Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Youth Represent Board of Directors, it is a great pleasure to announce that Mike Pope has been appointed the organization’s new Executive Director. The robust public search was conducted in conjunction with The Support Center for Nonprofit Management.
For the past nine years, Mike has provided exemplary service to Youth Represent and was among the organization’s first staff attorneys. Three years after coming on board, Mike assumed the position of Director of Community Partnerships. Since 2015, Mike has served as Legal Director and in March 2019, he was selected as the Interim Executive Director.
Mike embodies the values that drive Youth Represent; he is youth focused, client-centered and is deeply committed Youth Represent’s mission. Having supported more than 5,400 clients since starting at Youth Represent, Mike is keenly aware of how the justice system disproportionately and intentionally targets people of color. With an excellent understanding of State and Federal legislation, Mike has represented the organization on public panels, community events and before governmental agencies. In his role as Legal Director, he was responsible for the management, supervision, professional development and evaluation of Youth Represent’s incredible legal team. Mike has a track record of successful program expansion and designed and implemented the active case management system which is utilized daily.
In his new role as Executive Director, Mike will work directly with our committed Board of Directors, staff, clients, community partners and all stakeholders to continue to amplify youth voices and improve the lives and futures of young people affected by the criminal legal system. Mike will take the helm of Youth Represent as it enters a rigorous strategic planning process designed to both bring the organization into its next chapter and enhance its work. He will continue to maintain the operational strength of the organization to ensure the highest quality of program delivery. Mike is uniquely positioned to ensure programmatic excellence as well as strengthen Youth Represent’s advocacy efforts.
Please join me in welcoming Mike to his new role as Executive Director. The Board of Directors is deeply committed to working with Mike to ensure his successful and visionary leadership as Youth Represent enters its next chapter.
With warm regards,
Maggie Lear
Board Chair