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Ayuda appoints Jean Bruggeman, Esq. Interim Executive Director

The Board of Directors of Ayuda is pleased to announce that on December 6, 2010, Jean Bruggeman, Esq., took up the post of Interim Executive Director of Ayuda.  She took over from Rocio Watson, the organization’s Executive Director, who recently resigned.  While Rocio remains committed to Ayuda’s mission, her priorities will be focused on raising her new family.  Ayuda’s staff and Board of Directors wish Rocio and her family the best. 

Jean has ten years of experience developing and directing legal and social services programs for immigrants.  For the past three years, Jean has ably served as Director of Ayuda’s Community Legal Interpreter Bank, and she also served as an attorney at Ayuda in her first two years after law school, representing domestic violence clients in their immigration cases.  Jean holds a BA from Bryn Mawr College and a JD from Georgetown University Law Center.  She is licensed in the state of Maryland and in the District.

Karen Hanson, the recently elected Chair of Ayuda’s Board of Directors said, "We are delighted that Jean agreed to take on this role, and we're confident in her ability to lead the organization during this time of transition. The Board looks forward to working with Jean to ensure that Ayuda sustains its position as a critical provider of legal services to the immigrant community, and to ensure that we are well positioned to face future challenges and opportunities.”  Jean Bruggeman stated, "I am very pleased to have the opportunity to lead such a dynamic organization. I look forward to working with both the staff and Board to ensure Ayuda can make the most of recent accomplishments and continue the work for which we are so highly regarded in the Washington DC community."