( CNN ) -- Cornell William Brooks , hailed as a `` pioneering lawyer and civil rights leader , '' has been selected as the new president and CEO of the NAACP , the civil rights organization announced Saturday . The human rights activist and longtime attorney , who once worked as a senior counsel for the Federal Communications Commission , said in a statement issued by the NAACP , that he was `` deeply humbled and honored to be entrusted with the opportunity to lead this historic organization . '' The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is the nation 's oldest and largest civil rights organization . `` In our fight to ensure voting rights , economic equality , health equity , and an end to racial discrimination for all people , there is much work to do . I look forward to working with the dynamic board and staff , and continuing the important work of the Association in advancing racial and social justice and equality for all , '' Brooks said in the statement . He 'll be formally introduced to the NAACP membership at the group 's national convention in Las Vegas in July . `` Mr. Brooks is a pioneering lawyer and civil rights leader , who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Association , '' NAACP Board Chairman Roslyn M. Brock said in a statement . `` We look forward to leveraging his legal prowess , vision and leadership as we tackle the pressing civil rights issues of the 21st century . '' Wide-ranging advocacy . Brooks , a fourth-generation ordained minister , has been serving as president and CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice in Newark . `` Brooks has worked to pass legislation enabling previously incarcerated men and women to rebuild their lives as productive and responsible citizens , '' the NAACP said in a statement . `` He successfully pushed for state legislation to reduce the effects of widespread foreclosures . Mr. Brooks has worked to develop social impact investing tools to employ more people in higher wage work . '' He also worked as executive director of the Fair Housing Council of Greater Washington and as an attorney with the Lawyers ' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law , a group started at President John F. Kennedy 's request in 1963 . `` He has also campaigned tirelessly as an advocate for public education , affordable health care , and fiscal responsibility , '' the NAACP said . Brooks has a bachelor 's degree from Jackson State University , a master of divinity from Boston University School of Theology , and a juris doctorate from Yale Law School . Last year , Benjamin Todd Jealous stepped down as president of the NAACP after five years . Jealous was a prominent voice against laws that the NAACP argued made it harder to vote , such as voter ID laws passed in numerous states in the past several years , and was outspoken over the February 2012 killing of Trayvon Martin , the Florida teen shot to death by George Zimmerman , a neighborhood watch volunteer . Lorraine C. Miller has been serving as the NAACP 's interim president and CEO .
Robert Lee Smith is a longtime leader and activist . A fourth - generation Baptist minister , he worked as a senior counsel for the FCC . The NAACP will make a formal statement at its national convention .