Cas Shearin

Cas Shearin joined DRNC as an advocate in 2007, and became director of the agency’s investigations and monitoring unit in 2009, overseeing investigations of serious allegations of abuse or neglect for people with disabilities. Her responsibilities also included supervising the protection & advocacy for beneficiaries of representative payees program and DRNC’s disaster relief project. In 2020, she joined the Communications and Development Team to as media strategist and writer. In this role, she writes and elevates stories to enhance public understanding and support for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities, and promote DRNC’s work in creative, innovative ways. Prior to pursuing her career in advocacy, Shearin reported for newspapers in Georgia and North Carolina for eight years. For 15 years, she worked as an investigator, consultant, administrator and legislative liaison for a Durham nonprofit law firm that specializes in defending people facing the death penalty. She is particularly passionate about people whose humanity and dignity has been overlooked or discounted by others.