The Pennsylvania Bar Association has named Janis M. Leftridge of Harrisburg as the association's first diversity officer.

Leftridge, who has an extensive background in human resources and diversity development, will be responsible for overseeing and facilitating the PBA's efforts to improve diversity within the association and Pennsylvania's legal profession.

"Janis Leftridge's experience, professionalism and leadership will be critical to the PBA's efforts to ensure that we are a bar association and a legal profession for everyone," said PBA President Matthew J. Creme Jr. of Lancaster. "We are fortunate to have someone with her depth of experience and knowledge to develop and grow our diversity effort."

Leftridge previously worked as the senior director for business diversity for the Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and CREDC, as a human relations consultant for Bayer Corp. in Pittsburgh and as a human relations manager for McCormick & Co. in Sparks, Md. She also served as the assistant director of law admissions for the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Leftridge will work with the PBA Diversity Team, Board of Governors and senior staff to develop and execute the PBA's diversity programs and will work with the state's legal community to provide resources and tools in support of diversity goals, objectives and initiatives.

Leftridge earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Morgan State University in Baltimore, a master's degree in social work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and a juris doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 28,000 lawyers who are members of the association.