BOSTON — September 14, 2026 — The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), a preeminent force in the fight for economic justice and consumer rights, announced a significant shift in its institutional leadership today. The organization has appointed two nationally recognized legal authorities to its Board of Directors and ushered in a new chapter of governance with the election of Boston-based attorney Jonathan Kravetz as Board President.
This transition marks the end of an era for the NCLC, as the organization bids farewell to long-serving President Michael Ferry, who steered the board through two decades of unprecedented legal and financial challenges. As the nation grapples with evolving consumer finance landscapes, the infusion of new board talent—coupled with a seasoned hand at the helm—signals a strategic pivot toward strengthening the NCLC’s influence in regulatory and legislative spheres.
The Core Developments: A Strategic Expansion
The appointment of Jim Kowalski Jr. and Professor Patricia McCoy to the Board of Directors represents a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between frontline legal aid and high-level regulatory academia.
Jim Kowalski, the current President and CEO of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid in Florida, brings a practitioner’s perspective honed by years of consumer protection litigation. His career, marked by a commitment to the underserved, aligns seamlessly with the NCLC’s mission to protect low-income consumers from predatory practices.
Joining him is Patricia McCoy, the Liberty Mutual Insurance Professor at Boston College Law School. McCoy’s resume is a testament to her deep influence in consumer finance policy, having served as a founder of the Mortgage Markets group at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and as a consultant to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Together, these appointments reflect the NCLC’s goal of synthesizing grassroots legal aid with the sophisticated regulatory intelligence required to challenge modern systemic financial abuse.
Chronology: A Legacy of Service and Transition
The NCLC’s governance has historically been characterized by stability and long-term commitment. To understand the gravity of today’s announcement, one must look at the timeline of the organization’s leadership trajectory:
- 1990: Jonathan Kravetz begins his tenure on the NCLC Board of Directors, beginning a 36-year relationship with the organization.
- 1995: Michael Ferry joins the NCLC Board of Directors, marking the beginning of a transformative period for the center.
- 2005: Michael Ferry assumes the role of Board President, beginning a 21-year tenure that would span the Great Recession, the birth of the CFPB, and the digital transformation of consumer finance.
- 2026 (September 14): The organization formalizes the transition of power, with Kravetz succeeding Ferry, and the induction of Kowalski and McCoy to the board.
For over two decades, the NCLC under Ferry’s presidency navigated the complex legal terrain of the subprime mortgage crisis and the rise of fintech. His departure is not merely a change in personnel; it is the conclusion of a historical anchor for the organization.
Supporting Data and Profiles
The strength of the NCLC lies in the intellectual and practical capital of its leadership. The newly appointed board members and the incoming president bring a combined century of experience in law and public service.
Jonathan Kravetz: The Steady Hand
A retired partner at the prestigious Boston law firm Mintz, Kravetz has been a silent architect of the NCLC’s organizational stability for over three decades. His transition to President is viewed as a "continuity appointment," ensuring that the organization remains anchored in its core mission even as it expands its reach.
Jim Kowalski Jr.: The Practitioner
A graduate of the University of San Francisco School of Law and UC Berkeley, Kowalski’s career is defined by his work at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. His receipt of the UC Berkeley Haas Public Service Award underscores his dedication to the public interest. His expertise in private litigation combined with his current role in civil legal aid makes him an ideal candidate to bridge the NCLC’s litigation efforts with its advocacy work.
Patricia McCoy: The Policy Intellectual
McCoy’s transition from the corridors of the Treasury and the CFPB to the NCLC board is emblematic of the organization’s commitment to policy-level impact. With degrees from Oberlin and UC Berkeley Law, her work on subprime mortgages and banking regulation serves as a cornerstone for modern consumer protection discourse.
Official Responses and Reflections
The transition has prompted reflection from the organization’s executive leadership and the incoming and outgoing board members alike.
Richard Dubois, Executive Director of the NCLC, highlighted the emotional and professional weight of the transition. "NCLC is very fortunate to add these two nationally recognized consumer law experts to our Board of Directors," Dubois stated. "An NCLC partner for decades, Jim Kowalski brings deep experience in both legal aid and private litigation, as well as sound governance experience. Patricia McCoy’s academic and regulatory expertise add an additional layer of intellectual capital to NCLC’s board."
Regarding the departure of Michael Ferry, Dubois was effusive: "Mike Ferry has had an immeasurable impact on NCLC in his more than two decades as Board President. I will miss his steady guiding hand and his wisdom, but know that his leadership has put NCLC in a strong position for future success."
Jim Kowalski, in his acceptance, noted the cyclical nature of his career: "NCLC was an integral part of both my introduction to and continued development as a consumer protection attorney. Each one of the clients I’ve helped owes a debt to NCLC, as do I, and I welcome the opportunity to give back."
Patricia McCoy shared a similar sentiment, tracing her journey back to her roots. "I started my legal career at Legal Services in rural Kansas, serving low-income workers and two tribal reservations. Years later, NCLC’s treatises proved essential in helping me unknot the legal landscape of subprime mortgages. To join NCLC’s board is the deepest honor and signifies coming full circle."
Implications: The Road Ahead for Economic Justice
The implications of this board reshuffle are significant for the broader consumer advocacy landscape. By strengthening the board with individuals who possess high-level regulatory experience (McCoy) and robust legal aid experience (Kowalski), the NCLC is signaling an intent to be more aggressive in the courtroom and more influential in the halls of government.
The Shift in Focus
As consumer finance becomes increasingly digital—involving AI-driven underwriting, complex cryptocurrency-based lending, and data-mining practices—the NCLC will require the type of sophisticated regulatory oversight that Professor McCoy has pioneered. Simultaneously, the continued rise of debt collection and predatory payday lending necessitates the grassroots, case-by-case litigation expertise that Jim Kowalski has mastered.
Institutional Resilience
Under the presidency of Jonathan Kravetz, the NCLC appears positioned to maintain its reputation for institutional integrity. While the departure of Michael Ferry is a significant loss, the continuity provided by a 36-year board veteran like Kravetz ensures that the NCLC’s organizational culture—defined by its commitment to the public good—remains intact.
Advocacy in an Uncertain Economy
The economic climate remains volatile, with inflationary pressures disproportionately affecting the low-income populations the NCLC serves. The board’s new composition suggests that the organization is preparing for a period of heightened legal and regulatory activity. Whether it is challenging the next wave of mortgage derivatives or fighting for transparency in digital banking, the NCLC is equipping itself with the intellectual and practical firepower necessary to defend the economic rights of millions of Americans.
In conclusion, the events of September 14, 2026, represent more than just a boardroom update; they mark a deliberate strengthening of the NCLC’s capacity to influence the future of consumer law. With a new president, an infusion of expert talent, and a deep-seated commitment to the mission of economic justice, the National Consumer Law Center remains a formidable guardian of consumer interests in an increasingly complex financial world.
