FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cailan Franz, Development and Communications Director
402.898.1349 (office) cailan@immigrantlc.org
Immigrant Legal Center Welcomes New Executive Director Erik Omar
March 25, 2020 – Immigrant Legal Center, an affiliate of the Justice For Our Neighbors Network, whose mission is to welcome immigrants into our communities by providing high-quality legal services, education, and advocacy, welcomed Erik Omar as its new Executive Director on March 16.
An attorney with a deep breadth of experience, Omar previously served as a senior manager in Union Pacific’s Real Estate department. A passionate advocate for immigrant communities, Omar recently served as Board Chair of the Refugee Empowerment Center, where he has been an active volunteer since 2013. Through his work, he has built deep relationships with various community partners, understanding the unique and special characteristics of the Omaha landscape, particularly as it relates to the immigrant community.
“Erik has a passion for immigrant advocacy and justice, and brings a wealth of expertise in building community relationships,” said Mary Umberger, chair of Immigrant Legal Center’s board of directors. “We are excited to bring him on board, and we know he is the right person to lead Immigrant Legal Center as we continue to grow as an organization. On behalf of the board of directors, I would also like to thank Jim Clements, Immigrant Legal Center’s general counsel for serving as our interim executive director and for his leadership during this transition.”
Founded in 1999 as Justice For Our Neighbors-Nebraska, Immigrant Legal Center has seen significant growth in recent years. In January 2018, the organization rebranded as Immigrant Legal Center, and extended its legal services throughout the state of Nebraska and southwest Iowa. The name and brand change is reflective of a significant expansion in the organization’s operations, as well as its ability to affect change on a national level.
ABOUT IMMIGRANT LEGAL CENTER
Formerly Justice For Our Neighbors-Nebraska (JFON-NE), Immigrant Legal Center was founded in 1999 by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Immigrant Legal Center is a nonprofit law firm providing high-quality legal services, education, and advocacy to immigrants in our communities. We remain a proud affiliate of the Justice For Our Neighbors Network of 16 sites offering more than 40 legal clinics across the country. Immigrant Legal Center has grown from a small team of four to 45 staff members with programs focused on Child and Family, Domestic Violence, Immigrant-focused Medical Legal Partnership, and more. Our team of dedicated attorneys and staff serve immigrants throughout Nebraska and southwest Iowa, with offices in Omaha, Columbus, Council Bluffs, Crete, Grand Island, Lexington, Nebraska City, Scottsbluff, and South Sioux City.
###