From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — The Southern Poverty Law Center has announced the appointment of a new CEO of the Alabama-based organization.
See Related: Southern Poverty Law Center terminates co-founder Morris Dees
According to a statement from the SPLC, board member Karen Baynes-Dunning has been named to the position of interim president and CEO effective immediately. Baynes-Dunning has served on the SPLC Board of Directors since October 2017. She will hold the position while the SPLC begins a search for a permanent leader. She succeeds Richard Cohen, who served as president and CEO since 2003.
“It is an honor to be able to serve and help guide this vital institution in a time of needed growth and change,” said Baynes-Dunning. “As we look inward to build a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace, our determination in fighting for justice and equality in this country and the communities we serve will not waver. The SPLC will always be a leader in tackling systemic and institutional racism and discrimination, combatting hate and extremism, and promoting anti-bias in our public schools. I am eager to serve and work closely with all staff as the Board begins a rigorous and transparent process for identifying the best possible candidate for long term leadership.”
According to the SPLC, Baynes- Dunning earned her B.A. in Politics from Wake Forest University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley School of Law. She is married to retired Albany State University President Arthur Dunning, and together they have four sons and one grandson.
This announcement comes less than a month after Cohen, the outgoing president, fired SPLC co-founder Morris Dees. Baynes-Dunning will not be filling the position vacated by Dees.
