The National CASA/GAL Association elects Rick Fezell to its board of trustees

News

Contact: communications@nationalcasagal.org

SEATTLE–The National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association is proud to announce the election of Rick Fezell, Chairman of the Board of American Battery Technology Company, to the board of trustees. Fezell brings over 40 years of executive leadership and a personal commitment to child advocacy to the national organization.

“We are honored to have Rick join our national board,” said Tara Perry, CEO of the National CASA/GAL Association for Children. “As a respected leader in the financial sector, Rick understands the power of sound strategy and responsible stewardship. That, coupled with his experience and perspective as a CASA volunteer will be instrumental as we continue to expand our reach and impact for the children we serve.”

Fezell’s connection to the organization is deeply personal, inspired by his mother’s service as a devoted CASA volunteer. Honoring her legacy, he has served as a CASA volunteer advocate with CASA of Monterey County, CA., since November 2023. “Every child deserves a voice and a champion in their corner,” said Fezell. “My decades of supporting families and children have shown me that when we invest in children, we invest in our collective future. I am deeply honored to bring both my professional experience and personal passion for advocacy to this vital mission.”

Spanning a distinguished 35-year career as a former senior partner and vice chairman at Ernst & Young (EY), Fezell held multiple leadership roles at the industry, regional, and executive committee levels for EY, providing deep knowledge of financial reporting, risk management, and market-leading growth strategies to companies.

Fezell has deep experience as a community leader. He is the current Chairman of the Board of Perspectives Charter Schools in Chicago and has served on the boards of numerous community and higher education organizations including United Way of Silicon Valley and Chicago, the Civic Committee of The Commercial Club of Chicago, the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, and the Orfalea School of Business at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Rick Fezell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from Westminster College (PA) and was a licensed CPA during his career at EY. He and his wife Molly reside in Carmel, CA.

The National CASA/GAL Board of Trustees is chaired by James (Jim) Rishwain Jr., Chair Emeritus, and partner at the international law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, where he leads the firm’s Real Estate and Construction Industry Group.

In addition to Fezell, the board recently welcomed four other new members: Tawanna Brown, Earl Lariscy, Nick Lebherz, and Ade J. Patton.

About the National CASA/GAL Association for Children

The National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association together with its 890 state organizations and local program members, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect in the United States can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive. National CASA/GAL offers leadership and support to the network of programs and leads its continued growth. To learn more, visit nationalcasagal.org or follow National CASA/GAL on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or X.