Legal Aid of Western Missouri has selected Alicia M. Johnson as its new Executive Director. Johnson assumed the role Aug. 18, 2021.
Johnson first joined Legal Aid in 2010 and has served as the Deputy Executive Director for the past seven years. In the Deputy Executive Director role, Johnson oversaw the Central office move from the downtown Kansas City area into a more accessible client community. The move ensured that the organization continues to remain client-centered and client-driven.
“Alicia is a positive and thoughtful leader. Her warmth, collegial style, practical approach to problem solving, and passion for leveraging the greater legal community to help people who need Legal Aid’s services has earned the esteem of the Legal Aid’s volunteers, staff, board, and donors,” Legal Aid Board President Matt Dameron said. “The board is excited to work with Alicia as Executive Director and we are confident that Legal Aid will be well positioned under her guidance.”
Prior to joining Legal Aid, Johnson and her husband, Chris, along with their two sons, lived in Cameroon, Africa, for two years doing mission work. Johnson is a proud graduate of UMKC Law School and appreciates the incredible legal community in this area. Johnson started practice in bankruptcy law before moving into the public service sector.
“It is a true pleasure to be selected as the Executive Director of such an amazing organization. Legal Aid of Western Missouri has wonderful staff members that go above and beyond to work with our client communities. In addition to our team, we are extremely grateful for the support of the law firms and attorneys who dedicate thousands of hours of pro bono advocacy to our clients. We will continue advancing our mission and look forward to continued collaboration as we work to secure justice for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities,” Executive Director Alicia Johnson said.
Johnson succeeds Joseph Dandurand, who retired earlier this month after 30 years of working in the legal community, the last four years as the Executive Director of Legal Aid.
