11 Nov Mississippi Center for Justice Announces Kimberly Jones Merchant as its Next President and CEO
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release – November 11, 2024
Legal strategist and nonprofit leader to guide the organization as it focuses on deepening its impact at the state and national level
Jackson, Mississippi – After a national search, the Mississippi Center for Justice (MCJ) is proud to announce the selection of Kimberly Jones Merchant, Esq as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. With over two decades of experience in social justice, legal advocacy, and racial equity, Merchant is poised to lead the organization through its next era of mission-focused civil rights work. Merchant will assume her role on January 6, 2025.
With a distinguished career in social justice and a steadfast commitment to advancing equity for all Mississippians, Kimberly brings a wealth of experience in litigation, policy reform, national racial equity strategy, and community-level advocacy. Her passion for justice and proven ability to drive systemic change make her the ideal leader to guide MCJ into its next chapter, ensuring that the advancements in dismantling inequities and protecting the rights of those with the greatest burden continue. Kimberly Jones Merchant previously served as the Director of the Racial Justice Institute and Network at the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, Managing Attorney for the Mississippi Center for Justice, Delta Office, and in private practice as attorney for the cities of Greenville and Indianola and for the Hollandale School District.
“After a thorough and nationwide search, we are thrilled to announce the Search Committee and Board’s unanimous choice as the next President and CEO, our own Kim Merchant,” said Walter Boone, Chair of the MCJ Board of Directors. “Deeply rooted in the Mississippi Delta with prior experience at MCJ’s Indianola office and on the MCJ Board, Kim’s track record and national exposure in social justice will perfectly position MCJ to continue the important work that we are doing across our campaigns. Under her leadership, I have no doubt that MCJ will take the fight for racial, economic, and social justice in Mississippi to a new level and continue to give a voice to the voiceless in Mississippi and beyond.”
“I would like to express my gratitude to the board for their support and confidence in me. This is truly a full-circle moment as I return to the work that first ignited my passion for racial and economic justice. Vangela [Wade] has built a powerful foundation, and I am eager to carry the work of MCJ forward to achieve even greater transformative progress for the State of Mississippi.”
Vangela M. Wade, the current President and CEO, expressed her excitement about the board’s selection: “I have known Kimberly Jones Merchant for over 30 years, and her unwavering commitment to the law, civil rights, and social justice and her people-centered, community-focused work ethic has been truly inspiring. As the Mississippi Center for Justice begins this new chapter with Kimberly at the helm, I am confident that her leadership will elevate the mission and all efforts to drive meaningful and sustainable change in Mississippi.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Tara Y. Wren, Director of Communications
Mississippi Center for Justice
twren@mscenterforjustice.org
601-487-7504
About Mississippi Center for Justice
Founded in 2003, the Mississippi Center for Justice is a nonprofit, public interest law firm committed to advancing racial, economic, and social justice through a combination of legal services, policy advocacy, community education, and media outreach. MCJ partners with national, regional, and community organizations to create better futures for low-income Mississippians and communities of color.