Leadership

Jacquelynne Bowman Begins Tenure as New Executive Director

August 1, 2011: Jacquelynne Bowman has succeeded Bob Sable as GBLS' Executive Director, the result of a six-month national search.  Mr. Sable retired after 20 years of service at the end of July.

Ms. Bowman had held the position of Deputy Director since June 2000 following three years as an Associate Director. She served as Acting Executive Director during Mr. Sable's seven-month medical leave in 2009-2010.

Upon accepting the position of Executive Director, Ms. Bowman stated:

"I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to lead GBLS to its next level of achievement. It is a premier organization with outstanding and committed advocates, and that it is, is a real tribute to Bob Sable, who has been an excellent tutor, leader and mentor. It is a great honor to be able to follow him, although a bit daunting as he has set the bar fairly high!"

After law school, Ms. Bowman became a staff attorney at West Tennessee Legal Services representing clients with education and family law matters. In 1984, she joined GBLS, serving as Family Law Unit Managing Attorney from 1987 to 1991. After a stint at Massachusetts Law Reform Institute doing policy work about family and juvenile issues, she returned to GBLS in 1997 as an Associate Director. In that position she was primarily responsible for overseeing the organization's professional development and evaluation systems and worked with law unit managers on strategic plans for the units' advocacy work. Because of her leadership skills, in 2000 Ms. Bowman was offered the Deputy Director position. She has been a key player on the senior management team, overseeing program operations and assisting in setting and defining the strategic direction of the organization.

Ms. Bowman continued to do policy work on domestic violence and child welfare issues and still represented some clients. She serves on numerous local and national task forces and commissions, including the Supreme Judicial Court's Access to Justice Commission.

When Jacquelynne Bowman was chosen to succeed him, Bob Sable stated:

"I could not be more pleased that the Board has chosen Jacqui Bowman to be the new Executive Director. I have worked with Jacqui in different capacities for 20 years. She has committed her career to legal services for the poor. Jacqui is a nationally-recognized expert in domestic violence law. She is a great manager and a passionate spokesperson for the rights of the poor. There is no one better qualified to become the new leader of GBLS and to move the organization to achieve even greater advances for our clients."