(Denver, CO)///NEWS ADVISORY///The Board of Directors of the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center is pleased to announce Betsy Fordyce as its new Executive Director, effective immediately. A long-time advocate at the organization, Betsy has been serving in the interim Executive Director role since August 1, 2019.
In making the announcement, Jim Markus, Chair of the Board of the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center, shared, “We unanimously selected Betsy to lead the organization into the future. Her experience, talent, passion, and leadership qualities are second to none when it comes to advocating for children, youth, and families in Colorado.”
Initially joining the Children’s Law Center in 2008, Betsy has spent her legal career advocating on behalf of youth in the child welfare, juvenile justice, and homelessness arenas. She has represented children as a guardian ad litem in dependency & neglect and delinquency cases, as well as pushed for large-scale system change through legislative reform, training, and appellate advocacy. Betsy initially began her legal career as a law clerk for Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey of the Colorado Supreme Court. She later served as a staff attorney managing the national training program at the National Association of Counsel for Children, before returning to the Children’s Law Center in 2016 as the Director of the Youth Empowerment and Legal Advocacy Program.
Betsy continues to teach as an adjunct professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and is also a trainer with both the Colorado Child Welfare Training System and the National Association of Counsel for Children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Juris Doctor degree from Villanova University School of Law. During the 2018-2019 academic year, Betsy served as a Wasserstein Public Interest Fellow with Harvard Law School. She was also recently recognized by the Villanova Law Alumni Association with its Award for Public Service.
“It has been my greatest honor to advocate for children, youth, and families most in need,” Betsy said. “I have a deep respect for the mission of the Children’s Law Center, and am committed to leading our staff and collaborating with our community partners to ensure that all young people in our state have what they need to reach their full potential.”
ABOUT:
Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center
Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center (RMCLC) is a Denver-based nonprofit organization that advocates for children and youth, drives systemic reform, and boldly challenges the status quo so that every young person who has experienced trauma or instability has the opportunity to thrive. In its 38-year history, RMCLC has served more than 26,000 children.
Media Advisory For
January 15, 2020
For more information, contact:
Betsy Fordyce, Executive Director
Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center
(303) 692-1165 or OSbeqlpr@puvyqynjpragre.bet