WORCESTER—Community Legal Aid (CLA), a nonprofit providing free legal services to over 8,000 low-income and elderly residents annually across Central and Western Massachusetts, has announced the appointment of Attorney Kristen Williams as chief operating officer (COO).
In her new role, Williams oversees day-to-day administrative and operational functions, working with legal managers across CLA’s six offices in Fitchburg, Worcester, Northampton, Springfield, Greenfield, and Pittsfield. Her responsibilities include supervising staff, providing resources to legal teams, and enhancing operations and systems to ensure the organization continues to deliver high-quality legal services.
Williams joined CLA in 2014 as an AmeriCorps member assisting tenants in eviction cases. She later became a staff attorney representing clients in public benefits cases, including Social Security and unemployment claims. She is also an active leader in CLA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, which she co-chairs, and has contributed to the organization’s Technology Team.
With CLA expanding to meet a surge in demand for services since the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization now employs approximately 185 staff members across its five-county service area. Executive Director Jonathan Mannina expressed his enthusiasm for Williams’ promotion in a press release.
“We are excited to welcome Kristen as Chief Operating Officer,” said Mannina. “Kristen is a dynamic leader and supervisor who is passionate about our mission and committed to ensuring that our operations are aligned with the goal of providing the best services possible to our clients.”
Originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Williams attended Williams College and Boston College Law School.
