California Lawyers Association Announces Departure of Oyango A. Snell, Esq. and Appoints Sheila Johnston to Serve as Interim Executive Director

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (September 28, 2023): Today, the California Lawyers Association (CLA) announced the departure of Oyango A. Snell, Esq., after nearly two years as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director. Effective October 2, 2023, Sheila Johnston will serve as interim CEO/ED until the Board of Representatives identifies a permanent replacement. Snell joined CLA in December 2021 and led both the association and its charitable arm, the California Lawyers Foundation (CLF).

“A heartfelt thank you to Oyango for his service and I truly wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said Jeremy M. Evans, who served as President of CLA during Snell’s tenure. “I wish Oyango well as he continues his leadership of other organizations in the future,” added Sabrina Green, who served as Chair of the CLA Board of Representatives this past year and will serve as Vice President in the year ahead.

Snell led the execution and implementation of CLA’s Strategic Plan, Antitrust Policy, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy. 

“I am truly proud of the team that we put together and for the CLA Board of Representatives for believing in me as the leader of a wonderful and thriving organization,” said Snell. “When it comes to my career, my primary professional goal is to leave an organization in much better shape than I found it, and I believe that I have completed that goal at CLA with unwavering certainty that the team I hand selected and fostered will continue the legacy we have built together.”

The Board of Representatives will begin recruitment efforts to fill the permanent position of Executive Director immediately.  Interested candidates can send their resumes to Joanne Kenison, HR Manager at joanne.kenison@calawyers.org.  

About California Lawyers Association

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com