February 9: Bo Walker

Bo Walker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (highest credential bestowed by NASW). He is the Director of Social Services at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute in Chattanooga, TN, which is where he started his social work career. He has over 46 years of experience in a diverse variety of clinical, administrative/executive and academic functions. Prior to returning to Moccasin Bend in 2014, Bo served for 15 years in executive leadership at a large non-profit social service agency – the Partnership for Families & Adults (including Chief Operating Officer and Clinical Director). Bo has been recognized locally, statewide and nationally for leadership and outstanding practice in social work and mental health.

Bo is a recipient of the Ruth P. Brudney Social Work Award (National Mental Health Association); Social Worker of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award (NASW Tennessee Chapter), and Distinguished Alumnus Award (Warren Wilson College). He has served as President of the NASW Tennessee Chapter Board of Directors, Vice-President of the NASW National Board of Directors, NASW Delegate Assembly representative, and Secretary of the NASW Assurance Services, Inc. Board of Directors. In 2019, Bo was honored as an inductee into the NASW Social Work Pioneer ® program, which “was created to honor members of the social work profession who have  contributed to the evolution and enrichment of the profession.” Bo is a member of the Coalition of Black Social Workers and was the inaugural honoree of their Distinguished Service Award in 2022.

Bo served on the NASW National Ethics Committee and was a member of the Task Force that proposed revisions to the NASW Code of Ethics that focused largely on the use of technology and the implications for ethical practice, approved by Delegate Assembly in August 2017. Bo has presented workshops on social work ethics, diversity & cultural competence, and various mental health topics for over 25 years.

A native of Selma, AL, Bo received a BA degree in Sociology from Warren Wilson College and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He has been married to his wife Pat for 47 years; they have two sons, ages 45 and 41, and two dear grandkids ages 23 and 15. Bo also has been actively involved in leadership and service roles in various community, fraternal and service organizations.