Centro Legal: Announces new Executive Director Nicole Renouard

We are pleased to announce that Nicole Renouard has joined Centro Legal as the new Executive Director, effective this month. Nicole succeeds Heather Ramirez and will be responsible for the leadership and operation of Centro Legal throughout the Milwaukee area.

“I am thrilled to join Centro Legal and honored to lead an organization with such an important mission, solid reputation and strong partner relationships. The legal system can be challenging and difficult for anyone, but it is even more daunting for people who are unfamiliar with the legal process and who have limited resources. While we focus primarily on resolving legal issues, our clients benefit in many ways beyond just the resolution of those issues. This creates a unique opportunity to truly make an impact in the lives of those we serve. I am excited for this new challenge and hope to strengthen our role in the community in the years ahead.”

Board Chair Nadelle Grossman, Associate Professor of Law at Marquette University Law School, believes that Nicole brings an excellent combination of skills and commitment to the position and the organization. “I am delighted to welcome Nicole as the new executive director of Centro Legal. Her wealth of experience and demonstrated leadership will greatly benefit Centro Legal in its mission to serve vulnerable populations in Milwaukee who would not otherwise have legal access or assistance in resolving issues. Nicole’s passion and commitment is evident in her work, and she will be an excellent leader to move our organization forward.”

Most recently, Nicole worked as an attorney with Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C., which recently combined with Husch Blackwell LLP. During her 16 years with Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, Nicole led several firm initiatives, most recently the women’s affinity group, and participated in various recruiting and associate development efforts. Nicole is an active community volunteer. She has served on a number of committees and on the Board of the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties and on committees of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and St. Monica’s School. She also served as the president of the University of Notre Dame Alumni Club of Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Chapter of the Licensing Executive Society.

Since 1991, Centro Legal has provided legal assistance and access to Milwaukee low-income individuals and families facing a crisis. In serving over 2,000 individuals each year, the agency assists its clients in navigating the legal system, especially during times of crisis. Ultimately, by resolving the legal issue or crisis, the agency helps its clients in achieving their goals of safety, financial independence and stability.