NASW extends its deepest sympathies to the family of former NASW Executive Director Mark Battle, who died Oct. 26. He was 87.

As executive director, Battle demonstrated a pioneering leadership that stimulated the organization and the social work profession to broader areas of social concerns.

“He was a social worker, educator, consultant, businessman and former government official,” said NASW Executive

Director Elizabeth J. Clark. “Throughout his career, he blended expertise in management and labor issues with social work skills and knowledge.”

Battle later co-founded the NASW Social Work Pioneers® and received NASW’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.

Look for the February NASW News for additional coverage of Battle’s many achievements during his lifetime.