Susan Coppage

Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners

Term ends: June 30, 2025

Please give a brief biography, including your education, licensure or certification level and employment history:

My seven-year involvement with the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners underscores my dedication to the field. I held leadership roles, serving three years as Chair of the Disciplinary Committee and two years as Board Chair. Academically, I hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Salisbury University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Maryland. Further specializing my expertise, I earned a certification in Traumatic Stress Studies from The Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute. I am a Maryland Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C). In my ongoing pursuit of professional development, I am currently enrolled in the Maryland Certified Public Manager Program at the University of Baltimore. I have been employed by the Maryland Department of Human Services for the past 25 years with the past 15 at Queen Anne’s County Department of Social Services where I have been the Director for 8 years.

Give a synopsis of your regulatory and professional experience. Please emphasize your involvement with ASWB:

My regulatory experience stems from my active participation on the Statutes and Regulations Committee of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners. For the past three years, I have collaborated closely with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) to counter legislation in my state that sought to oppose the ASWB exam. This involvement included testifying before the Maryland legislature, where I advocated for the continued use and importance of the ASWB examination. In addition to this, I am also a member of the Social Work Cross Profession Minimum Data-Set (SWCPMDS) Task Force, further demonstrating my commitment to shaping and improving the regulatory landscape of social work.

Finally, make a brief statement on the major issues you see facing ASWB, and how you would address them:

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) faces significant challenges, primarily centered on the ongoing relevance and indispensable nature of it’s licensing examination. In my role as a member of the nominating committee, I would proactively engage with potential board candidates who possess an understanding of the complex issues. It is crucial that these individuals are knowledgeable but also willing and able to articulate their support for the board’s stance on these critical matters.

Furthermore, fostering a diverse representation among board members is paramount. To achieve this, I intend to leverage my strong communication skills to connect with representatives from other state boards during meetings. These interactions will be instrumental in identifying and recruiting a broad spectrum of talented individuals who can contribute unique perspectives and expertise to the ASWB.