Council of Nephrology Social Workers (CNSW)
Mission Statement The NKF Council of Nephrology Social Workers (CNSW) functions as a professional membership council of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and networks with other organizations, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), state and local governments, other kidney organizations, and healthcare providers and payers.
CNSW:
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Strategic Goals
- Develop and promote patient and public education.
- Support and promote the profession and education of nephrology social workers.
- Impact regulatory and legislative issues.
- Ensure the use of the qualified social workers in all ESRD settings.
- Provide ongoing support and education to those with kidney disease and their families.
CNSW Executive Council
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Chair |
Kevin Ceckowski, MSW, LICSW, NSW-C, FNKF |
| Chair-Elect | Elizabeth Jones, MSW, LCSW, FNKF |
| Immediate Past Chair | Dori Muench, MSW, LCSW, NSW-C, FNKF |
| Membership Chair | Sarah Stevenson, LICSW, NSW-C, CCM |
| Research and Publications Chair | Jennifer Miller, MSW, LICSW, FNKF |
| Education Chair | Kristen Fischer, MSW, LMSW, NSW-C |
| SCM Program Chair | Renee Bova-Collis, MSW, LCSW |
| SCM Program Co-Chair | Michelle Rowlett, MSW, LICSW |
| Chapter Advisor | Lauren Smitherman, LMSW, CCTSW |
| Chapter Advisor | Tiffena Pierce, DSW, LMSW, NSW-C, FNKF |
Membership
At the National Kidney Foundation, we honor Social Workers as an integral part of the kidney care team. That’s why we’re committed to providing support for nephrology social workers to enhance patient care and achieve optimal outcomes.
As representatives and advocates for NKF’s social worker membership body, the Council of Nephrology Social Workers (CNSW) coordinates with other professional health organizations to promote effectiveness and develop valuable resources and education for nephrology social workers. CNSW helps protect the interests of practitioners, the well-being of patients, and works to affect changes in kidney healthcare legislation and public policies.
When you become an NKF Professional Member, you unlock a world of professional opportunities including accredited education, the latest in kidney research, and an unparalleled network of resources. Access tools for your practice and for your patients, all in one place. A portion of your dues are directed to NKF's research endowment fund and supports our lifesaving patient programs and services. Make NKF your professional home today!
Experience the advantages of NKF membership. Join today and make NKF your professional home.
CNSW Membership Chair: Sarah Stevenson, LICSW, NSW-C, CCM, sarah.stevenson@va.gov
Member Spotlight
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Our NKF Professional Members make a meaningful impact every day in transforming kidney care. Their voice, expertise, and lived experience drive innovation, elevate standards, and help shape the future of nephrology. Highlighting their member expereince showcases the power of collaboration and professional growth found within NKF’s membership community—where leaders connect, learn, and advance care together.
Inspired by what you see? Join NKF Professional Membership to add your voice, expand your impact, and be part of a community advancing kidney health nationwide.
Elections
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) supports four professional Councils—representing nurses and technicians, social workers, dietitians, and advanced practice providers—who serve as leaders within the NKF Professional Membership program. Each Council is guided by an Executive Council (EC), a volunteer advisory group that helps shape NKF’s efforts to advance nephrology practice, promote education, influence policy, foster professional growth, and improve outcomes for patients with kidney disease.
EC Officers play a vital role in driving annual projects, supporting member engagement, and contributing to NKF’s mission. Election cycles provide members with the opportunity to step into leadership roles and help represent their profession at the national level.
The 2026 election season includes open officer positions across all Councils, with nominations opening January 7 and voting taking place February 23 – March 13, 2026. Newly elected officers will be announced in March and will begin onboarding in June.
By participating in the election process, NKF Professional Members help shape the future of nephrology and strengthen the voice of their respective disciplines within the broader kidney care community.
Roles Open for CNSW for the 2026-2028 term are:
For Questions please contact:
CNSW Membership Chair: Sarah Stevenson, LICSW, NSW-C, CCM, sarah.stevenson@va.gov
Annual Calendar
Executive Council terms run from June 1st through May 31st. The RenaLink Newsletter is published quarterly; annual production schedules are shared in advance.
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
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January – March
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March – May
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Awards
The four NKF Executive Councils acknowledge the contributions of their members and those impacting the kidney community through annual awards given at the NKF Spring Clinical Meetings (SCM). The Executive Councils encourage members and the public to consider submitting nominations for these awards annually. Winners receive free registration to attend SCM, and are celebrated at the NKF Executive Councils Award and Networking Reception.
NKF Mission To revolutionize the fight to save lives by eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovation for the dignity of the patient experience, and dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. | Questions? membership@kidney.org |
