Leadership Transition Update
From Rachel Lyons, Executive Director at Chicago Appleseed:
To the Chicago Appleseed community,
I am leaving my position as executive director as of November 3, 2026. Even though I have been with the organization for less than a year, I am proud of our work together and the incredible people I am surrounded by, including each of you – whether you are a staff member, board member, volunteer, or donor. I am choosing to leave at this time because my wife and I are moving to South Dakota in order to care for my mother, Diane. Several of you have shared kind words and personal experiences of caring for aging parents, and I am sincerely grateful for these moments of connection.
Chicago Appleseed founder and former executive director Malcolm Rich will be the interim executive director going forward. Alongside the Board of Directors, he will continue to ensure Chicago Appleseed’s impact through research and advocacy within the program committees and the Future Justice Lawyers of Chicago program. You can contact him at malcolmrich@chicagoappleseed.org.
Thank you for supporting Chicago Appleseed and impacting the lives of people who show up to court every day – people who are just trying to stay housed, keep their families together, or resolve disputes. Your support helps ensure access to justice for all community members.
With gratitude,
Rachel Lyons
Executive Director
Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts