Not sure which region or district you’re in? Click here to find out!
NASW-OK Board of Directors
Board Officers
Board President: Dr. Deborah Johnson
President – Elect: Megan Linville, LCSW
Vice President: Dustin Palmer, LCSW
Secretary: Christina Stellmack
Board Members
Director at Large: James Smith
Eastern Region Director: Austin McCoy, LCSW
Western Region Director: Jonathan Wales, LCSW,
Central Region Director: Dr. Shamica Lewis
MSW Student Representative: Kodi Powell
NASW-OK Staff
Executive Director - Will Francis
Will Francis is excited to serve as the Executive Director for the National Association of Social Workers, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas Chapters. He previously served as the Government Relations Director for the Texas chapter, and has a background in early childhood, child welfare and education. Will received a master’s in social work at the University of Texas, Austin in 2010 and a bachelor’s degree in English from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia in 1997. Will lived in Hong Kong and Singapore at an early age, and residing abroad helped him develop a love of travel and an appreciation for cultural diversity. He has a passion for promoting the profession of school work and believes strongly in supporting social justice through public awareness. He is married to a social worker who works as a therapist, and they have two young daughters and a son. Will was selected as the 2018 NASW Gilman Wells Award Recipient for his successful track record representing Texas social workers and their clients at the Texas State Capitol.
Ask Will about:
- Ethical questions or consults
- Licensure rules/regulations and questions
- Oklahoma legislation and legislative sessions
- Coalition work/partnering with NASW-OK
- Social Work Lobby Day
- Joining a committee or serving on the Chapter Board
Director of Member Engagement - Taylor Brewer Sambrano
Taylor Brewer Sambrano is the Director of Member Engagement for the Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas Chapters of the National Association of Social Workers. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Texas State University in December 2019 and her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin in 2023. Taylor’s journey includes serving as a legislative intern at the Texas State Capitol during the 86th Texas Legislative Session, completing her BSW field placement with the Texas Homeless Network, and finishing her MSSW work-based field placement with NASW Texas during the 88th Texas Legislative Session. Her commitment to social workers, combined with her experience in advocacy and member engagement, drives her work to connect with members, understand their needs, and lead meaningful engagement initiatives within the association.
Ask Taylor about:
- Joining NASW
- Scheduling an NASW Representative to speak to your students or staff
- Obtaining/using member benefits
- How to sign-up for advocacy alerts and updates
Government Relations Director - Bryan Mares, MSW
Bryan joins NASW after working as the Health Policy Associate at Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates, the statewide association for CASA programs. After completing his MSW from Texas State University, Bryan started his policy advocacy career with Texas CASA where he completed a two-year policy fellowship program focusing on children’s mental health and child protection issues. During his time at Texas CASA, Bryan worked two legislative sessions where he successfully passed Medicaid legislation that would allow medically fragile children and older youth in foster care to maintain health coverage. Prior to Texas CASA, Bryan served as a public education policy aide to Texas state senator Judith Zaffirini and later worked at Texans Care for Children conducting policy research. He looks forward to building new and existing relationships around the Capitol to advance effective social policy.
Ask Bryan about:
- NASW-OK Policy Priorities
- NASW-OK Legislature
- How to get involved in social work advocacy in Oklahoma
Melissa Hall-James
Missy is a dedicated professional and graduate of Southern University A&M College. Missy’s journey with the National Association of Social Workers-Louisiana Chapter (NASW-LA) began in 2012, where she served as a Communications Specialist.
After gaining valuable experience, Missy rejoined NASW-LA in 2017 as Office Manager before ascending to her current role as Director of Operations. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in enhancing the organization's efficiency by developing key procedures to streamline office functions and organize chapter data. In her current capacity, Missy oversees all chapter daily operational functions and educational programing which plays a vital role in strengthening and supporting Louisiana's social workers.
Chapter Services Coordinator - Alexis Skotnicki
(She/Her/Hers)Alexis Skotnicki is the Chapter Services Coordinator at the National Association of Social Workers Oklahoma Chapter. She graduated with her BSW in 2024 from Texas State University and is currently going to school for her MSW at Angelo State University. She previously completed an internship with NASW under the Director of Member Engagement. Alexis has a passion for social work and community that helps drive her in her professional career and is looking forward to growing with NASW.