Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Announces Venu Gupta as Permanent Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2026
CONTACT:
Zindy Marquez
312.202.3657 (office)
zmarquez@clccrul.org
Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Announces Venu Gupta as Permanent Executive Director
CHICAGO, IL – Today, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights announces that Venu Gupta, who has served as Interim Executive Director since August 2025, will assume the role of permanent Executive Director, effective January 28, 2026.
Since stepping into the interim role, Gupta has provided strong and steady leadership to Chicago Lawyers’ Committee during a critical time for civil rights in our country and a transitionary period for the organization. Gupta has already strengthened relationships with stakeholders and set plans in motion to leverage this moment in our history to grow the impact of our organization and protect democracy in the Midwest.
“It is an honor to continue serving Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and to build on the work we have advanced together over the past several months,” said Gupta. “At a time when the rule of law, civil rights, and democracy in the United States are all at grave risk, our mission – to secure economic and racial justice – is at the heart of, not just restoring what America had, but building something better. I look forward to working alongside our staff, board, law firm members, pro bono attorneys, and community partners to fight for a multiracial, equitable democracy.”
Gupta brings more than 20 years of experience to this role, which includes: nonprofit leadership, racial justice advocacy, resource mobilization, community engagement, executive coaching, and author. Prior to joining Chicago Lawyers’ Committee, Gupta served in leadership roles at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms, Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, and Solidarity Futures.
Under Gupta’s leadership, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee will advance and grow its core areas of work including protecting and expanding voting rights in the Midwest, defending and fighting for an equitable public education, expanding housing and economic justice, and continuing to challenge the systems that perpetuate racial discrimination.
“Venu has demonstrated strong leadership, clarity of vision, and a deep commitment to our mission during her time as Interim Executive Director,” said José Behar, Board President of Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights. “The Board is thrilled to have Venu at the helm at such an important time in our country and we are confident her appointment will ensure stability and deeper impact for our organization when it’s needed most.”
Gupta’s appointment ensures continuity and long-term leadership at a crucial time for civil rights and racial equity work. Building on her time as Interim Executive Director, she will guide Chicago Lawyers’ Committee’s next chapter while strengthening its role as a leading civil rights organization in the Midwest.
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Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights is a non-partisan, non-profit group of civil rights lawyers and advocates working to secure racial equity and economic opportunity for all. We provide legal representation through partnerships with the private bar, and we collaborate with grassroots organizations and other advocacy groups to implement community-based solutions that advance civil rights. For more information, visit www.clccrul.org or call (312) 630-9744.