DSG | Koya partnered with the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN) on its search for its next Executive Director.

The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. (PLAN) is a statewide consortium dedicated to ensuring equal access to justice for low-income Pennsylvanians. Since 1973, PLAN has strategically led and coordinated the efforts of eight independent regional legal aid programs and six specialized legal aid programs, making the delivery of free legal services possible across the state. PLAN’s vision is to create a society where every low-income individual and family in Pennsylvania can access comprehensive civil legal services and remedies, supporting a coordinated legal aid delivery system that addresses critical issues such as food, shelter, employment, healthcare, and family safety.

The search resulted in the appointment of Meredith Rapkin as the new Executive Director.

Rapkin is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience in legal aid organizations. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, where she led the organization in compliance, fundraising, financial management, program planning, and strategic visioning. Throughout her career, Rapkin has been committed to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, particularly low-wage and immigrant workers.

Before joining the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, Rapkin was the Executive Director of Justice at Work Pennsylvania, a member organization of the PLAN network. During her 12-year tenure, she successfully expanded the organization’s services, positioning it as a leader in providing legal aid to low-wage and immigrant workers across the state. Under her leadership, the organization’s budget grew from $600,000 to $2.2 million, driven by a strategic rebranding effort that enhanced its impact and visibility.

A recognized leader in the legal aid community, Rapkin has cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders across the PLAN network. Her expertise and passion for supporting marginalized communities have been central to her success, and she brings this dedication to PLAN as it continues its mission to promote a compassionate, client-centered approach to legal aid services.

Rapkin earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Temple University.

Read the Announcement: Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network Names New Executive Director, Meredith Rapkin