North Penn Legal Services (NPLS) is pleased to announce that on October 22, 2026, its Board of Directors selected John Byrd, Esq., as the organization's next Executive Director following an extensive national search conducted with the assistance of Koya/DSG Consultants and an Executive Director Search Committee.
John Byrd succeeds Lori Molloy, who announced her plans to retire in 2026 after nearly 30 years of dedicated service to NPLS, including the past eight years as Executive Director. Under her leadership, NPLS has continued its longstanding commitment to providing high-quality civil legal services to individuals and families throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.
NPLS serves 20 counties across northeastern Pennsylvania, employing approximately 90 attorneys, paralegals, intake specialists, and support staff who provide legal representation, advice, advocacy, and education to individuals and families facing civil legal challenges.
John joined NPLS in 2017 as a staff attorney and subsequently advanced to the position of Managing Attorney. Throughout his tenure, he has focused his legal practice on consumer protection and housing law, particularly mortgage foreclosure defense, tax sales, and helping individuals and families preserve their homes. In addition to his legal practice, John has provided continuing legal education, mentorship, and leadership to attorneys and staff throughout the organization.
John pursued a career in law with a commitment to giving back to the community and helping others overcome barriers to justice, inspired by the support and opportunities he received throughout his own personal and professional journey. This commitment has guided his work at NPLS and his dedication to ensuring that individuals and families have meaningful access to legal representation and advocacy.
John earned his Juris Doctor from Widener University Commonwealth Law School, where he received honors in Moot Court and Trial Advocacy and held leadership positions in student organizations. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Scranton.
Beyond his work at NPLS, John has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and organizational leadership. He serves as Chair of the Scranton/Lackawanna County Continuum of Care and as a member of the Minor Judiciary Education Board. He has also volunteered with the American Red Cross, where he supervised volunteers and helped coordinate responses to local disasters.
"I am deeply honored to have been selected to lead North Penn Legal Services, an organization that has been such an important part of my professional life," said John. "I have seen firsthand the extraordinary dedication of our staff and the profound impact their work has on the communities we serve. I look forward to building upon that foundation, supporting our talented team, and ensuring that NPLS continues to be a strong and effective advocate for those who need us most."
As Executive Director, John brings a deep understanding of NPLS, its mission, and the communities it serves, along with a commitment to strengthening the organization's ability to provide high-quality civil legal services. His leadership will focus on supporting NPLS staff, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing the organization's mission of ensuring equal access to justice throughout its 20-county service area.
