NEW YORK, NY – The Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals (ALFDP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the legal profession, announces the election of its 2024 Board of Directors and the hiring of its first-ever Executive Director. The Board is comprised of law firm DEI administrative professionals from across the country.

The newly elected officers and their position on the Board of Directors:

President: J. Danielle Carr – Lowenstein Sandler LLP, Chief Officer of Inclusion (Greater Metropolitan New York, NY)
Vice President: Mark Bunbury – Proskauer Rose, LLP, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (New York, NY)
Treasurer: Brenda Carr – Arnold Porter Kaye Scholer LLP, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer (Washington, DC)
Secretary: Yoonhwi Cho – K&L Gates LLP, Senior D&I Manager (Houston, TX)
Board Member-At-Large: Kimberly Hulsey – Locke Lord LLP, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer (Washington, DC)
Board Member-At-Large: Jennifer Mencarini – Fox Rothschild, LLP, Director of Diversity and Inclusion (Greensboro, NC)
Board Member-At-Large: LaNitra Webb – O’Melveny & Myers LLP, Senior Manager of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (San Francisco, CA)
Returning to the Board of Directors to complete the two-year term:

Board Member-At-Large: Allison Blixt – Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Chief Professional Development, Engagement, and Inclusion Officer (New York, NY)
“For the first time in the association’s history, ALFDP had multiple candidates for all but one open Board position, which I believe is a wonderful testament to our memberships’ interest in doing the work necessary to continue to advance the ALFDP as the leading association for law firm DEI professionals. I am honored to have been elected to lead the organization alongside these experienced and talented professionals dedicated to providing support to their fellow DEI professionals and advancing best DEI practices for the legal profession,” said J. Danielle Carr, President of ALFDP and Chief Officer of Inclusion at Lowenstein Sandler. “A special thank you to outgoing board members Renauld Clarke and Sylvia James , as well as outgoing Executive Advisor Paulette Brown for their leadership and service to ALFDP.”

ALFDP also announces the hiring of its first-ever Executive Director – Dr. Carol Ross-Burnett . Dr. Ross-Burnett has more than 30 years of experience as a DEI professional, including 12 years in a large global law firm planning and implementing DEI initiatives. She also worked for many years with law students, law faculty, and law school administrators at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles as Assistant Dean of Career Services and Multicultural Affairs.

“The addition of an Executive Director to the administrative team was a priority for the ALFDP board,” said Carr. “Having Carol join the leadership team is a significant next step in the association’s overall strategic plan.”

The Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals (ALFDP) seeks to serve as a catalyst for the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession through the organization’s collective knowledge, vision, expertise, and advocacy in the arena of law firm diversity. The organization’s Board of Directors is comprised of a group of experienced law firm diversity professionals who provide expertise and insight to ensure the organization is effective and impactful. More information is available on the association’s website at www.ALFDP.com.