Since their establishment in 1909, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has never had an interim president, until now. On Saturday, national board of directors member, Lorraine C. Miller, was named interim president and CEO of the organization.
Miller’s background includes serving as the first African-American clerk and officer of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011. She’s worked for the likes of House Speakers Nancy Pelosi and Tom Foley as well as serve as the Washington, D.C. NAACP president prior.
“I am honored to have been selected for this venerable role,” Miller said in the prepared statement. “I look forward to continuing the path forged by Chairman Brock and President Jealous in the months ahead. These are important times, and the important work of the NAACP will go on.”
Following NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous’ announcement in September to step down on December 31, social media pushed for a female lead for the organization. She will begin her interim term on November 1.
“Lorraine is a natural fit as interim president of the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization,” Jealous said in a prepared statement. “She comes into this position with two decades of experience working for the U.S. House of Representatives and an even longer career in civil rights advocacy and policy. She will have the honor of leading the dynamic staff of this great organization.”
Visit The Root for more on her appointment and previous positions.