Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (Advocacy Center) is excited to announce several key initiatives to strengthen its leadership and community impact. As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and growth, the organization has engaged a leading executive search firm to identify its next Chief Executive Officer. Along with this, the Advocacy Center has welcomed several distinguished new members to its Board of Trustees and is relaunching its Access to Justice Breakfast fundraiser to reflect its renewed vision.
“The Advocacy Center has reached a pivotal moment,” said Ed O’Keefe, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “We are thrilled to be taking strategic steps that will position us for even greater success and community support. With new board members bringing fresh perspectives, a reinvigorated fundraising strategy, and a new CEO on the horizon, we’re ready to advance our mission and deepen our impact.”
CEO Search in Progress
The executive search firm Coleman Lew Canny Bowen has been retained to lead the search for the next CEO. Known for its expertise with Charlotte’s nonprofit industry, Coleman Lew Canny Bowen will work closely with the board and stakeholders to identify a visionary leader who embodies the organization’s mission and values. The search process is expected to conclude in Spring 2025.
New Board Members Join Leadership
The Advocacy Center is proud to welcome five new members to its Board of Trustees:
- Rachel Bernard, Attorney at The Law Office of Theodore A. Maloney, PLLC and Former Vice President and Senior Consultant at Pinnacle Consulting Solutions
- Rahwa Gebre-Egziabher, Attorney Advisor, Administrative Office of the United States Courts and Former Assistant Federal Public Defender, Western District of North Carolina
- Natasha McKenzie, Vice President and Managing Counsel, Hospital Operations & Advocacy at Atrium Health
- Ted Smoyer, Senior Manager, Assurance Services at Greer Walker CPAs and Advisors
- Stephanie Steiger, Assistant General Counsel at Ally Financial
These accomplished individuals are poised to enhance the board’s effectiveness in guiding the organization’s future. They join Board service alongside our current Board of Trustees: https://charlottelegaladvocacy.org/board-of-trustees/.
Revitalized Fundraiser: Access to Justice Breakfast
This year’s Access to Justice Breakfast will celebrate our supporters who share our unwavering commitment to building a just community where all people are treated fairly and have access to legal representation to meet their basic human needs of safety, security and stability. Set for February 20, 2025, World Social Justice Day, the event aims to raise money for the Advocacy Center and for Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Charlotte office. McGuireWoods is the presenting sponsor of the 2025 event, and many of Charlotte’s largest law firms and companies are supporting the event. More information here: https://charlottelegaladvocacy.org/access-to-justice-breakfast/.
“We’re revitalizing this cherished tradition to engage more supporters and create a lasting impact,” said Gwendolyn Lewis, Event Co-Chair. “This year, the Access to Justice Breakfast will showcase the spirit of collaboration for necessary civil legal services in our community.”
The Advocacy Center invites the community to participate in this transformative chapter. For more information on the CEO search, new board members, or the Access to Justice Breakfast, please visit charlottelegaladvocacy.org or contact Kelly Lynn at 980.202.7320 or kelly.lynn@charlottelegaladvocacy.org.