Jayme M. Cassidy, Esq., takes up her post today as the new Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. (PLAN, Inc.).

Under her leadership, the organization is poised to build on five decades of success as an ally to and champion for low-income and marginalized communities across Pennsylvania.

“I look forward to engaging PLAN, Inc.’s clients, funders, partners, and staff on ways to meet the evolving and growing need for legal aid services in Pennsylvania,” said Jayme. “I am positive that by working together, we can preserve our best practices while blazing new trails.”

PLAN, Inc. is a system of nonprofit legal aid organizations that provide free civil legal help to Pennsylvanians. The network is comprised of nine regional programs that provide free legal advice and representation to families in every county in Pennsylvania and six specialty programs that serve the entire state and address specific legal issues like housing, healthcare, utilities, workers’ rights, and the rights of institutionalized individuals.

During her tenure, Jayme intends to further integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into the work of the organization, recognizing the role that representation plays in creating a justice system that not only promotes equality, but obtains equity and opportunity for all members of society.

As former Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Professional Development Officer & Pro Bono Advocacy Director at Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc., Jayme created and carried out procedures that ensured diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations were incorporated into the organization’s decision-making processes. In addition to these responsibilities, Jayme managed attorneys’ professional development efforts and oversaw the Legal Services’ Pro Bono Unit.

“Jayme has dedicated her career to advocating on behalf of underserved communities and brings strong nonprofit management and leadership experience that will carry on the Network’s important work and shepherd PLAN, Inc. into the future,” said Max Laun, Esq.

Max served as Interim Executive Director of PLAN, Inc. beginning December 2022; he will now resume his role as President-elect of the Board of Directors.