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By: Shannon Augustus

Celina Stewart Named Next CEO of the League of Women Voters of the United States

Press Release / Last Updated:

WASHINGTON – The League of Women Voters of the United States is pleased to announce Celina Stewart as the next Chief Executive Officer. Stewart has served as the organization’s Chief Counsel and Senior Director of Advocacy and Litigation since 2018 and is poised to lead the 104-year-old voting rights organization into a new phase of growth and transformation. 

“Over several months, our national search reached over 400 potential candidates, but at the end of the process, one particular candidate stood out above the rest,” said Sania Irwin, outgoing LWVUS president who led the executive search, “With proven strategic vision and leadership, and credibility to lead the League through our transformation, it is my great honor to announce our next CEO of the League of Women Voters of the United States, Celina Stewart!”

The announcement was made on Saturday, June 29, at the League’s 56th Biennial National Convention in Washington, DC. 1,279 attendees from all 50 states, DC, and the Virgin Islands heard Stewart speak about her vision for the League’s future, which starts with reaching as many voters as possible for the 2024 election.

“I am honored to serve as the next CEO for the League of Women Voters to further our unwavering commitment to voting rights,” said Celina Stewart. “With Leagues in nearly every congressional district across the country, we are uniquely positioned to serve communities with nonpartisan, accurate voting information for the 2024 election. As the nation faces unprecedented challenges in legislatures and courts, I stand ready to lead the organization to confront these challenges head-on while centering the communities who need us most.”

As the lead lobbyist and liaison with Congress and the Administration, Stewart has increased the League’s profile on the Hill and across legal communities nationwide.

“Celina is a born leader and proven problem solver, and I am thrilled to work with her as our next CEO,” said Dianna Wynn, newly elected League president for 2024 – 2026. “Celina’s dedication to the League combined with her strategic vision and leadership will be invaluable as the League continues our mission to empower voters and defend democracy in 2024 and well into the future.”

When Stewart starts as CEO on August 5, she intends to focus on a culture blueprint to foster alignment across the national office and the 750 state and local Leagues while spearheading equity-centered transformation for the League through a growth plan for membership and financial resources.

BoardWalk Consulting was hired to lead the search for the next CEO. In partnership with the executive search committee of LWVUS Board members, BoardWalk interviewed staff and League members for input on the best candidate. The final selection of Celina Stewart as the next CEO was unanimous by the LWVUS Board of Directors.

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