Vince Hall Appointed CEO of California CASA Association
California Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association recently announced the appointment of Vince Hall as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This transition marks a significant change for the organization as Hall takes over leadership from Sharon M. Lawrence, Esq., who retired after seven impactful years.
Vince Hall's Background and Vision
With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors, mostly within California, Hall's previous role was as the Chief Government Relations Officer for Feeding America in Washington, D.C. His dedication to advocating for individuals experiencing poverty and hunger aligns beautifully with the mission of California CASA.
In his acceptance, Hall expressed his honor in taking on the role of CEO. He emphasized California CASA's commitment to ensuring children in foster care and juvenile justice systems receive the support and advocacy they need. "The values that have guided my work for decades are exemplified in this mission, and I'm eager to strengthen the network that champions these young individuals," Hall stated.
Confidence in Leadership
Marie Kennedy, the board chair of California CASA, along with the executive search committee, firmly believes that Hall is the right fit for steering the organization into its next chapter. According to Kennedy, after an extensive national search, Hall's unique perspective and previous experiences made him the ideal leader to build upon California CASA's strong foundation.
She added, "His experience working at the interface of nonprofits and government enables him to effectively advocate for our network and enhance support for our 44 local programs, ultimately serving more children with CASA volunteers. This is vital for the growth and impact of our organization."
California CASA's Impact in 2024
In the prior year, California CASA made a significant impact on communities, aiding over 19,518 lives. With local programs supporting 10,844 children, along with the engagement of 7,582 volunteers, the organization demonstrated its vast reach. This sizeable network operates with the support of 594 staff members and is guided by 498 board members, signifying its strong foundation.
Moreover, these numbers do not encompass the countless families benefited by CASA volunteers or the profound and lasting effects these connections have on their communities. Hall's leadership is expected to enhance the organization's capacity to support even more children and families in foster care and juvenile justice systems.
About California CASA Association
The California CASA Association is a private 501(c)(3) organization that serves a network of 44 local CASA programs across the state. Established by local program leaders in 1987, the association aims to create a unified statewide organization that can enhance and support the CASA network.
Over time, through teamwork and persistence, California CASA has expanded to cater to children and courts in 53 counties, home to 99% of the state's youth in foster care. The organization focuses on providing training, resources, and advocacy to bolster local programs, raise public awareness about the critical needs for CASA volunteers, and promote legislation that benefits children in foster care and the juvenile justice system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Vince Hall?
Vince Hall is the newly appointed CEO of the California CASA Association, bringing a wealth of experience in nonprofit and government advocacy.
What is the mission of California CASA?
California CASA's mission is to ensure that children in foster care and juvenile justice systems have a voice and necessary support to thrive.
What prior experience does Vince Hall have?
Before becoming CEO, Vince Hall served as Chief Government Relations Officer for Feeding America, focusing on issues of poverty and hunger.
How does California CASA impact the community?
California CASA serves thousands of children across the state, mobilizing volunteers and resources to support those in foster care and juvenile justice systems.
When was California CASA founded?
California CASA was founded in 1987 to unify and strengthen the network of local CASA programs across California.
