We are pleased to share that Public Counsel’s Board of Directors has selected longtime senior staff attorney Kristen Jackson to serve as Public Counsel’s Interim President and CEO. Nearly two weeks ago, we received the wonderful news that Mónica Ramírez Almadani was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as a federal judge in the Central District of California, the nation’s largest federal judicial district, and this was Mónica’s last week with Public Counsel. While Mónica’s inspiring leadership and presence will be greatly missed, we are confident that we are moving forward in capable and steady hands.
Kris, a cornerstone of Public Counsel’s immigrants’ rights work for the past twenty years and a deeply respected and admired leader, has been instrumental in leading initiatives across multiple departments at Public Counsel. Her expertise spans managing teams, spearheading litigation and policy initiatives, and enhancing grant compliance and operations.
In 2018, Kris assumed the role of Acting Directing Attorney of Public Counsel’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, demonstrating remarkable skill and dedication in the execution of her work. Kris launched several new initiatives, including the team’s legal round tables, language justice training, and important equity conversations, all of which proved transformative in our practice. In yet another example of her extraordinary leadership and commitment, she served in 2022 as the Interim Directing Attorney of the Audrey Irmas Project for Women and Girls Rights, where she spearheaded the achievement of significant milestones.
Furthermore, Kris is a nationally recognized expert in asylum and children’s immigration issues, is an experienced litigator, has published widely, and co-taught the Asylum Clinic at the UCLA School of Law for over a decade. Her well-rounded background and deep understanding of Public Counsel make her the ideal person for this critical and important role. You can read Kris’ full bio here.
Kris’ vast experience, exceptional judgment, and thoughtful leadership will be key to Public Counsel as we navigate this transition, and we are fortunate to be in the hands of such a gifted leader. She will have the support of our well-established Executive Team, which will continue to lead our financial, programmatic, development, and operational areas with their signature expertise.
Please join us in extending warm congratulations to Kris on her new role!
