Jacquelynne Bowman has been chosen
by Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) to succeed Executive Director Robert
Sable who is retiring after 20 years of service. Ms. Bowman's hiring is
the result of a six-month national search.
Ms. Bowman currently serves as Deputy Director of GBLS, a position she has
held since June 2000 following three years as an Associate Director. She
served as Acting Executive Director during Robert Sable’s seven-month medical
leave in 2009-2010.
After law school, Ms. Bowman became a staff attorney at West Tennessee Legal
Services representing clients with education and family law matters. In
1984, she joined GBLS, serving as Family Law Unit Managing Attorney from 1987 to
1991. After a stint at Massachusetts Law Reform Institute doing policy
work about family and juvenile issues, she returned to GBLS in 1997 as an
Associate Director. In that position she was primarily responsible for
overseeing the organization’s professional development and evaluation systems
and worked with law unit managers on strategic plans for the units’ advocacy
work. Because of her leadership skills, in 2000 Ms. Bowman was offered the
Deputy Director position. She has been a key player on the senior
management team, overseeing program operations and continuing to assist in
setting and defining the strategic direction of the organization.
Ms. Bowman has continued to do policy work on domestic violence and child
welfare issues and still represents some clients. She serves on numerous
local and national task forces and commissions, including the Supreme Judicial
Court’s Access to Justice Commission. Upon accepting the position of
Executive Director, Ms. Bowman stated, "I am delighted to be offered the
opportunity to lead GBLS to its next level of achievement. It is a premier
organization with outstanding and committed advocates, and that it is, is a real
tribute to Bob Sable, who has been an excellent tutor, leader and mentor.
It is a great honor to be able to follow him, although a bit daunting as he has
set the bar fairly high!"
Robert Sable stated, "I could not be more pleased that the Board has chosen
Jacqui Bowman to be the new Executive Director. I have worked with Jacqui
in different capacities for 20 years. She has committed her career to
legal services for the poor. Jacqui is a nationally-recognized expert in
domestic violence law. She is a great manager and a passionate
spokesperson for the rights of the poor. There is no one better qualified
to become the new leader of GBLS and to move the organization to achieve even
greater advances for our clients."