BOSTON — September 14, 2026 — In a move designed to fortify its strategic vision and bolster its influence in the landscape of American consumer protection, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) announced today a significant restructuring of its leadership team. The organization, a cornerstone of advocacy for low-income and vulnerable consumers, has officially appointed two nationally recognized legal experts to its Board of Directors and ushered in a new era of governance with the election of Boston-based attorney Jonathan Kravetz as Board President.
This transition marks the end of an era for the organization, as Kravetz succeeds Michael Ferry, who concludes an unprecedented 21-year tenure as Board President. The infusion of new blood, coupled with the legacy of long-standing leadership, positions the NCLC to tackle the increasingly complex challenges of a digital-first economy, predatory lending, and systemic economic inequality.
Main Facts: A Strategic Expansion of Expertise
The NCLC board has formally confirmed the appointments of Jim Kowalski Jr., President and CEO of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, and Patricia McCoy, a renowned law professor at Boston College Law School.
Kowalski and McCoy are not merely additions to a roster; they represent a deliberate synthesis of grassroots advocacy and high-level regulatory scholarship. By integrating Kowalski’s frontline experience in civil legal aid with McCoy’s deep expertise in banking, insurance, and regulatory policy, the NCLC aims to bridge the gap between the courtroom and the halls of federal power.
The selection of Jonathan Kravetz as the new Board President provides a bridge between the organization’s history and its future. Having served on the board since 1990, Kravetz possesses an institutional memory that is rare in the non-profit sector, ensuring that the NCLC remains anchored in its mission while navigating the transition to new leadership.
Chronology: A History of Advocacy and Evolution
To understand the weight of these appointments, one must look at the timeline of the NCLC’s governance and the professional arcs of those now tasked with steering its future.
The Era of Michael Ferry (1995–2026)
Michael Ferry’s involvement with the NCLC began in 1995, a time when consumer protection was primarily a state-level concern. Over his 21-year presidency, Ferry oversaw the NCLC’s growth into a national powerhouse, providing critical analysis during the 2008 financial crisis, the subsequent rise of fintech, and the massive shifts in digital consumer data privacy. His career in civil legal aid, which spanned over 40 years—including two decades as the executive director of Gateway Legal Services in St. Louis—set the tone for the NCLC’s dedication to the underserved.
The Rise of Jonathan Kravetz
Jonathan Kravetz joined the board in 1990, just five years before Ferry took the helm. His career at the prestigious Boston law firm Mintz was defined by excellence in legal practice and a long-standing commitment to pro bono initiatives. His elevation to President is seen by observers as a testament to his "unwavering commitment" to the organization, as noted by NCLC Executive Director Richard Dubois.
The New Appointments
- Jim Kowalski Jr.: A trial attorney with a career defined by consumer protection litigation. A graduate of the University of San Francisco School of Law and UC Berkeley, his journey has been marked by a consistent focus on the "debt-cycle" trap that often keeps low-income families in poverty.
- Patricia McCoy: A trailblazer in financial regulation. Following a career that began in rural Kansas legal services, she ascended to become a foundational figure in the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) mortgage markets group.
Supporting Data: Why This Leadership Matters
The economic landscape of 2026 is vastly different from the one that existed when Michael Ferry assumed the presidency in the mid-2000s. The NCLC’s new board will be tasked with overseeing strategies that address:
- Subprime Mortgage Residuals: Despite the regulatory post-2008 climate, the complexity of mortgage-backed securities and subprime lending remains a primary focus for experts like Professor McCoy. Her academic work at Boston College Law School has provided the intellectual framework for much of the current debate on predatory lending.
- Legal Aid Funding and Accessibility: As the CEO of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Jim Kowalski understands the structural deficits in legal representation for the poor. The data shows that in over 80% of civil legal cases involving low-income Americans, the consumer is unrepresented, a reality the NCLC continues to fight through its support of legal aid clinics nationwide.
- Institutional Knowledge vs. Modern Disruption: The NCLC produces the definitive treatises on consumer law—often cited as the "gold standard" by judges and practitioners. The challenge for the board is to ensure that these resources evolve with the rapid pace of AI-driven financial services and the rise of non-bank lenders.
Official Responses: A Vision for the Future
The transition has been met with both reflection and enthusiasm from the NCLC leadership.
Richard Dubois, Executive Director of the NCLC, highlighted the synergistic potential of the new board members:
"NCLC is very fortunate to add these two nationally recognized consumer law experts to our Board of Directors. 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 our board. In addition, both are well known in the consumer law community as collaborative, public-minded, and committed to economic justice."
Jim Kowalski Jr. expressed a sentiment of professional homecoming:
"NCLC was an integral part of both my introduction to and continued development as a consumer protection attorney, first in private practice and now at civil legal aid. Each one of the clients I’ve helped owes a debt to NCLC, as do I, and I welcome the opportunity to give back as a member of NCLC’s Board."
Patricia McCoy reflected on the cyclical nature of her career:
"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 the NCLC
The election of Jonathan Kravetz and the addition of Kowalski and McCoy suggest a strategic pivot toward a "dual-track" approach: reinforcing the organization’s foundational legal resources while aggressively expanding its influence in the regulatory and legislative spheres.
1. Strengthening the Regulatory Bridge
With Patricia McCoy’s background as a founder of the Mortgage Markets group at the CFPB, the NCLC is better positioned than ever to influence federal policy. Her presence suggests that the NCLC may play an even more active role in drafting and advocating for regulations that govern the intersection of banking, insurance, and securities.
2. Deepening Grassroots Ties
Jim Kowalski’s leadership ensures that the NCLC remains grounded in the realities of legal aid offices across the country. By keeping the board connected to the day-to-day struggles of civil legal aid lawyers, the organization ensures its resources remain practical, applicable, and effective.
3. Stability During Transition
The transition from Michael Ferry to Jonathan Kravetz is being hailed as a "seamless shift" in organizational culture. By choosing a leader who has served on the board since 1990, the NCLC has signaled that it values the stability and continuity of its long-term vision.
As Richard Dubois summarized, while the departure of Michael Ferry is a loss of "steady guiding hand and wisdom," the foundation he leaves behind is robust. "Mike Ferry has had an immeasurable impact on NCLC in his more than two decades as Board President," Dubois stated. "His leadership has put NCLC in a strong position for future success."
As of September 2026, the National Consumer Law Center enters this new chapter with a leadership team that combines the best of the past—deep experience and institutional loyalty—with the best of the present—academic rigor and hands-on advocacy. For the millions of consumers who rely on the NCLC for protection against predatory practices, this transition is not just an administrative change; it is a signal that the organization is ready to fight the battles of the next decade with renewed vigor and unparalleled expertise.
