"Jennifer will help the Foundation meet new challenges ahead and sustain its leadership role in access to justice in Michigan," said Margaret Nichols, chairperson of the MSBF Executive Director Search Committee.
Bentley joins the MSBF after serving for 20 years as a staff attorney and manager in several legal aid programs, most recently as Chief Development Officer for statewide nonprofit Michigan Advocacy Program, the umbrella organization for Legal Services of South Central Michigan, Farmworker Legal Services and several statewide advocacy programs including the Michigan Poverty Law Program, the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, Michigan Elder Justice Initiative and Michigan Law Help. Her work has included a wide range of administrative duties, program development, policy planning and service delivery innovations. She earned her JD from Indiana University School of Law, her Certificate in fundraising management from Indiana University Center on Philanthropy and her BA from Aquinas College.
Bentley will start her new role Jan. 30, and will replace Linda Rexer, who will retire Jan. 6 from the MSBF eafter serving for 30 years as its executive director. The MSBF provides leadership and funding to advance access to justice for the poor and improve the administration of justice in Michigan. For more information about the MSBF, visit www.msbf.org.