President

Scott Penney’s path to advocacy is paved with heart and was born out of his dedication to being a person of service, integrity, and character. For over two decades, Scott has worked for the 15th Judicial Circuit - Office of the Public Defender, supporting the Constitutional right, in criminal cases, for the appointment of legal representation for the indigent. He began his career as an investigator, working his way to Chief Investigator. Today, he serves as Director of Operations for the Office of the Public Defender.

“Integrity, character, and selflessness are interwoven into the Penney family fabric. He has taught his three children the importance of giving back and his wife, Lillian, is a tenacious Guardian ad Litem; not at all timid in her advocacy for what is best for the children in her charge.” -Coleen LaCosta – Executive Director – Speak Up for Kids

He was initially introduced to the Guardian ad Litem model of child advocacy in 2007, when current Director of Operations at Statewide Guardian ad Litem Program and former 15th Judicial District Circuit Director, Kristen Solomon, interned for him prior to her attending law school. He never imagined how the seeds planted during those conversations would take root, set him on his own child advocacy journey, and guide him to support Speak Up for Kids by organizing more than a decade of annual toy drives, serving, for three years, as a board member, and now steering the strategic direction as President of the Board of Directors.

“It is an imperative that we help. The bar cannot be set any lower than perfection. Despite anything, we Speak Up for Kids.” -Scott Penney – President of the Board – Speak Up for Kids