Kate Strickland

Kate Strickland

A familiar face took over the reins at the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE) this month. Kate Strickland became the new executive director on April 1.

Prior to becoming executive director, Strickland served as OCLRE’s deputy director since August 2014, where she was responsible for managing OCLRE’s day-to-day operations. She has also held a variety of other roles in her 14 years with OCLRE, including serving as its director of resources and as program coordinator for the Law and Citizenship Conference and the Youth for Justice programs.

“I believe strongly in the OCLRE mission, and I am passionate about working with staff to continue our successes as well as to face the demands and challenges required to further advance civic education,” Strickland said.

OCLRE provides civic education programs to teachers and hosts mock trials and civic competitions for students with a goal of bringing citizenship to life. The Ohio Supreme Court supports OCLRE as a sponsor along with the ACLU of Ohio Foundation, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Ohio State Bar Association.

“OCLRE has a long-standing tradition of providing quality academic programs that engage young people in more than just study. Through participation in OCLRE programs, students practice the skills required of informed, active citizens and have opportunities for authentic assessment through engagement with the thousands of educators and members of the legal community who volunteer their time. I am honored and excited for the opportunity to further serve the organization and advance its mission,” Strickland said.

Strickland replaced Lisa Eschleman, who will retire on April 15 after serving four years as the OCLRE executive director.

“I believe the OCLRE Board of Trustees has made a wonderful choice in selecting Kate as the executive director. I am confident that under Kate's leadership, OCLRE will flourish,” Eschleman said. 

Strickland will be busy over the next few months as the Middle School Mock Trial Showcase starts this week and the High School Moot Court Competition and the Middle School We the People Showcase begin in May. The annual Law and Leadership Conference also is in September.

“It’s always a fun challenge to plan for activities that allow students to show off the knowledge and skills they’ve gained from participation in OCLRE programs,” Strickland said.

Prior to joining the OCLRE staff in 2002, Strickland practiced as a licensed social worker and supervised a juvenile court status offender/misdemeanor mediation program. Strickland and her husband, Damon, have two sons, William and Benton, and live in Upper Arlington.