Vince Hall Takes the Helm as New CEO of California CASA to Champion Children's Rights

California CASA Welcomes Vince Hall as New CEO

The California Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association is embarking on a new chapter with the appointment of Vince Hall as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This change comes after Sharon M. Lawrence, the previous CEO, retired after seven impactful years at the helm. Vince's extensive background in nonprofit and government work positions him well to lead the organization in enhancing the lives of children involved in foster care and juvenile justice systems.

With over 25 years of experience focused on advocating for children's rights, Vince Hall has built a reputation as a staunch supporter of the vulnerable. Most recently, he served as the Chief Government Relations Officer for Feeding America in Washington, D.C., where he represented the interests of millions facing poverty and hunger. His commitment to children's welfare aligns well with CASA's mission to empower youth who have experienced the foster care system.

In sharing his vision for the future, Hall expressed, "I am honored to serve as the new CEO of California CASA. Our mission to ensure that children in the foster care and juvenile justice systems have a voice and the necessary services to thrive reflects the values that have guided my work for decades. I am motivated by the opportunity to strengthen a network that provides hope and stability for these young people."

The selection of Hall was made after a thorough national search led by the California CASA board, chaired by Marie Kennedy. Kennedy stated, "After a meticulous selection process, it was clear that Vince was the right leader to continue building on the strong foundation established by California CASA. His unique experience at the intersection of nonprofits and government offers a fresh perspective that will benefit our local programs and the children we serve."

California CASA operates a network of 44 local programs across the state and made significant impacts in 2024, serving over 19,500 children. The organization not only supported nearly 11,000 youth in foster care but also engaged thousands of volunteers, staff, and board members, illustrating the breadth of its influence in the community.

As Vince Hall steps into his role, he will oversee efforts to expand the CASA network further, ensuring even more children are paired with CASA volunteers. These advocates play a crucial role in representing children's needs and rights in court, bringing them a much-needed sense of stability during turbulent times.

California CASA, established in 1987, addresses the growing need for trained volunteers to advocate for children navigating complex systems. As a private 501(c)(3) organization, it offers training, resources, and legislative advocacy aimed at improving the welfare of children in foster care and juvenile justice.

Hall's leadership is set to enhance not only the organization's infrastructure but also its public awareness campaigns. By emphasizing the critical need for CASA volunteers and championing relevant legislation, he hopes to ensure that even more children receive the advocacy and support they deserve.

In this new era for California CASA, Hall is ready to face the challenges ahead while fostering a culture of empowerment for children across California. For further information on California CASA and its initiatives, visit www.californiacasa.org.