11/5/13 Boston – The Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts (LWVMA) is pleased to announce that Meryl Kessler has been named Executive Director. Kessler brings over 20 years of experience as an attorney, non-profit leader, and educator, as well as a strong commitment to civic education and engagement. She will lead the organization in its nonpartisan efforts to encourage the active and informed participation of citizens in their government through education and advocacy.
“We are pleased to welcome someone with Meryl’s experience and talents to our team,” said LWVMA co-presidents Anne Borg and Marilyn Peterson. “We look forward to the opportunity for growth and a more vibrant presence under her leadership.”
Before joining LWVMA, Kessler served as Legal Programs Director at Discovering Justice, a civic education non-profit organization, where she designed and managed programs to educate low-income youth in Boston and surrounding cities about the justice system and civic participation. Previously, she worked at Harvard Law School in a number of roles, including as an Ames Fellow and as a Climenko Fellow. She also taught legal studies at Brandeis University as a Guberman Fellow and began her legal career at Goulston & Storrs. In addition, she has served on Boston-area non-profit boards and volunteered for a number of civic organizations.
Kessler adds, “I am extremely excited about joining the team at the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts. The League is a remarkable example of the power of a grassroots organization to mobilize citizens and affect policy. I look forward to working with the local Leagues and the LWVMA leadership to help deliver LWVMA’s mission and expand its impact.”
Ms. Kessler holds a B.A. in Public and International Affairs from Princeton University, as well as an M.A. in Government from Harvard University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.
About the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts
Since its founding in 1920, the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts has been a respected and trusted voice for citizen participation in our democracy. With 48 local Leagues throughout the state and over 3,000 members, LVWMA has been at the forefront of efforts to empower and educate Massachusetts voters and effect change on a wide range of issues, including election laws and campaign finance, natural resources and the environment, women’s health, children’s issues, state budget and finances, public education, and public safety. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages. For more information about the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, go to www.lwvma.org.