Tobi Zavala

Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners

Term ends: N/A

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

I have worked for the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (“AzBBHE”) since 2010 in various capacities. In July of 2014, I was appointed as the Executive Director. I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, and, after a short time working directly in behavioral health, I quickly determined that I was more of a macro social worker. Hence, why this position at AzBBHE is perfect for me as it fits my passion and desire to make the world a better place even if only by a glimpse. In my spare time, I love to travel, the outdoors, music, and hanging out with my dogs, family, and friends; and most likely shenanigans are following me.

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

AzBBHE is a composite board which enables me to broaden my endeavors and work with a multitude of groups to make things happen. My continual goals for our board are to maintain the safety and welfare of the public, ensure our applicants and licensees are treated fairly and equitably, and monitor behavioral health and licensing trends to keep the board aligned with federal and national standards. I have worked closely with ASWB for the last 14 years. I have attended many conferences as well as the board member training. In 2019, I was asked to present at the educational meeting on “Riding the Waves with Partners.” I was able to present on making changes in legislation from not only an executive director view but also as a registered lobbyist. In 2022 and 2023, I worked more intimately with ASWB by serving on the Regulatory Education and Leadership Committee, first year as a member and the second year as chair. In 2024, I was asked to join a panel and present on clinical supervision and how it relates to my state and the social work profession. I am a proud recipient of the 2023 Glenda McDonald Board Administrator Award.

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

I would like to work with ASWB to do what we can to get the Social Work Compact up and running as soon as possible. This will include working with states to adopt legislative language; as well as develop and implement a database for the compact. I would also like to work with ASWB on DEI issues and provide education on how each jurisdiction can put on a DEI lens and make changes as needed. Lastly, it has always been a passion of mine to attend a composite board summit, and I want ASWB to be the leader on this, not the other professions.