Board appoints Erin A. Moss Ferguson as VP of Legal Services and General Counsel

The Henry Ford College Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Detroit-based attorney Erin A. Moss Ferguson, J.D., as the College’s new Vice President of Legal Services and General Counsel. The appointment follows the announced retirement of current HFC Vice President of Legal Services and General Counsel Amy Clark, who will leave the College in October after eight years of exemplary service.

Moss Ferguson has served as Associate General Counsel at Detroit Public Schools Community District since 2023, and has held progressively responsible roles with the District since 2019. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

In her current role as Associate General Counsel at DPSCD, Moss Ferguson has defended the District in litigation, served as a legal advisor, conducted investigations, partnered with the District’s Civil Rights and Compliance team, engaged in mediations, managed District policies, and interpreted collective bargaining agreements.

She has served as a thought partner on sensitive issues, policy application, and organizational best practices. The District’s mission to serve and advocate for students has been her guiding focus.

Prior to joining the Detroit Public Schools Community District, Moss Ferguson worked in private practice.

“We are excited to call Ms. Moss Ferguson our new teammate,” said HFC President Russ Kavalhuna. “She brings legal acumen built from years of experience supporting private and public institutions. She also brings rare leadership skills and emotional intelligence from working in legal and non-legal parts of public education, serving the most deserving students who will become tomorrow’s leaders. As a lawyer myself, I see the unique value that her lived experience brings and how it proves that she has passion for our mission of lifting individuals and communities through public education.”

HFC role is an amazing opportunity

Among her core responsibilities at HFC will be providing legal advice, counsel, and training to College administrators and employees; assisting in the development of College policy and procedures; advising regarding sensitive employment matters; reviewing contracts and other legal documents; securing and coordinating the services of outside legal counsel when necessary for litigation and matters requiring legal specialization; and helping to resolve complaints, disputes, claims, and litigation.

“I am excited to join the HFC team, and serve as a member of President Kavalhuna’s Cabinet,” said Moss Ferguson. “This is an amazing opportunity to support the work needed to provide access to an affordable and outstanding education. I am looking forward to working with a diverse group of leaders who value inclusion, and contributing to the College’s vision of being ‘First Choice, Best Choice’ for every student in our region.”

The appointment of Moss Ferguson followed a national search. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, she will be part of the College’s senior advisory body to the president. Moss Ferguson will begin her new role at Henry Ford College on October 16.