NASW Past-President Gary Bailey was elected to lead the International Federation of Social Workers at its general meeting on June 15 in Hong Kong.

IFSW is a coalition of social workers from 90 nations. Bailey, who was elected to a four-year term, is the federation’s first African-American president.

Bailey is an associate professor at Simmons College Graduate School of Social Work in Boston.

Two previous NASW leaders held the office of IFSW president. Chauncey Alexander, former executive director, and Susan Dworak Peck, a former president, both played pivitol roles in the development and advancement of international social work.

Peck, the lifetime ambassador to IFSW, was present at the meeting, which followed the World Congress of Social Work. NASW President James J. Kelly and Executive Director Elizabeth J. Clark also attended the event.