- Press Release
Executive Director Benjamin Johnson to Take Helm at the American Immigration Lawyers Association
October 30, 2015
Washington D.C. - It is with a mixture of sadness and excitement that the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees of the American Immigration Council (Council) announce the departure of Executive Director Benjamin (Ben) Johnson. Ben will become the Executive Director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) in 2016.
Ben has been part of the Council for thirteen years, serving as the Executive Director for the past eight. Ben was integral to the launch and growth of the Council’s Immigration Policy Center and served as its first director from 2003-2007. As Executive Director, Ben has grown the capacity, impact and reputation of the Council’s four core programs: law, policy, education, and exchange.
“Ben’s inclusive approach has brought more people to the immigration reform table and through his work at the Council, has expanded the public’s understanding of the enduring benefits of immigration," said Lori Chesser, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “We are confident the Council will continue to build on this legacy.”
"Ben has been a trusted friend and colleague for over 10 years,” said Paul Zulkie, President of the Board of Directors. “He leaves behind incredibly strong programs and a supremely talented and dedicated staff. We will miss him very much but look forward to expanding the Council’s partnership with AILA."
AILA formed the Council 27 years ago as its non-profit partner tasked with holding the government accountable and reforming the law through impact litigation, legal and policy analysis, and research and advocacy. In addition, through its education and exchange work, the Council has educated current and future generations about the contributions of immigrants and the important role that immigration plays in our country. Ben’s deep commitment to and experience within both AILA and the Council will undoubtedly benefit both organizations.
Ben will remain in his current role until January 11, finalizing the Council’s annual plan for 2016, before stepping down. The Council’s experienced staff will carry the work of the organization forward until a new Executive Director is chosen. The Council will undertake a formal search process for Executive Director in the very near future.
Ben has been part of the Council for thirteen years, serving as the Executive Director for the past eight. Ben was integral to the launch and growth of the Council’s Immigration Policy Center and served as its first director from 2003-2007. As Executive Director, Ben has grown the capacity, impact and reputation of the Council’s four core programs: law, policy, education, and exchange.
“Ben’s inclusive approach has brought more people to the immigration reform table and through his work at the Council, has expanded the public’s understanding of the enduring benefits of immigration," said Lori Chesser, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “We are confident the Council will continue to build on this legacy.”
"Ben has been a trusted friend and colleague for over 10 years,” said Paul Zulkie, President of the Board of Directors. “He leaves behind incredibly strong programs and a supremely talented and dedicated staff. We will miss him very much but look forward to expanding the Council’s partnership with AILA."
AILA formed the Council 27 years ago as its non-profit partner tasked with holding the government accountable and reforming the law through impact litigation, legal and policy analysis, and research and advocacy. In addition, through its education and exchange work, the Council has educated current and future generations about the contributions of immigrants and the important role that immigration plays in our country. Ben’s deep commitment to and experience within both AILA and the Council will undoubtedly benefit both organizations.
Ben will remain in his current role until January 11, finalizing the Council’s annual plan for 2016, before stepping down. The Council’s experienced staff will carry the work of the organization forward until a new Executive Director is chosen. The Council will undertake a formal search process for Executive Director in the very near future.
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For more information, contact Wendy Feliz at [email protected] or 202-507-7524