WHITE PLAINS, NY – Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV), today announced that Barbara Finkelstein, the organization’s CEO, and first woman to lead the organization, has decided to retire effective December 31, 2020. Following a long and ground-breaking career as a social justice advocate Barbara will take some time to consider how best to pursue her lifelong commitments to civil and human rights.
“It is with mixed emotions that I retire from my role as CEO of LSHV, an organization I feel such a strong affinity to, but this will give me the opportunity to work on economic, racial, and social justice issues while also pursuing outside interests,” said Barbara. I have complete faith that the dedicated staff and board will continue to serve the community and grow the organization to meet the need for services.”
Motivated by a desire to make justice a promise for every member of society, Barbara joined LSHV as its leader in 1995. The organization has grown tremendously under her direction, increasing its footprint to include seven counties and growing the staff to 160-persons in nine offices throughout the region.
Under her guidance, Legal Services’ staff exhibits the highest of ethical and professional standards and a keen sense of responsibility to mission, clients and the law.
Ms. Finkelstein is highly regarded as a “thought leader” in her field, and her expertise, advice, knowledge and advocacy is sought throughout the region, by legal services providers, not-for-profit leaders, legislators, courts, community organizations, agencies and peers.
Speaking on behalf of the board, LSHV Board President Al Donnellan, Esq. said that: “While we are saddened to see this passionate, mission-driven leader draw her time to a close, we are nevertheless grateful for the work Barbara has done over the years she has been with LSHV.”
Rachel Halpern, Chief Program Officer said: “Barbara’s work in the field of social justice has been trailblazing, inspiring and empowering to staff, community partners and clients – we will continue to follow her lead and expand the organization she mentored and lead for so many years.”
About Legal Services of the Hudson Valley
LSHV is the only provider of free, comprehensive civil (non-criminal) legal services to low-income and disadvantaged individuals and families who cannot afford an attorney when their basic human needs are at stake. This includes urgent legal needs such as: housing emergencies, domestic violence, healthcare, children’s law and advocacy, disability and benefits, elder law, consumer fraud and more. Founded more than 50 years ago, LSHV serves the seven counties of the lower and mid-Hudson Valley (Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan), maintaining a staff of 160 individuals working across ten offices throughout its service area.
For more information about Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, to volunteer, or contribute, please visit lshv.org, or contact Maureen Fox at 914-949-1305 x160 or mfox@lshv.org.
