Kalpana Yalamanchili Appointed as Chair of Ohio Legal Rights Service Commission

COLUMBUS, MAY 21, 2008 - Kalpana Yalamanchili, Esq. has been appointed by Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer to serve as the Chair of the Ohio Legal Rights Service Commission (OLRSC). The seven-member OLRSC is the governing authority of OLRS, an independent state agency and the federally and state designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system and Client Assistance Program for people with disabilities in the State of Ohio.

Yalamanchili, currently an OLRSC Commissioner, succeeds two-term OLRSC Chair William Crum. "The appointment provides a smooth transition, as the new Chair is well versed in the abilities and mission of the Legal Rights Service agency," stated Crum. "Ms. Yalamanchili is in the position of starting without a learning curve, which means for Ohio that the Commission will be more adaptable, efficient, and effective."

Yalamanchili is the Director of Bar Services at the Ohio State Bar Association. Previously, she served as the Statewide Attorney for the Ohio State Legal Services Association. Yalamanchili received her Juris Doctorate from Ohio Northern University College of Law and is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo. She lives in Hilliard.

"Ms. Yalamanchili's legal and policy experience and her dedication to Ohioans with disabilities is proven. She has been an active and engaged commissioner, drafting the current set of Commission bylaws and taking an active role on both the Grievance and Personnel Committees. As Chair, she is sure to provide OLRS meaningful guidance in fulfilling its mission to protect and advocate the human, civil and legal rights of people with disabilities," said Michael Kirkman, Executive Director of OLRS.

Kirkman also acknowledged the contributions of departing Chair Crum. "OLRS and those we serve have benefited from his legacy of leadership, innovative ideas, and unwavering belief in the dignity and value of every individual who has a disability."

Yalamanchili's appointment begins from May 1, 2008 and ends April 30, 2011.

For more information

OLRS contact: Thomas Hemmert at 614-466-7264 or themmert@olrs.state.oh.us

OLRS press release: Kalpana Yalamanchili Appointed as Chair of Ohio Legal Rights Service Commission (PDF file)

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