Charlotte legal advocacy group CEO known for activism fired after two years
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy has fired its CEO after he led the group for two years.
The last day as CEO was Friday for Toussaint Romain, who rose to prominence in 2016 during mass protests in Charlotte over the police killing of Charlotte’s 2016 Keith Lamont Scott.
“After careful consideration and an evaluation of our strategic goals, we are making this leadership change to better position ourselves for continued growth and success,” the center said in a news release to The Charlotte Observer Tuesday. “We believe this change will not only strengthen our organization but also create new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.”
Center officials did not elaborate on why Romain was no longer a fit for the group, a nonprofit law firm and advocacy organization.
Romain did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
Kara Fisher Moskowitz has been named interim CEO. Moskowitz has been with the group for 14 years and also is chief legal officer and director of the consumer protection program.
Moskowitz has been an attorney in public interest law firms since 1989.
A 990 tax form for fiscal year 2023 indicates the nonprofit’s finances and executive pay is not available yet. Romain replaced Kenneth Schorr who’s compensation was nearly $165,000, according to the group’s 2021 tax form. That year’s revenue was nearly $8 million, up from $6.5 million in 2020.
About Toussaint Romain
Romain joined the organization in mid-May 2022, after previously serving as deputy general counsel for Appalachian State University and working a decade as assistant public defender in Mecklenburg County.
“I have been offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy to fight for access to justice and utilize our legal system as a tool for economic opportunity and upward mobility for all,” Romain said at the time
Romain’s profile increased immensely after he walked alongside protesters during the Scott protests in 2016, a catalyst for driving the conversations about economic inequality, affordable housing and upward mobility.
In 2018, Romain lost the Democratic primary for Mecklenburg County district attorney to Spencer Merriweather.
About Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy
The nonprofit was founded in 1967 and is funded by grants and donations. It’s the largest provider of legal assistance in Mecklenburg County “improving access to healthcare for low-income and vulnerable populations” serving 5,000 people each year, according to its website.
The center moved to 5535 Albemarle Road in 2022.
The organization can provide those in need with information, advice and advocacy in consumer protection, home preservation, health care access and public benefits, immigration and tax assistance.
“Our focus remains on ensuring access to justice for all and fostering a workplace culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and growth,” Advocacy Center Board Chair Gwendolyn Lewis said in a statement.
