Yolanda Bennett to serve as RA chair

Congratulations to Yolanda M. Bennett, who will serve as the 2023–2024 chair of the Representative Assembly.

Bennett was sworn in by Hon. Cynthia D. Stephens during the Representative Assembly meeting September 21, 2023, and will serve a one-year term as chair. Bennett has been a member of the Representative Assembly, the State Bar of Michigan’s final policy-making body, since 2020 and was the first chair of the RA’s Diversity Committee. She says she plans to continue working toward having a more diverse RA as chair, as well as increasing RA membership.

Joining Bennett on the RA leadership team are John W. Reiser, III, who will serve as vice chair, and Nicole A. Evans, who will serve as clerk.

Bennett serves as attorney advisor for the Social Security Administration and previously served as assistant city attorney in Lansing and as an associate attorney for the Lansing Board of Water & Light.

Bennett has volunteered in various capacities over the years including mentoring students, preparing taxes for low-income people, serving at expungement clinics, and helping with community events.

During its September meeting, the RA also presented awards to Hon. Melissa L. Pope, who received the Unsung Hero Award, and Sheldon Larky, who received the Michael Franck Award.

Posted: September 22, 2023