ACLU of Massachusetts Announces New Board Leadership

BOSTON – The ACLU of Massachusetts announced its newest board leaders, attorneys Lael Chester and Madeleine Rodriguez, who bring a strong commitment to defending and expanding freedoms for people across the Commonwealth.

Lael Chester is the new chair of the ACLU Foundation of Massachusetts, which focuses on litigation and public education as the 501(c)3 arm of the organization. Chester is an attorney who has dedicated her career to juvenile, criminal, and civil rights law and policy. She is director of the Emerging Adult Justice Project and leads research both nationally and internationally.

Madeleine Rodriguez has been elected president of the ACLU of Massachusetts Board of Directors, the 501(c)4 arm of the organization, which focuses on policy advocacy and community organizing. Rodriguez, who previously served as the board’s vice president, is a litigation partner at Foley Hoag LLP and co-chair of the firm’s Education Industry Group. Rodriguez advises university clients regarding employment, research compliance and integrity, and civil rights issues.

The ACLU of Massachusetts also welcomed four new board members, who bring diverse experience and exceptional expertise:

• Virginia 'Gina' Foote, a finance professional who works on impact investments with positive social, economic, and environmental returns, including clean energy and climate-smart investments, as a member of the Clean Energy Venture Group;

• Asma Jaber, a senior associate at WilmerHale who represents clients in complex commercial litigation and maintains an active pro bono practice focused on immigration law;

• Jesse Mermell, president and founder of deWit Impact Group, a leading voice for social justice on issues including minimum wage increases, access to reproductive care, and paid family and medical leave;

• Jameel Moore, senior counsel at the Massachusetts Housing Partnership and past president of the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association;

• Susan Yanow, a reproductive rights activist and co-founder of Women Help Women, an international organization that provides medication abortion services.

In addition, attorney Suma Nair was elected vice president of the ACLU of Massachusetts Board of Directors and attorney Hannah Kilson will serve as chair-elect of the ACLU Foundation of Massachusetts.

“At this dangerous moment in our nation’s history, we need all hands on deck as we fight to preserve our rights, expand our freedoms, and build a democracy that truly works for everyone,” said Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts. “I’m delighted to welcome our new board leaders and members, who bring fresh perspectives and a deep commitment to justice. They join a stellar slate of veteran board members who have helped guide the ACLU of Massachusetts as we take the fight to the courts, the legislature, and communities across the Commonwealth.”

The new board leaders shared these statements:

Lael Chester, chair of the ACLU Foundation of Massachusetts Board:

“Threats to our civil rights and liberties are at an all-time high, making the mission of the ACLU of Massachusetts more important than ever. And there are many indications that it could get worse. Fortunately, this organization has a remarkably talented and hard-working staff, engaged supporters, and wise and dedicated board members — such a reassuring bulwark during these scary times.”

Madeleine Rodriguez, president of the ACLU of Massachusetts Board:

“The ACLU is a national leader in protecting the rights and dignity of all people. I am honored to serve with my fellow directors and support the staff, volunteers, and advocates who do this essential work. The defense of civil liberties is not simply an aspiration — it is a responsibility we owe one another and future generations.”