Richard

Woltmann

Nominated by Joan Boles

"Former CEO & President of Bay Area Legal Services, Richard C. "Dick" Woltmann, has dedicated more than 47 years of service through legal aid. He recently retired from his President/CEO role at the end of 2023, but continues to serve the mission in a part-time role by facilitating legislative funding opportunities for their programs.

When Dick started at Bay Area Legal Services, his goal was to establish an elder law unit. Not only did he accomplish that, but under his leadership, the organization has gone from having a $700,000 budget to becoming one of the largest law firms in the Tampa Bay region with a $14-million annual revenue in 2023. The sole purpose of these funds is to help people with significant problems who can't afford an attorney, so there has been a major increase in services that have been delivered to people thanks to Dick's leadership.

“Dick is a visionary and has approached his role as the leader of one of Florida’s legal aid organizations as a true CEO – always looking out for opportunities and threats with an eye to capitalize on any potential opportunities and minimize or eliminate any perceived threats on the horizon,” DLA Piper LLP partner Michael Bedke said in his nomination of Woltmann. “After four decades of selfless service to our less fortunate neighbors, Dick’s commitment and efforts continue to effect positive and lasting change. He is as passionate today as he was in the early 80’s when I first saw him advocating for what is right.”"