FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Boston, MA, February 7, 2025 – The Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice Board of Directors unanimously voted to appoint John Shutkin as Chair at its Board meeting on January 28, 2025. He succeeds Melanie Todman, Senior Legal Counsel at Massachusetts General Brigham, who served as Board Chair since 2019 and who will remain on the Board.
Additionally, the Board unanimously elected Wesley Gee, Partner at ArentFox Schiff LLP, as the new Vice Chair, succeeding Mr. Shutkin who served as Board Vice Chair since 2019.
“It has been an honor to serve as Chair of the Board over the past several years, and I thank my fellow Board members for their collaboration and trust,” said Ms. Todman. “I join the rest of the Board in congratulating John, who has a strong commitment to moving Massachusetts Appleseed’s mission and projects forward, as well as Wes, the Board’s new Vice Chair. I am confident that, under their leadership, Appleseed will continue to address the systemic barriers that keep equal opportunity out of reach for so many in our state.”
John Shutkin, CliftonLarsonAllen (retired)
John. Shutkin has extensive legal experience including serving as the General Counsel of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, KPMG International, and the law firm of Shearman & Sterling LLP. Throughout his career, he has devoted his time to working for equal justice and educational excellence, especially for communities in need, serving on the boards of the Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund, the Partnership for After School Education (PASE), the Bank Street College of Education, and the National Center for Law and Economic Justice. Mr. Shutkin is a committed member of the Appleseed Network and previously served on the Board of Massachusetts Appleseed’s sister center, Connecticut Appleseed, and currently serves as an Affiliate Member on the National Appleseed Foundation’s Board.
“I want to extend my deepest thanks to Melanie Todman for her tireless work as Chair before me, and to the Board of Directors for their confidence in me to serve in this new role,” said Mr. Shutkin. “Appleseed’s work to break down systemic barriers affecting our most vulnerable residents is more important than ever, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board and Marcy and Appleseed’s amazing and dedicated staff to continue moving Appleseed’s vital mission and projects forward.”
Wesley Gee, Partner at ArentFox Schiff LLP
Wesley Gee is a Partner in ArentFox Schiff’s Boston Office and his practice focuses on advising clients on corporate and commercial matters across a wide range of industries, including sports and entertainment, fashion, consumer products, and healthcare. A dedicated member of ArentFox’s Pro Bono Committee, Mr. Gee has guided multiple nonprofit organizations through the formation and tax-exempt status processes and routinely advises these organizations on a wide array of legal issues. In his time on the Board of Directors, Mr. Gee has generously supported the organization’s work, being involved on the Finance Committee and now as Vice Chair, will also chair the Governance Committee.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to work alongside John, the Board, Marcy, and Appleseed’s staff to advance Appleseed’s vital mission and projects as Vice Chair,” said Mr. Gee. “I also want to thank my fellow Board members for their trust in me and express my deep gratitude to Melanie Todman for her years of leadership and wisdom. I will carry forward the lessons learned as we look toward the future.”
Massachusetts Appleseed is thrilled to have Mr. Shutkin and Mr. Gee at the helm, along with Interim Executive Director Marcy Goldstein-Gelb, as the organization charts its path forward.
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About Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice
MA Appleseed is driven by a mission to promote equal rights and opportunities for Massachusetts residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues. Through policy analysis and research, coalition building, education and training, community organizing, and advocacy, the nonprofit seeks systems-level change so all Massachusetts families and youth can exercise their legal rights, build pathways out of poverty and crisis, and thrive. Responding to emerging and enduring inequities, MA Appleseed addresses an array of complex issues including self-representation in the civil justice system, language access for immigrant families, the school-to-prison pipeline, and youth homelessness. To explore recent research, find resources, sign up for opportunities to take action, or donate, please visit massappleseed.org.
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