NASW Pioneers Biography Index

Specific Pioneering Contributions 

Stephen’s tenure as Executive Director of NASW–CT (1989–2024) represents a defining era in the advancement of professional social work in the state. Under his leadership, every Connecticut state statute governing the practice of social work was either created or substantively amended — a testament to his extraordinary policy and legislative impact. 

Among his most pioneering achievements: 

• Expansion of Medicaid access: Stephen successfully championed the inclusion of Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) as Medicaid (HUSKY) providers, ensuring access to mental health care for thousands of low-income residents while strengthening the professional viability of social work clinicians. 

• Mental-health parity and coverage protection: He was instrumental in blocking insurance proposals that would have excluded behavioral health services and later secured the passage of Connecticut’s mental-health parity laws (1998 and 2000), a cornerstone of equitable care. 

• Improving care in nursing homes: Through advocacy and collaboration, Stephen helped reduce the staffing ratio in nursing facilities from 120:1 to 60:1, directly improving the quality of care for older adults and vulnerable residents. 

• Telehealth and trauma-informed practice expansion: In recent years, he led successful campaigns for telehealth parity, ensuring out-of-state practitioners could continue serving Connecticut clients, and advocated for trauma-informed roles in police social-work assessments. 

• Electoral and civic engagement leadership: Under his direction, NASW–CT became the first chapter nationally to use PACE funds to hire an election organizer during election years—setting a national precedent for political engagement within NASW. 

• Continuing Education innovation: Stephen launched NASW–CT’s Continuing Education Provider Approval Program (2000), a model that has since been emulated in other states for its high standards and accessibility to practitioners. 

Collectively, these achievements advanced social work as both a profession and a public force, making Connecticut a leader in legislative and professional advocacy for social justice, mental health, and elder care. Stephen’s blend of community organizing, policy acumen, and coalition-building exemplifies the NASW Pioneer spirit. 

Career Highlights 

Stephen’s career trajectory reflects more than 45 years of continuous service to the social work profession across community, clinical, administrative, academic, and policy domains. 

• Executive Director, NASW–CT (1989–2024) – Provided administrative and policy leadership for all chapter functions, from fiscal management and program development to advocacy and legislative action. 

• Division Director, Chapter Services, Continuing Education, and Ethics – NASW National Office, Washington, D.C. (1999–2001) – Oversaw national operations for 56 chapters, managing a $1.5 million budget and leading staff teams in professional standards and ethics. 

• Director of Legislation and Political Action, NASW–NY State Chapter (1988–1989) – Directed statewide lobbying, policy development, and coalition efforts. 

• Senior Center Director and Coordinator (1984–1988) – As head of senior centers in Newington and Southington, he developed innovative programs for older adults and co-founded the Connecticut Association of Senior Center Personnel. 

In addition, Stephen served as adjunct faculty at Southern Connecticut State University, Central Connecticut State University, and Saint Joseph College, teaching community organization and social policy. He also held advisory board positions for nearly every school of social work in Connecticut, ensuring that educational programs aligned with the evolving needs of the profession. 

Stephen’s expertise and influence extended beyond Connecticut. He served in leadership capacities with NASW’s Council of Chapter Executives, on state and national advocacy coalitions, and as a frequent keynote speaker and presenter at NASW conferences and leadership meetings. 

Biographical Information 

Born and raised in Connecticut, Stephen Wanczyk-Karp earned his BSW from Southern Connecticut State University (1977) and his MSW from Fordham University (1983), specializing in Community Organization. He also completed a Certificate in Gerontology from Southern Connecticut State University (1978). 

Before joining NASW, Stephen worked as a social worker, outreach worker, and program coordinator across multiple community-based agencies and municipalities, where he honed his commitment to advocacy, policy, and organizational leadership. His early work in elder services and community organizing directly informed his later policy focus on aging, healthcare, and equity. 

He is now enjoying retirement in Deleware with his wife, Rosie, where he enjoys collecting sea shells and photographing nature.  Stephen also takes great pride in his daughter, Marissa Rentz, and son, Jeremy Karp as well as their growing families. 

Significant Recognition and Awards 

Stephen’s exceptional service and leadership have been recognized through numerous awards and citations, including: 

• NASW–CT Lifetime Achievement Award (2023) 

• Council of Chapter Executives Gilman/Wells Award 

• Council of Chapters Executive Director of the Year 

• NASW–CT Practice Award in Gerontology 

• Legislative & Electoral Action Program Advocacy Award 

• Top 100 Lobbyists – Institute for Lobbying and Ethics 

• Outstanding Chapter Executive Award (NASW National, 1997) 

• Connecticut General Assembly Citations (1999, 2009) 

• Award of Excellence – NASW (2009) 

These honors reflect both peer recognition and broad public acknowledgment of his effectiveness, integrity, and dedication to advancing the mission of NASW. 

Significant Publications and Professional Contributions 

While Stephen’s influence has been expressed primarily through legislative testimony, policy briefs, op-eds, and professional presentations, rather than traditional publications, his written legislative statements and public communications have shaped policy discourse in Connecticut. His voice has become synonymous with professional social work advocacy in the state, frequently cited in legislative hearings, NASW materials, and media coverage related to mental health and social welfare policy.