The Board of Trustees of Legal Aid of Western Missouri (Legal Aid) is pleased to announce the appointment of Amber Christ as Executive Director, effective April 13, 2026.
Amber began her legal career as a staff attorney at Legal Aid, where she developed a deep commitment to expanding access to justice that has shaped her work ever since. She later returned to the organization as a member of the Board of Trustees, where she has served for the past five years.
She rejoins the Legal Aid staff after thirteen years at Justice in Aging, where, as Managing Director of Health Advocacy, she led national initiatives to expand access to health care for older adults with limited resources. In that role, she built a talented and driven team that advanced significant legal and policy reforms, improving access to care for hundreds of thousands of older adults nationwide. She brings a strong track record of launching high-impact initiatives and securing the funding to sustain them, along with a collaborative, can-do leadership style that is respected by colleagues and partners across the country.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are proud to welcome Amber as our next Executive Director,” said Board President Jolie Justice. “She brings exceptional leadership, vision, and a deep commitment to our mission. We have full confidence in her ability to guide Legal Aid forward, and we are excited by the opportunities ahead as we continue expanding access to legal services and strengthening the communities we serve.”
“I’m honored to return to Legal Aid and build on its strong foundation as I lead its talented, dedicated staff in this important work,” Amber said. ““At this critical moment, when many individuals and families are facing serious legal challenges, Legal Aid’s work is more necessary and urgent than ever. I’m eager to bring my energy, optimism, and commitment to advancing justice in our communities.”
Amber succeeds Alicia Johnson, who is retiring in April after 15 years of distinguished service that strengthened and expanded Legal Aid’s impact throughout western Missouri.
Media Contact:
Emily Swenson
Director of Development
Legal Aid of Western Missouri
eswenson@ericksong6.sg-host.com
