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NASW Pioneers Biography Index


The National Association of Social Workers Foundation is pleased to present the NASW Social Work Pioneers®. NASW Pioneers are social workers who have explored new territories and built outposts for human services on many frontiers. Some are well known, while others are less famous outside their immediate colleagues, and the region where they live and work. But each one has made an important contribution to the social work profession, and to social policies through service, teaching, writing, research, program development, administration, or legislation.

The NASW Pioneers have paved the way for thousands of other social workers to contribute to the betterment of the human condition; and they are are role models for future generations of social workers. The NASW Foundation has made every effort to provide accurate Pioneer biographies.  Please contact us at naswfoundation@socialworkers.org to provide missing information, or to correct inaccurate information. It is very important to us to correctly tell these important stories and preserve our history.  

Please note, an asterisk attached to a name reflects Pioneers who have passed away. All NASW Social Work Pioneers® Bios are Copyright © 2021 National Association of Social Workers Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

    
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John Reida*

John Reida had a long a productive career with the Veterans Administration (VA). After completing his education at Boston University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in 1950 and a Master of Social Work in 1952, he joined the VA's Social Work Service Program as a clinical social worker. Reida advanced from Assistant Chief to Chief and then Area Chief, Social Work Service. In 1965, he joined the Washington, D.C. Central Office staff as Chief, Social Work Community Programs.

Reida was a rare combination of the qualities one expects in a professional social worker, and he possessed the integrity, loyalty, self-confidence, and can do spirit of a U.S. Marine. During World War II, Reida served with the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific, participating in landings on Guadalcanal. This background served him and his agency well in his final assignment as Chief, Social Work Administrative Standards and Services.

Reida dragged the Social Work Service Program into the new age of computer programs for statistical indicators, work measurement, quality control, and statistical models for criteria and standards for service delivery and outcomes. His eclectic approach to the role of social work in society served to enlarge his contribution in a number of assignments such as: Task Force on Outreach to Spanish-Speaking Veterans; liaison with military social work in the coordination of services to Vietnam veterans; Committee on Investigative Ombudsman for Nursing Homes; VA Delegate and Board Member, National Health Council; and special outreach and programs for Native American veterans.




Newly Inducted NASW Social Work Pioneer Hortense McClinton 2015

Nominate A New NASW Pioneer

Please note, Pioneer nominations made between today’s date through March 31, 2023, will not be reviewed until spring 2023.

Completed NASW Pioneer nominations can be submitted throughout the year and are reviewed at the June Pioneer Steering Committee Meeting. To be considered at the June meeting, submit your nomination package by March 31. To learn more, visit our Pioneer nomination guidelines.


New Pioneers 

Congratulations newly elected Pioneers!  Pioneers will be inducted at the 2023  Annual Program and Luncheon. Full biographies and event details coming soon.

2023