Mid-state lawyer Trent Hargrove named diversity officer of Pa. Bar Assoc.

The Pennsylvania Bar Association announced this week that it has named

Harrisburg attorney Trent Hargrove as its new diversity officer.

In his new role, Hargrove, a graduate of Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law, will be responsible for overseeing and facilitating the PBA’s efforts to improve diversity within the association and the state’s legal profession, the PBA stated in a Jan. 6 news release.

“Trent brings an impressive portfolio of experience to the PBA,” association President Forest N. Myers said in a statement. “His broad-based work with the state government workforce coupled with his service to the PBA Minority Bar Committee will be valuable assets to the PBA’s efforts to increase diversity participation in the organized bar.”

Hargrove previously served as the chief diversity officer for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 2007 to 2012, at which time he worked with the Office of Administration to develop programs to bring on a diverse workforce, increase participation by minorities in state contracts, and coordinate diversity and inclusiveness in various aspects of work in the commonwealth, according to the PBA.

Hargrove was also chief counsel for the Governor’s Office of General Counsel from 2003 to 2007, and worked as the chief deputy attorney general for the Civil Rights Enforcement Section and Public Protection Division of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office from 1992 to 2003.

“Trent’s experience, professionalism and leadership will be critical to ensure that the PBA is a bar association for everyone,” Barry Simpson, PBA executive director, said in a statement.

Hargrove currently serves as a member of the PBA’s Minority Bar and Government Lawyers Committee, and he previously served on the association’s Civil Rights and Responsibilities and Legal Services to Persons with Disabilities Committees, according to the PBA.

Hargrove, who also has degrees in political science and psychology, served as chairman of the Board of Control for the Harrisburg School District from 2000 to 2004.

He also served as chair and chief executive officer of the Harrisburg Authority from 1991 to 2004 and as chief counsel to, and director of, the Harrisburg Senators Baseball Club from 1995 to 2004.