Nancy Davis

Davis receives Bar Association’s 2021 Dorothy Lohmann Community Service Award

Nancy Davis, Esq., of Cranston, has been recognized for her outstanding work on behalf of Habitat for Humanity of Rhode Island Greater Providence, Inc.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Providence is a chartered affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. They strive to build decent, affordable housing for needy individuals in their geographic areas of Providence, Central Falls, North Providence, and Pawtucket, though they will soon merge with Habitat for Humanity East Bay and be responsible for more areas. They recently received a considerable grant that will allow their organization to expand beyond the traditional home building model and work to repair senior citizens’ homes so they can age in place.

Davis has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity Greater Providence for approximately 21 years. She volunteers her time and makes herself available at a moment’s notice, assisting with any and all real estate legal issues that arise. She analyzes deeds that were drafted in the 1980s and will provide opinions on the various restrictions, she assists when they are contacted by a bank or subsequent purchaser of a Habitat homes, and assists with rental contracts, to name just a few of the ways Nancy helps the organization.

The Rhode Island Bar Association’s Dorothy Lohmann Community Service Award is named in memory of Rhode Island attorney Dorothy Lohmann, who devoted her entire professional life to helping the poor. The Dorothy Lohmann Community Service Award honors lawyers who make noteworthy contributions in time and effort to a Rhode Island non-profit organization on a strictly voluntary, non-paid basis.

According to John Meara, president of Habitat for Humanity Greater Providence’s Board of Directors, “It should be noted that Nancy does not volunteer in hopes of building relationships where she ultimately lands a client. She volunteers out of the goodness of her heart and her desire to assist our organization in working towards fulfilling our mission. Nancy is also very kindhearted and a delightful person to interact with. She is wholly deserving of the Dorothy Lohmann Community Service Award.” Brown to Lead CLF Rhode Island

After a national search, the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) has chosen Darrèll Brown to lead the organization’s Rhode Island office and advocacy efforts. Prior to CLF, Brown served as Director of Economic Development for Charles County, Maryland.

“Darrèll has been an unflagging advocate working to uplift underserved communities for years,” said Bradley Campbell, CLF president. “His unique experience at the intersection of economic development and environmental issues makes him an excellent fit to lead CLF’s advocacy in Rhode Island during this critical time. He will be a positive force in the community, and we’re thrilled to have him at CLF.”

“Environmental impacts touch every aspect of our lives and it’s time policies here in Rhode Island caught up with that reality,” said Brown, who will serve as vice president and director of CLF Rhode Island. “It’s no mistake or coincidence that incinerators and power plants are placed in poor and minority communities and that those residents get sick and die at higher rates. I’m eager to get to work supporting these communities and pushing for meaningful changes in the state house and the courtroom.”

Prior to his time in the Washington, D.C.. area, Brown spent several years working in Rhode Island. He served as director of state and local relations for Brown University, director of economic development for the city of Cranston, chief of staff for Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse, and policy advisor to Gov. Lincoln Almond. Brown holds his JD from Howard University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from The American University.