Kenya Anderson and Tobi Zavala recognized for outstanding service in social work regulation

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ASWB celebrated the outstanding service of two leaders in social work regulation at the association’s 2023 Annual Meeting of the Delegate Assembly in November.


Kenya Anderson of the Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure received the Sunny Andrews Award for Outstanding Commitment to Regulatory Board Service. The award, named for a former president of the association, is presented annually to an exceptional volunteer member of a social work regulatory board. Ann-Marie Buchanan, who serves with Anderson on the Tennessee board, presented the award.

Anderson is “compassionate, a good listener, asks pertinent questions, knows her Tennessee rules and regulations left and right,” Buchanan said. Buchanan also praised Anderson’s diligence, integrity, and strong work ethic.


Tobi Zavala, executive director of the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, received the Glenda McDonald Board Administrator Award for Outstanding Commitment to Regulatory Board Service. Leanette Henagan of the Arizona board presented the award to Zavala. This award recognizes the exceptional work of a professional staff member of a social work regulatory board and is named in memory of a long-time board administrator from Ontario who was active with the association.

“She goes above and beyond to share her knowledge,” Henagan said. “She goes out into the community to share what the board does and educate our licensees… She has created an environment that protects the public while also supporting the licensees and protecting the integrity of the profession.”

Photograph of two women smiling for the camera. The women are each holding one edge of a clear plaque with engraving on it.