Keith Soressi joined us in 2018 as our Executive Director. The Association has benefitted greatly from his leadership. While there are many examples of that, two stand out. First, without a hiccup, we moved during Covid from an in-person service organization to one that operated virtually. Keith managed the staff from afar as they worked remotely to successfully provide online services to all of us. Second, Keith recently managed the move from our offices in New Britain to our brand new offices in Meriden, working with our architect and the staff to make sure the space will serve the membership for years to come. We all owe a great debt of gratitude to Keith. He will be retiring effective December 31, 2024. I hope you will reach out to him to express your thanks.
I am pleased to report that the Executive Director Search Committee has engaged Attorney Lina Lee to replace Keith. Lina is a graduate of Cornell University and the Boston University School of Law. She has devoted her legal career to providing legal services to those who could not otherwise engage private counsel. Her most recent role was as the founder and Executive Director of Communities Resist, a community-based legal services and advocacy organization established and led by people of color to empower, educate, and represent low-income communities and community coalitions to fight for tenants’ rights and housing justice in Brooklyn and Queens. Lina grew the organization from nothing to one where she oversaw a staff of thirty people. We welcome Lina to her new role.
James T. (Tim) Shearin
President, Connecticut Bar Association